Marthe Ballance Wolff

WOLFF, Marthe Ballance Marthe Ballance Wolff, 40, passed away peacefully at her home in Buckhead, March 4, 2016, surrounded by family and friends following a courageous five year battle with ALS. Born at Piedmont Hospital July 20, 1975, Marthe grew up in Atlanta, where she attended The Heiskell School, The Westminster Schools and graduated from Pace Academy. Marthe earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at Stetson University where she was a scholarship cadet in the ROTC program. She was selected to attend paratrooper training and graduated from the US Army Airborne School. She was also a member of the Stetson Varsity Rowing Team, where she was selected to row in the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston. Marthe was a flight attendant with United Airlines until 2001. She then earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University. She ultimately found her true passion in nursing and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. She has worked as a neurological ICU nurse at the University of Kansas Medical Center and Emory University Hospital. Marthe was an adventurous traveler and enjoyed a variety of sports throughout her life including running, rowing, snow skiing, and waterskiing. As a member of Northwest Presbyterian Church, she enjoyed giving generously of her time and talents. She was active in the choir, youth program and Presbyterian Women. She served as Moderator of Presbyterian Women in 2014-2015 and has been awarded with the Life Membership Award for 2015-2016. Marthe's life was devoted to others, both professionally and personally. Despite the challenges she faced with her diagnosis she never lost her positive attitude and joyful spirit. She remained a source of strength and inspiration to everyone she touched. She is survived by her husband Mark, son August, parents Harry Jr. and Carol Ballance, sisters Katie Ballance Muir (James), Laura Ballance May (Peter), brother Harry Ballance, III, grandmother Edwardine Petersen, uncle Don Petersen, aunt Patricia Ballance Mandes, father and mother-in-law Dan and Kathy Wolff, sister-in-law Danielle Wolff, nephews, Kale Moore, John Muir, Simon May, and niece Dalia May. She is also survived by friends who became family as their lives were enriched by the joy she brought to all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA. 30327. Flowers may be sent to Northwest Presbyterian Church, at the address above. Memorial gifts may be made to the Marthe Wolff Memorial Fund at Northwest Presbyterian Church.