Sally Jane Herman DeRosa passed away peacefully on November 26, 2018 at Suncoast Hospice, Pinellas Park, Florida. Born on March 6, 1936 in Norwalk, Connecticut to the late Betty Hodgkins Herman and Unto Jack Herman, Sally is predeceased by her son Richard Wallace DeRosa and her brother-in-law Peter Francis Passaro.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years Richard "Dick" DeRosa; daughter Betsy DeRosa Wolfe, son-in-law Christopher Wolfe, and their children Bethany Wolfe Barnett, her husband Adam Barnett, and Ainsley Wolfe; daughter Cynthia DeRosa Schulte, son-in-law James Schulte, and their sons Dylan, Austin, and Grayson; her brother Wallace Unto Herman, sister-in-law Paige Palmer Herman; her sister Taimi Herman Passaro; her dear cousin Alice Jane Bruns and her husband Jack, her cousin Robert Boles; and many nieces and nephews.
Following graduation from Stamford High School, Sally attended Lasell College in Newton, MA earning a degree in Retail and Fashion Merchandising. Her retail career encompassed years at both large and small department stores including Bloomingdale's, DM Reads, GFox, and Horwitz. By far, her role as the Buyer for Infant Wear at DM Reads was a career highlight as she traveled the world visiting suppliers and touring manufacturing facilities. Sally was very fashion forward throughout her life and believed in the purchase of an item in the current season's fashion color to gain "more fashion sense for your dollar".
Sally's love of travel never abated. She and Dick relished their tours and cruises in Europe and the USA often accompanied by friends and relatives from Connecticut. Whether viewing the ancient buildings of Italy, admiring Holland's tulip blooms, sampling wines in Napa, or snowmobiling through Yellowstone Park, Sally experienced every aspect of her travels fully, appreciating all the world's offerings and diversity.
Sally had a strong sense of community, taking pleasure in both the civic and social benefits of involvement. Upon moving to Milford from Stamford, CT she joined the Milford Newcomers Club, served as a scout leader, was a member of the PTA in the Milford school system, mentored elementary school students, and managed the Attic Shop for St. Alban's Episcopal Church in St. Pete Beach, FL. Many of Sally's favorite times were spent with people whose friendships were developed through volunteering. This included the ladies with whom she played Mah Jong, various walking and gardening clubs, and most fondly the Bridge Group in Milford, CT whose love and friendship she cherished over the past 50 plus years.
Her family would like Sally remembered for her strength and positive attitude she possessed throughout her life, especially these last few years. She was determined not to allow physical limitations interfere with living life fully as she continued to attend the variety of activities at Lake Seminole Square Senior Living.
The family is grateful to all the staff at Lake Seminole Square who encouraged Sally to live as independently as possible, the care providers at Morton Plant Hospital Barnard 3 rd and 5 th floors, and the truly gifted people at Suncoast Hospice that guided her on a final, peaceful journey. Donations in Sally's memory can be made to Suncoast Hospice at suncoasthospice.org.
A celebration of Sally's life will be held at a future date.