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
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Helen McNair
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Kathy & Bob Broder It is with great sadness to hear of Sarah’s passing Duff & Pam. We remember her beautiful smile and her love of life at the beach as that’s where we saw her as a little girl. Spending time with our kids hanging out around the campfire are wonderful times together.
I am sure you cherish those memories too. Our heartfelt condolences to you & her family at this time.
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Linda Schurman I was so saddened to have heard that Sarah had passed away. I well remember “Sam” at Torquay Elementary School, where I taught music for 18 years. Sarah’s wonderful smile reflected her positive attitude and caring nature. I send hugs to members of her family as well as to the Ball family. So little time, so much love…..
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Ashlee Miller Sarah was such an amazing person. I have the fondest memories playing basketball and volleyball with Sarah (Sam as I called her) at Torquay Elementary. Sarah’s beautiful smile and genuine kindness will truly be missed.
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Susan and Brian Sharp We learned just today, of Sarah’s illness and passing. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Duff and Pam, Melissa and family, and of course, to Dave, Brady and Spencer. Your family and friends at Parksville in July, was so heartwarming to see. The laughter, sunny days, fishing, games, activities and sharing feasts were a moment in time amongst the many other special times spent together. May these moments bring comfort to you all. Sarah was a very special daughter, sister, wife, mom, teacher and friend to so many. Our thoughts are with you.
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Mike and Joan Cowley Pam and Duff,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. We have fond memories of Sarah’s happy smile and energy on both the basketball and volleyball court during many school games and activities. We know she continued to be a team player in all she did.
Our sincere condolences to you all.
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Matt Stooke 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
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Maureen Freeman (Fraser) 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✨❤️✨
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Brenda Jagdis 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)
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Jan Cox 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.
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Susan Miller 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
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Rosalyn Gutierrez 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
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Karen Lindsay 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.
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Ron Sera 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.
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Barb Sapsford 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.
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Donna and Tim Carlson 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
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Pat Hall Dear Dave and children, Duff and Pam, Pat Ball
and families.
My deepest condolences to all. A life taken too soon.
I am so sorry, I often chatted with Sara on the side of
the hockey field. Always a pleasure.
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Jim McDermott We share our condolences with the Ball and McCaghey families, our treasured friends. Sarah was loved by so many and will always be lovingly remembered. Lots of Love, Jim, Maureen, Mariel and Darcy McDermott.
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Valerie (formerly of Poplar Dental Centre) Dave, Brady, Spencer, Pam, Melissa, Mackenzie, and Lexie, may the years of happy memories help you through this most difficult of times.
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Sueand Jay Chudleigh Duff, Pam and Family,
Jay and I send our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your precious Sarah. Loss at anytime is heartbreaking but when someone like Sarah is taken it’s so very hard to make any sense of it. It’s very clear she lived an a incredible life and made such a difference with her students. It sounds also like her marriage was a true love story and to have two boys just topped it off. Wrap yourselves in all your memories together and never let them go. Again we our so very, very sorry for such a heartbreaking loss. Love and prayers to all Sarahs Family.Hugs to all, Sue and Jay Chudleigh
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Ajmare Sundher Dear Duff, Pam and Family
The beautiful tributes and memories shared are heart warming and speak volumes of Sarah’s endearing character. Our world is that much richer due to Sarah’s generosity. She looked out for and cared for others in a loving, gentle, and giving manner.
Respectfully,
Ajmare and Catherine Sundher
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Gary Tuttle I was so sad when I heard of Sarah’s passing. My condolences to Pam and Duff and the rest of the family. Sometimes, life does not seem fair!
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NANCY HODGSON Thinking of all of you at this time. We remember Sarah working at Video stop and Dave hanging out. When I took my 2 grandsons for an Open House at Hillcrest, Sarah went out of her way to come and welcome us. Good times at preschool, Torquay and Lambrick Park schools. Our thoughts are with you. Nancy and Dave Hodgson
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Judy Harrison I am deeply saddened to learn of Sarah’s passing. I had the privilege to get to know her as a loving and dynamic student at Lambrick Park, then as a student teacher at Rogers – she had found her calling as a teacher.
