Jean Suzette Costello Ballard

Jean Suzette Costello Ballard was born September 24, 1922, in San Francisco, California. She was the only daughter of Edna Ann Maguire and Thomas Joseph Costello. Jean lived in San Francisco and spent most of her summers at the family ark in Larkspur. During World War II Jean worked for the FBI in the Censorship Bureau reviewing letters and documents for strategic, classified information. After the war Jean married Kelly Paris Ballard. Kelly was the love of her life. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. Jean loved art, music, gardening and baking cookies but she was most passionate about politics. She was progressive in thought and a woman well ahead of her time. She was loving, caring, joyful and a genuinely funny person. She created an environment that elevated those around her. Kelly was fun-loving, sweet, kind and full of life. He was a man of many talents including: gardening, oil painting, wood working, rock collecting and a multitude of other interests. Together Jean and Kelly had three children, Kelly Ballard (Kathy); Thomas Ballard (Roxene); Darlene Mola (Monty), 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jean passed away on September 12, 2010 and Kelly passed on October 26, 1997. The two are joined again in love and spirit. Jean and Kelly will live on and thrive through the values instilled in their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will be forever remembered by their family and friends. A special thank you to Jackie Muzio for her loving care and devotion to Jean during the past year, there are angels that walk among us. A celebration of life will be held for Jean at a later date.