Sally didn’t live life quietly. She filled every room, sometimes with music, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with opinions, but always with love. She passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, after a brave yearlong battle with lung cancer. In true Sally style, she drew her last breath as fireworks lit up the night sky.

Born and raised on Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range, Sally was one of six siblings in a home full of music, laughter, and lively conversations. She earned a degree in early childhood education and began her career with the Head Start program before becoming a trusted and capable executive assistant.

She was a gifted artist who painted landscapes in watercolor, explored pastels, and captured beautiful moments and scenery through her camera. But singing was her greatest passion. As a longtime member of Sweet Adelines International, Sally sang lead and bass in award-winning choruses and quartets. She loved front-row choreography, ringing perfect tags, and joining the afterglows where music and laughter lasted well into the night.

Through singing, she met George, the love of her life. Their 50 years together were filled with travel, performances, and deep companionship. They were rarely apart and made everyone around them feel welcome.

Sally’s love of sports began in high school, where she was a cheerleader, and that love never faded. She was a diehard Denver Broncos fan who could talk sports with anyone and rarely missed a game.

At home, Sally was the heart of every gathering. She always served more food than anyone could eat, along with plenty of conversation, laughter, and affection.

Share a song. She’d love that.