Sarah Malone Obituary

Sarah Ford Malone

Sarah "Sally" Ford Malone, was lucky enough to have begun her 82-year long romance with Torch Lake in her very first year of life. She summered in her family's log cabin until she and Terry retired 20 years ago. She loved the turquoise water, floating, boating, or just being near it. Although the water is now frozen, she died looking out over the lake with her family around her.

Sally's many friends remember her for a warm smile, a distinctive laugh and an outgoing personality. She loved playing bridge, Mahjong, word games and doing crossword puzzles. After a short career as an occupational therapist, she found her true profession as a stay-at-home mom, successfully raising three children and imbuing them with her love of Torch Lake. Despite going to college out of state, all three children orchestrated their lives to reside in Traverse City.

Sally was born in 1932 and lived in Western Springs, IL through high school; where she formed life-long friendships with 6 classmates who call themselves the "Torch Lakers." They meet every year somewhere in the US or overseas. After marrying Terry in 1955, she lived in Racine, Wisconsin for 40 years raising their family.

Sally was active in the community serving as a board member of the Unitarian Church, Vice President of the Woman's Resource Center and Chair of The Prairie School auction. She and the kids spent their summers at Torch Lake with Terry commuting weekends. Sally and Terry raced their E boat for a number of years with their two sons until the boys got too competitive and knocked Sally flat while hoisting a spinnaker. After retirement in 1995, she and Terry built a year-round home near the family log cabin. Sally continued to be active in her retirement years serving on the boards of the Grand Travers Regional Community Foundation and the Torch Lake Yacht Club. She created a scholarship for single mothers at the local college, as well as a couple's book club, a weekly women's breakfast group, and a spirituality discussion group.

Sally leaves behind Terry; son, Kevin and Sue; son, Denny and Debi, Kathy "Kate" and Robb; plus her brother, Tom; and sister, Nane. Sally was grandmother to Adam, Abigail, Madison; Sarah, Harry; Jonah, Alexa and Brittany.

Her brother, John and his wife Joan preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Traverse City, MI on Saturday, April 11th at 12:00 noon, followed by a reception. In addition, a Celebration of Sally's Life will be held at Torch Lake on Saturday, June 27th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, 250 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, Compassion and Choices, PO Box 485, Etna, NH 03750-9906 or Read Aloud 15 Minutes National Campaign, PO Box 304, Alden, MI 49612. Please include Sally's name with any donations.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home can be contacted for travel or hotel suggestions.

Kindly share any fond thoughts or memories of Sally on www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com