Sally Elaine Solien Edgar was born April 27, 1950, to Sigvald Olaf and Bernetta Sykora Solien in Windom, MN and died September 7, 2021 at Hospice House in Laramie. Sally grew up surrounded by Shetland ponies and loved to ride. Sally started playing piano at three, played for her Methodist Church at 13, became the full-time church organist at 16, and was the accompanist for the high school choir. Sally graduated from Windom High School in 1968.
Sally attended the College of Music at the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating with a degree in Music Education. She met Thomas Edgar during freshman year and they were married on June 2, 1972. They moved to New Jersey following their graduation where she worked as a home health aide. They joined the Masterwork Chorus from Morristown, NJ and sang Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall along with many other works and venues.
Sally and Thom moved to Ft. Collins, CO in 1974 where her mother and sister, Sandra Sykora Wojahn’s family lived. She worked as a music aide for several years before becoming a full time music teacher at Juan Fullana Elementary School. They moved to Laramie in 1981 with their newborn son, Erik. She was proud to be a stay-at-home mom until Erik and daughter Elizabeth, born 1985, started school. She was equally glad to return to teaching and taught music for seven years at the University of Wyoming Laboratory School, the isolated schools in north Albany County, and at Rock River School. Ultimately, she taught twenty years at Indian Paintbrush Elementary School. She loved her students, teaching music classes and took special joy in conducting the school choir. She was a creative teacher who was dedicated to instill the love of music to every student (and know that the Beatles were the “Best Band Ever!”). Her student programs filled the Arts & Sciences Auditorium with cheerful and diverse music. The legions of students who would greet and hug her years later was a testament to her passion. She was the elementary music coordinator for the District for many years and influenced the elementary music curriculum around the County.
Sally and Thom were a couple for 53 years and were joyfully married for 49 of them. She cherished time spent with Erik and Eliza Kano-Bower in Boston and Liz and Nicholas Wilson in Portland. She loved her church, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and sang in the choir for many years. She played piano for special occasions and in accompaniment. She loved being with her Edgar and Wojahn families and friends. Especially in retirement, they loved to travel in their motorhome and cruise nationally and internationally. A life highlight was to stand on the farms where her paternal grandparents were born and lived in Norway. Sally was a wonderful and beloved wife, mother, teacher, mentor, and friend.
Visitation will be held at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home on Sunday, September 12 from 3:00 to 5:00. The Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Laramie on Monday, September 13 at 4:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Laramie Interfaith or Hospice of Laramie.
Thom & Family I just found out about Sally’s passing yesterday from Orville. It was such a treat a few years ago to have you in my audience in Mesa. The previous time I s saw Sally was 62 years ago , Sandy’s kid sister. What a treat it was to see you both. You have my belated sympathy Sally was a great kid and a wonderful lady, I know Betty was very proud of both her girls.
Dear Thom. So sad to hear of Sally’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Patricia Colberg and Norbert Swoboda-Colberg, Moscow, Idaho
Thom and Erik, we send out condolences. Mrs. Edgar was a special woman and we hope you remember all of the good times. Hugs, Becky & Chris Riley, Joanna Riley & Kirk Webber
My Mom and Dad, Gladys and John Maurer, send their deepest condolences to you. They will truly miss her and wish only the happiest of memories for you all. Sincerely, John and Gladys Maurer and their daughter Mardell. I too knew Sally. She was an inspiration to many! Sympathies to all.
Sally was my music teacher at Indian Paintrush Elementary school and I will always remember the day she arranged to have the U.W string project come and put on a demonstration of various instruments. After that demonstration I just HAD to rent an instrument and learn to play and since then music has been one of the most important things in my life. My condolences go out to the family and I hope they know that Sally changed the whole course of my life with her love of music, teaching, and overwhelming kindness.
We loved Sally. She's remembered as such a very kind, gentle, and caring person. To Thom and the rest of the Edgar clan, we offer our sincere condolences. Steve & Sharon
To the Edgar family, Mrs. Edgar was one of a handful of teachers who truly touched our lives. She was kind, caring and encouraging to our daughters as they navigated their years in elementary school. Mrs. Edgar always recognized us during chance encounters over the past 15 years and would unvaryingly have a warm greeting and an encouraging message for each of our girls. We are saddened by the news of her passing, Laramie has lost a gem.
To the Edgar family: Sending prayers for the families. I met Sally when you would come and visit Orpha and brought her to church at Grace. Sally always had a smile. Sincere condolences. Tracy Mikes
Thom, I was surprised and saddened to learn of Sally's passing. Although I only met her a few times, I thought she was a warm and friendly person. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Liz, We love you Fritter <3!
Thom, Liz and Erik, I am so very sorry to hear this news. Sally was one of the truest, most honest, loyal and loving individuals I have met. She was a gift to all who knew her. My prayers are that you will be comforted by the joyful spirit that lives on through your memories of her. Sending love and hugs, Lisa Larson Emmons
Thom, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Take care.
Aw Liz, I'm so sorry about your mom.
Liz, I am so sorry to hear this news. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Dear Thom and family, we are so sorry for your loss and hope you will find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of Sally. We are grateful to have known you as friends and happy for the memories of lively conversations with Sally. Gary and Norma Wilkerson