Jacqueline Balawender

Jacqueline Balawender (Jackie) my loving wife and best friend passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2022, after complications with her cancer treatment. Jackie was born on November 28, 1950 to Beverly and Homer Croteau in Worcester, MA. Jackie moved to Oxford MA where she met, her husband, Mike. Jackie and Mike were married on May 26, 1974 and purchased their first home. Jackie enjoyed many wonderful times with their neighbors, she especially enjoyed having a coffee or drink with her forever friend, Dianne. In 1982, Jackie and Mike moved to Newbury Park, CA which happened to be close to her parents who had moved to California in 1978. Jackie worked as a bookkeeper for several firms until her retirement in 2015. During this time, Jackie made many new friends, including Sue, Celeste and Madonna being her closet friends in California. Although we moved several times, she had a knack for making our new home a place you could call home. She especially enjoyed decorating our home for all the different holidays. Jackie loved her many dogs, Kris, Shiloh, Molly, Tobey, Sasha now reunited with her in heaven and Farley and Zoey who will miss her dearly. During her all too brief time, Jackie enjoyed RVing with her parents and friends. She had many great times at Thorne Hill Broome beach with her friends and were proud to watch their children grow up. Jackie loved a great party whether it be attending or giving one. She especially loved wine tasting trips with our neighbors and friends. She loved the central coast, with Pismo Beach and Morro Bay being her favorite destinations. Jackie loved nothing more than to have a glass of Champagne or Tia Maria and watch her NASCAR races while the sun set or if there was not a race, listen to the Beach Boys or George Thorogood. Jackie's other passion was quilting, she enjoyed making quilts whether it be for friends or family.

Besides her beloved husband Mike of Camarillo CA, Jackie leaves behind her brother John Croteau and wife Patty of Wells, ME. Her niece Kristin Nolan and her husband Jimmy their children Ryan, Kaylynn and Cameron of Oxford, MA. Her sister-in-law Linda Balawender of Worcester. She was pre-deceased by her parents Beverly and Homer. She will be missed by her longtime friends, Sue, Celeste, Madonna and Dianne.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held January 14, 2023, 11AM at St. Julie Billiart Church, 2475 Borchard Rd. Newbury Park, CA 91320.

Contributions can be made in Jackie's memory to "The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" ASPCA ' American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, "Best Friends Animal Society" Homepage ' Best Friends Animal Society - Save Them All and "American Cancer Society" American Cancer Society ' Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin.

"When I leave you, don't weep for me. Pass the wine around and remember how my laughing pleased you. Look at one another, smiling and don't forget about touching. Sing the songs that I loved best and dance one time all together. As for me, I'll be off, running somewhere on the beach, and I'll fly to the top of the tree, I always meant to climb, when your ready I'll be there - waiting for you. Take your time".

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