It is with overwhelming sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Lynda-Lea Balcom. After a six-year journey with metastatic breast cancer, she passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 4th, 2026 at Sakura House in Woodstock, Ontario. Lynda-Lea was an esteemed and beloved teacher and mentor for 30 years. She was an avid lawn bowler, Toronto Blue Jays fan and figure skater. Lynda-Lea will be remembered for her sparkling personality and her enjoyment of conversation with family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Lynda-Lea is predeceased by her best friend, life partner and husband, Gerald Jay Balcom. She is also predeceased by her parents, William “Bill” and Eleanor Furlong, infant brother David, and her in-laws, Sharon and Gerald “Jerry” Balcom. Adored mother of Andrea Lea and William Bryce. Cherished step-mother to Lyndsay Andrena. She is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Stephanie Pelling and brother-in-law, Mark Pelling. Lynda-Lea is the proud aunt of Brett Pelling (Hayley) and McKenzie Pelling (Jesse) and great aunt to Jayce, Lucan, and Alanis. Lynda-Lea is survived by her Aunt Margaret Crossett, Uncle Donald Crossett, Aunt Jane Howse, and Uncle Robert “Bob” (Cathy) Furlong. Predeceased by six aunts and uncles: Mary Margaret Church, Tom Furlong, Wanda Pope, Barbara Hart, Dave Furlong and Sharon “Sherry” Furlong. She will be dearly missed by many cousins and friends.
Following Lynda-Lea’s wishes, cremation has taken place. You are welcome to join Lynda-Lea’s family for a graveside interment service at Otterville Cemetery on July 19th, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. where she will be laid to rest with her husband Jay, who will also be interred at this time. A Celebration of Life is to follow at Springford Community Hall from 1:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lynda-Lea’s memory to Sakura House Hospice. Donation can be done online directly with Sakura House or via cheque payable to Von Oxford -Sakura House by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell St. Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3T6 (519) 842-5221.
Thank you to Dr. Yu, Dr. Potvin, Dr. Mithoowani, nurses and PSWs at Care Partners, and the wonderful staff at Sakura House for your continued support. Your kindness and exceptional care will never be forgotten.
Graveside Interment Service
Sunday, July 19, 2026
11:30AM
Otterville Cemetery
Otterville, ON
Celebration of Life
Sunday, July 19, 2026
1:00PM – 4:00PM
Springford Community Hall
Springford, ON
