Paid Notice: Sally S. Slattery, a woman of adventure, intellect, and profound connection, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at The Landing of Lee, MA, at the age of 90.
Born in Schenectady, NY, on January 21, 1935, Sally was the eldest daughter of Donald and Ruth Stone, both dedicated educators.
She grew up in a household that valued learning and the simple pleasures of life, shared with her two younger sisters, Nancy and Susan. Summers were a cherished tradition, with the family traveling along the old Route 20 to Dennisport, Cape Cod. This beloved ritual continued for decades, as Sally and her sisters, with their own families, gathered yearly on the Cape, creating a lasting legacy of family bonds.
Sally’s academic journey began at Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady. She pursued her passion for literature at St. Lawrence University, graduating with an English degree in 1956, and later earned her Master’s degree from Stony Brook University. Her love for the English language found purpose in her work for the East Hampton Union Free School District.
On February 9, 1957, Sally married David Slattery, and their journey together began in Batavia, NY, where Dave embarked on his first teaching role and their first child was born. During this time the couple enjoyed tranquil vacations at Dave’s family summer camp on Lake Champlain.
After a memorable trip to Montauk, Dave accepted a position at East Hampton High School. Sally and Dave decided to make East Hampton their home. They established their family on Fithian Lane, raising four children, before eventually moving to a cherished home in Amagansett where they resided for many years.
Sally was an independent spirit, a pioneering woman with a hunger for adventure. To supplement the family income, she would rent out their home during the summers. During this time, in the summers of the 60s and 70s, Sally, with her four children in tow, would embark on cross-country road trips with a pop-up camper. Without the aid of modern technology, she navigated with an incredible sense of direction and wits for a remarkable ten years exploring the United States. Later in life, Sally and her daughter Carol shared many adventures, exploring the world together aboard over 20 cruise ships. These global journeys created memories to last a lifetime.
After Dave’s passing, Sally sold the Amagansett home and relocated to Bath, Maine, where she spent nine years. This period was where her heart sang. The rugged beauty of the seascapes and the resilience of the local people deeply captivated her. It was in Maine that close friends referred to her as ‘Sally of Bath.’
In 2004, Sally moved to the retirement community of Heritage Village, CT. Ever engaged and intellectually curious, she immersed herself in numerous activities, including bridge, mahjong, book discussions, and continuing education courses.
Sally will be remembered as a remarkable communicator and historian who cherished her connections with friends and family. She was always the memory keeper; she remembered every date, occasion and who was there. Sally’s thoughtful nature shone through her diligent practice of sending tons of clippings and always very thoughtful handwritten notes and pictures for friends and family.
Sally was adventurous, forthright, and a hoot to be around!
Sally is predeceased by her husband, David Slattery, their cherished daughter, Karen Slattery Vertrano, and her sister Nancy Jenkins.
She is survived by her loving children: Kathleen Kennedy and her husband Peter of Lititz, PA; Thomas Slattery of Lawrence, MA; and Carol Slattery of Dalton, MA. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Dylan Kennedy and Caitlin Kennedy of Lititz, PA. Sally is also survived by her sister Susan Thompson of San Antonio, TX.
