It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful Sarah (Sam, Sammy, Sasa, Sassy) Ball (nee McCaghey). Sarah lost her two-year battle with lung cancer on August 18th, 2022.
Predeceased by her adoring grandparents, Ken and Eileen Wills, and Duff and Audre McCaghey. Sarah’s love will live on in her husband Dave, sons Brady and Spencer, her constant companion Chewy, parents Duff and Pam McCaghey, sister and best friend Melissa (Ryan) Braun, Dave’s parents, Pat Ball, Russ and Chriss Ball, along with Dave’s brothers Chris (Mel) Ball, Mike (Sue/Malu) Ball, Gord (Kara) Clemens, Richard Clemens, her nieces and nephews, Mackenzie and Lexie Braun; Joey, Blake, Emma Ball; Victoria, Elliot, Bella Ball, Hayden Clemens; many special Aunts, Uncles, cousins and so many friends who were like family.
Sarah was born on May 18, 1980. As a young person, Sarah had a contagious smile that had the ability to make everyone feel special. She was the most thoughtful daughter, sister and granddaughter. She met the love of her life, Dave, at Lambrick Park Secondary and they married in 2003. It is a Gordon Head love story that will last forever. Their dedication to one another and to their family is an inspiration to us all. Sarah had a huge impact on the community. She worked tirelessly in everything she did, including her roles on school PACs, the organizing of many fundraisers and special events. She inherited her love of sports which began at a young age. Whether she was your teammate, captain, coach, manager or biggest cheerleader, you could always count on her grit, determination, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Some of her proudest moments this past year were watching her boys succeed on the court, the field and the track.
“Mrs. Ball” was known in the Victoria School District as an energetic, creative, motivating and inspiring teacher. For 16 years, Hillcrest Elementary was her second home. She made learning fun! Her passion and love for her students and colleagues and the leadership she provided both in and out of the classroom, left a lasting impact on the school community.
Sarah was forever finding ways to make every moment meaningful. We are all so fortunate to share so many wonderful memories with Sarah. These memories were continually documented in the thousands of amazing photos she took. Just this past July, our family spent our annual week at Parksville, where Sarah was determined to fulfill every tradition. Thank you to the Saanich Fire Department for their assistance to Dave and the family the past two years. We are very appreciative of Sarah’s close friends who gave her daily support and to all of you who reached out to our family. We are moved by your generosity and are especially grateful for the heartfelt thoughts of how Sarah truly made a difference and touched so many in a positive way. Every moment spent with her changed our lives for the better. Her immense love, spirit and beautiful smile will forever remain in our hearts and thoughts. Sarah was the most loving and proud mom. Her amazing qualities live on in Brady and Spencer. “Agoo Muma”
In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Sarah and supporting the Ball Boys by visiting – https://www.gofundme.com/f/sarah-ball-and-support-the-ball-boys or donating to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
36 Responses
Dear Duff, Pam, Dave, Brady and Spencer, we are saddened to hear of Sarah’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Matt and Meg Stooke
Dear Pam & Duff, Melissa and Sarah’s family – oh dear I am so sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. Reading about her life shows clearly that she was an angel on Earth! Sometimes we don’t know why an Earth angel needs to leave and go home. Perhaps it’s their calling to be an angel for all of the people she knew here and extend that to even more from where she is! Know in your hearts that she is with her grandparents who greeted her with open arms! She is in good hands–Know this is so to help you ease the pain of her departure. Sarah will let you know she is still with you in spirit by doing something playful or funny. Blessings to all of you✨❤️✨
Dear Duff and Pam,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved daughter Sarah. I can see she truly lived life to the fullest and brought her and warm, caring, bright spirit to the lives of others. Sarah must have touched many through her friendships, teaching and sports activities, where her effect will remain in each one. My sincere sympathy in the passing of your beautiful Sarah, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
Sincerely,
Brenda Jagdis(Shaw)
Pam, Duff and family;
It was with great sadness that I read of the passing of your daughter Sarah. The lovely tribute spoke of an amazing young woman and the world will surely be poorer without her.
May you find moments of peace when you need them most and may your beautiful memories see you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Pam, Duff and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear recently of Sarah’s illness and now of her passing. You are in our thoughts, and we send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. The beautiful tributes offered by so many who knew Sarah speak volumes to the wonderful person she was.
With our sincere sympathy,
Susan and Bill Miller and Family
Our heartfelt sympathy to the McCaghey and Ball families. Our lives have run on similar paths from Oak Bay High, then with children at preschool and Lambrick; your loss is unbearably sad. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Robert (Chava) and Rosalyn Gutierrez
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Dave, Brady and Spencer, and to the McCaghey and Ball families whose loss is so deep. I had the privilege and delight of teaching French to both Sarah and Dave and have many fond memories of both of these sterling individuals. It just seems so wrong that such a powerful force for good would be taken so soon. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her.
Duff, I was very shocked and saddened to learn that your daughter had passed away, and particularly from lung cancer. Darlene and I offer our most sincere condolences and thoughts to you and your family. I cannot imagine the pain that a parent feels when losing a child, no matter what the age.
I have felt the loss of family from cancer, and several in my family have gone through cancer and survived, including myself. It is traumatic and tragic. I hope you are able to come through this; our hearts are certainly with you.
Most sincerely,
Darlene and Ron Sera … long time work colleague from years past.
There really are no words! My thoughts and heart are with you and I feel so grateful for the many memories I have have of Sarah from our shared time together at Gordon Head and Hillcrest. Sarah was an exceptional educator but more importantly -a kind and caring person who led with her heart. Sarah had the capacity to make everyone she touched feel cared for, heard and supported. Her bright light and positivity coloured everyone and everyone she touched. Dave, Brady and Spencer- thank you for sharing Sarah with us all! We are forever changed for the better. Her love for you was evident in all that she did. My deepest condolences.
Duff, Pam and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. I remember clearly the excitement in the Ministry of Agriculture when she was born! She was so loved by all who knew her, and clearly gave much love to her family, friends and community. Hoping the many wonderful memories of happier days will bring you some peace in the difficult days ahead.
Donna and Tim Carlson