Constance Marie Catharine "Connie" Ballantyne
December 2, 1929 - March 17, 2022
Obituary
Constance Marie Catharine “Connie” Ballantyne, 92 passed away peacefully March 17, 2022 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Burien, WA. Precipitated by a fall at her Merrill Gardens apartment, the professional and caring medics from the Burien Fire Department found that Connie was confused and unable to stand on her own. After a 36 hour hospital stay, Jesus called her home.
Connie was born on December 2, 1929 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was the daughter of Roswell Addis Ballantyne and Constance Zoe Agnes Clarke. She had a brother, Jack Ray, who was born July 15, 1926, and died August 21, 1991.
Connie attended public grade school in Klamath Falls and Medford Oregon. Sacred Heart Academy in Klamath Falls, Oregon was her high school Alma Mater, Class of 1947. Connie Joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace and became Sister Joseph Marie. It is to her mother that Connie credits her deep faith and desire to serve Jesus. Her father left the Mormon faith to become Catholic when he married.
In 1965 Connie obtained her Bachelor of Education from Seattle University. Twelve of the 18 years she was a religious she taught elementary and junior high. While in the convent she also obtained a “Certificate of Proficiency” in Office Production from Edison Technical School in June, 1966. She ran a printing business for the convent.
She left the convent in 1967. She then joined the work force using the skills of the printing business acquired in the convent. She then married a widower with 3 children, George Polich in October of 1968. George had one son, Duane who was 12 years old at the time of his dad’s marriage to Connie. He lived with them while George’s two daughters were already living on their own. They were divorced in 1987. Connie also obtained a Certificate in Floristry from South Seattle Community College, 1993 and Certificates relating to Spiritual Direction from Gonzaga University in 1997.
Connie’s genealogy was as colorful as it was convoluted. Great Grandfather Richard Ballantyne left Scotland to join Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church in Utah. He took the customary 3 wives. Many children came from the union of the three wives. Connie’s maternal Great Great-Grandfather Simon Plamondon, left Montreal for Cowlitz Prairie in Washington State for a career in the lumber industry.
Connie’s affiliation with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe was through her mother’s relatives. Having great admiration for her mother and very proud of her Cowlitz heritage, she would often mention her Indian name, “Paqalm Mus La” which means Eagle Eye Woman. A very fitting name for her as she was very precise with detail, vigilant and very self-confident.
Connie is survived by many great nieces, nephews and cousins. Her funeral service will be held Friday April 8, 2022, 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15226 21st Ave SW. Burien, WA – 98166. (206) 242-4575. Remembrances to Sisters of St Joseph of Peace or Catholic Community Services.
We knew Connie since 1974. She was always a warm and loving soul to us. When asked to help with a project and she was capable Connie would always say yes. She was a wonderful disciple of Christ.
Connie was a loyal customer and friend, i looked forward to helping her with many of her automotive needs over the years . She was strong and to the point….with a smile . May she rest in peace. Doug Mclester BBC DODGE BURIEN