Connie Ballantyne, CSJP-A (1929-2022)
Constance Marie Catharine Ballantyne was born on December 2, 1929, to Roswell and Constance (Clarke) Ballantyne in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was the youngest of two children. Connie graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Klamath Falls in 1947. One year later, she found employment at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, where she worked alongside the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. At that time, Connie “discerned that this was a group with whom [she] would like to spend the rest of [her] life.” So, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace as Sister Joseph Marie in 1950.
As a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace, her ministry concentrated on education: Connie taught elementary and junior high students for 12 years and obtained a Bachelor of Education from Seattle University in 1965. However, she also ran a printing business for the province and was granted a Certificate of Proficiency in Office Production from Edison Technical School, now Seattle Central College, in 1966.
In 1967, Connie decided to leave religious life, but she still retained a relationship with the sisters. She used her print production experience to find work. And in the fall of 1968, Connie married George Polich, a widower with three children. The marriage ended in 1987.
Always active in her parish, she spent decades contributing to the community in different ways. She was on the Religious Education Board, a member of the Pastoral Council, a eucharistic minister for the homebound, and a lector to name of few of the many roles that she filled throughout the years.
On March 3, 1991, Connie once again joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace but, this time, as an associate. She saw the sisters as family and wanted “to continue to be friends in the deepest sense of the word.” Connie faithfully attended Our Lady Province assemblies, funerals and jubilees. Her participation continued with the Western Region for nearly 30 years until her health prohibited driving.
In 1997, Connie obtained certificates relating to Spiritual Direction from Gonzaga University. Those seeking spiritual direction quickly found her and her spiritual ministry took hold. Connie closed every phone conversation with a prayer for the caller.
Through her maternal lineage, Connie was connected to the Cowlitz Indian Nation. Her Native name was Paqualm Mus La, which translates to Eagle Eye Woman. She proudly shared it with others often.
Connie Ballantyne died on March 17, 2022, 36 hours after a fall at her home. She was predeceased by her brother Jack Ray Ballantyne in 1991. She is survived by great nieces, nephews and cousins.