Sara Helen Swartz (Sally) passed away on May 23rd after a spirited, joyful, and purposeful life.
Sally is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Don, sons Andy and Keith, daughters-in-law Janna and Mindy, and 5 adored grandchildren, Jack, Alex, Henley, Calvin, and Clementine, who routinely competed for her attention with the beloved blue heelers Bentley and Cowley (RIP).
Born in Joliet, Illinois in 1940, Sally later moved with her parents to Coral Gables, Florida where she graduated high school. After attending Agnes Scott College, Sally began flying for TWA Airlines as a hostess, based out of Kansas City, where she met Don, a young engineer. Differing accounts of their first encounter at a party put Don in the kitchen having a beer or hiding behind a houseplant. Regardless, Sally soon exchanged her plans of international travel for marriage, a master’s degree in teaching, parenthood, multiple careers, tireless volunteerism, and new adventures.
The family moved to Denver in 1969 where Sally was an active member of Montview Presbyterian Church, volunteered for League of Women Voters, among many other organizations, and pursued successful careers including an educator and corporate volunteer coordinator. In between careers, raising two boys, and neighborhood tennis tournaments, she found time to earn a Master of Science, Dietetics degree from Colorado State University. After “retiring” from her position at Tri County Health Department, Don and Sally moved to Ridgway, where she found herself working in the same capacity as nutritionist and WIC specialist along with community involvement in the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild and the United Church of the San Juans.
Sally’s life intersected with countless souls who quickly grew to love her (bipeds and quadrupeds alike). She shared her love of cooking, art, literature, music, travel, and nature; but she may have been happiest traversing an alpine meadow (with an overloaded backpack) pausing to admire bluebells, sky pilots, columbines, and Indian paintbrush.
She lived life fully—an inquisitive contrarian, always kind, friendly, helpful, and smiling, with a fierce tenacity to make the most out of every moment. Sally will be sorely missed but always will remain an enduring bright light in our memories.
Information on a July 2022 memorial celebration in Ridgway is forthcoming. Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Humane Society, PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO 81432 https://adoptmountainpets.org/donate
Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 970-249-2121