To lose such a warm and loving spirit, I can imagine the pain and loss by Dave, their boys and the many lives she touched.
My sincerest condolences,
Judy Harrison
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Ann Ishiguro Duff, I am so very sorry.
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Melanie Child (Reid) Dear Dave and family.
Such sad, sad news….you, your boys and family have our most sincere condolences. I only met Sarah a few times but she was always so lovely and to be taken away far too soon is just devastating. Hopefully you will let those close to you wrap their arms around you to give you comfort and support.
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Steve Swonnell Sarah (Sammy to me) Ball was the most tremendous, fun loving, all around awesome woman that will be remembered forever by my entire family. We send our love to David, Brady and Spencer. Also our love goes out to Duff, Pam, and Melissa. All the extended family and friends, with you we grieve this loss and offer our condolences.
With all our love,
The Swonnell’s
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Stone, Jim Judie Mac and Cam The Stone family is so so sorry to hear of the passing of Sarah. Our heart and prayers go out to Dave and the kids, Duff and Pam.
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Kathleen Mick Dear Duff, Pam, Melissa and families,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your daughter/sister / mother and wife, Sarah. The world will be a little less shiny with her gone. We hope that the knowledge of us and so many people remembering her in such a positive way will help lessen your loss. She died much too young.
Sincerely Dave and Kathy Mick and families.
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Bonnie Robinson There are no words, just wrapping our arms around all of you! There are very many treasured memories with this special human being, that will help carry you through! You are all in our thoughts!
Bonnie Robinson(MacKay) and family.❤️❤️
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Susan Morriss I am truly very devastated to hear about Sarah’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to all of her family. Having been one of Sarah’s grade school teachers and following her and her family as the years passed, brings both smiles of wonderful memories and tears of sadness for her loss. May the memories of Sarah be forever cherished.
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Terry & Bev Edwards Our family is truly saddened to read, in today’s TC, of the passing of Sarah. Having been blessed with the opportunity to share with Sarah as a colleague and, as well, within the neighbourhood, Sarah truly held all of the characteristics that have been expressed. Sarah was a unique individual and will be missed by all whose life’s path she has crossed. Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to her wonderful family. ❤️
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Brent and Dianne Kelly Sarah was an amazing young woman who will be missed by so many! She was an incredible member of the Gordon Head community, who made countless positive contributions. Sarah truly made a lasting difference in so many lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her wonderful family.
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Francis Del and Gwen Our very deepest sympathy to all the family in the loss of your very dear Sarah. We really care. I want to share this dear story with you. Crestview Road had this wonderful ping pong club that met every Wednesday morning at ten. Ping pong was at our house that morning and in came Audrey McCaghey down the steps to the rec room and she stood on the landing with her arms around a bottle of champagne with the biggest smile and said nothing just stood there. I knew there was a first grandchild due and none of the girls picked up on it so I went over to her and gave her a hug and then she told us that SARAH ANN had arrived. Sincerely Del and Gwen Francis
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Janet Shepheard Dear Dave boys Duff Pam Melissa Ryan and your families. My love and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Gary and I always loved getting your family Christmas cards each year and see such HAPPY and beautiful family pictures.We have been truely blessed with great memories of loving wonderful special cousins like your family. With LOVE and HUGS Janet Shepheard
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Elizabeth Johnson So sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing.
I always enjoyed our chats in the library and hallways of Lambrick Park.
My heartfelt condolences to the family
Dear Pam, Duff, Melissa & Families,
I just heard about Sarah Our sincerest condolences on Sarah’s death
Devastating for you all
Does not seem right that such a bright life to be cut so short
Our thoughts are with you
Helen, Dave , & Andrew MCNair
& All the McNairs