Ballard High School lost a good friend when Barbara McFarland Treece passed away from natural causes on Dec. 22.

As a key member of the Ballard High School Foundation, foundation members gathered recently to talk about Treece and the contributions she made to her old school. She graduated in the Class of 1955.

Nine years ago, Treece joined the Ballard High School Foundation and had been the group's secretary for the last three years.

Treece took on many projects for the foundation. "Nothing was too big or too small. She always stepped forward to do things," said C. David Hughbanks.

Her key contribution to the foundation came on the History, Records and Traditions Committee where her attention to detail and determination played a major role.

"She was generous. She loved to research and investigate," said Rodgers.

Treece helped find alumni to honor on the Wall of Recognition that includes former students who have had success in their lives after graduating from Ballard High.

To ensure that current students learn about the Wall of Recognition winners, Treece organized school assemblies that featured presentations describing what the chosen alumni had achieved.

"She spent time locating honorees, acquiring their pictures, biographies and establishing wonderful connections with the honorees," said Rodgers.

"She did a lot of research. She did a lot of phone calls and a lot of writing," said Dick Mitchell.

Treece also found time to work on the Library Committee, Music Committee and Special Events Committee.

When the foundation learned the old issues of the school newspaper dating back to 1918 were deteriorating, Treece found someone to scan them onto CDs. "She worked hard on that project. She took it, went with it and completed it. She was very thorough," said Rodgers.

As a volunteer, Treece did not shy away from big projects. "Nothing was too big or too small, She always stepped forward to do things," said Hughbanks.

"She had a keen interest in education. She was a very special person," said Rodgers.

For her volunteer efforts, Treece received the foundation's Captain William R. Ballard award in 2002.

Treece is survived by son Tom, daughter Julie (Kevin Geloff), and granddaughters Emma and Maggie. Remembrances can be sent to: Ballard High School Foundation, P. O. Box 17626, Seattle, WA 98127.