SOUTH DEERFIELD-Sally Jean Cary, 74, of Gray Lock Lane passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at her home. Sally was born the second child of eleven children to Leon Capen (d. 2021) and Helen (Vaughan) Capen (d. 2015). They lived in Belchertown. Sally was the wife of Peter Cary (d. 2020) for 48 years, living in Chesterfield for 33 years and Millers Falls for 15 years.
Sally graduated from UMASS Amherst in 1971 with her BS in Physical education and Health. Sally taught Junior High for six years and two years at the Elementary School in Pittsfield. She also worked at the Northampton YMCA teaching swimming to Mothers and their babies and to preschoolers for several years. Sally later became Camp Director of Williamsburg Summer Camp for three years. She returned to local schools to work with Special Ed. Students in Hatfield, So. Deerfield, Westhampton and Greenfield. Eventually, she worked at Community Action in Greenfield for twelve years.
Sally’s hobbies included walking, hiking, crochet, knitting, cross stitch and especially reading. She donates most of her crocheted scarves and hats to the local survivor center. In addition to her parents, Sally was predeceased by her two sisters, Linda Laundry (d. 2012) and Gail Capen (d. 1971).
Sally was a loving mother to her son, Tim Cary of Easthampton and her daughter Becky Cary of Sunderland and her grandson Logan Fournier of Sunderland. She also leaves her 4 sisters and 4 brothers; April Humphreys of Hubbard, OR., Karen Westhpal of Mosinee, WI., Cindy Chartier of Bababoo, WI., Judy Mohr of Keizer, OR., Chris Capen of Arpin, WI., Gary Capen of Greenwood, WI., Robin Capen of Harshaw, WI., and Clay Capen of Tucson, AZ. She also leaves her aunt, Esther Pierce of Belchertown and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A special Thank you to Dottie and all Sally’s neighbors at Sugarloaf Condo’s who helped her out in the last year.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton followed by a Religious Service at the Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M. Burial services will be private. The family asks that donations in Sally’s memory be made to the Carnegie Public Library in Turners Falls or the Sunderland Public Library.