Jackie Ballog

Jackie Lynn Ballog died peacefully at home on April 11, 2022. The re-emergence of a childhood brain tumor rapidly took her life. Her immediate family of Greg; father, Charlotte; mother, and Meghan; sister were by her side, as was Meghan’s husband Martin Tremblay.
Jackie was always ready with a smile and open arms to welcome and include everyone she greeted. She considered everyone a friend. Strangers were just friends she had yet to meet. Her positive, good natured attitude will be missed by many.
Jackie was employed by South Whidbey School District as a para-educator for the past seven years, working with special needs students. Jackie’s patience and ability to motivate her students earned her the love and respect of both students and staff.
Jackie’s keenness to volunteer and lend a helping hand was also an integral part of her nature. She volunteered at the Outdoor Classroom of SWSD, Hearts and Hammers, Big Brother Big Sister, Native Plant Stewards, and The Nature Conservancy. She also worked under the Student Conservation Association in national and state parks from coast to coast. These experiences reflected how much Jackie relished being outdoors, protecting wilderness and working with people.
One of the biggest loves of her life, bringing her great joy, was volunteering at Camp Goodtimes on Vashon Island. Camp Goodtimes was founded as a specialty summer camp to give kids with cancer a safe place to have fun with other kids experiencing the same difficulties. Jackie first experienced Camp Goodtimes at the age of five during her first bout with cancer. After ten years of attending Camp Goodtimes as a camper, Jackie was old enough to become a leader in training and then a camp counselor. Her specialty at camp was in Arts and Crafts. For over twenty years Jackie worked with young campers dealing with cancer and helped them feel welcome and have memorable summer experiences at Camp Goodtimes. To honor and remember Jackie, donations in Jackie’s name can be made to The Goodtimes Project, 7400 Sand Point WAy NE, #101S, Seattle, WA 98115. [Good Times Project](https://www.thegoodtimesproject.org)
During her free time, Jackie hiked, climbed, snorkeled, created jewelry, pottery, and painted. Jackie was, also, always ready to play games with family, neighbors, and friends (which included everyone).
Interment arrangements are being handled by Recompose of Kent, WA.