Sarah “Sally” Marie Smith, 83, of Loveland, Colorado was called to Heaven on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
She was born on March 10, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to Margaret “Maggie” and William “Bill” Smith. Her parents, both originally from Scotland, gifted her the love of bagpipes, shortbread, fish and chips (which she expertly made), meat pies, and a lifelong fondness and appreciation for her Scottish heritage.
Sally married Robert Korleski in 1957 and although their union was not permanent, they cultivated a steadfast family bond with all five of their children during their over thirty years of marriage. They instilled strong values that live on through each of their children and their families.
Sally’s greatest joy in life was her family; spending time with them meant the world to her. Whether it was taking her grandchildren on mystery trips, going all out with holiday celebrations, or enjoying backwards dinners, her effervescent personality and silly signature expressions infused charm into every family event.
An adventurous spirit led her to visit Scotland, Australia, Rome, England, France, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Caribbean, and Mexico—and to go skydiving at the age of 75!—all with loved ones by her side. She stayed active at home too, from swimming (which she learned to do in her thirties) to exercising with Jack LaLanne, Jane Fonda, and Richard Simmons. She was a lover of music and would dance and sing to almost anything; however, Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley brought life-giving movement to her soul (and hips!)
She loved to bake, and her claim to fame was her delicious yeasty buns, a recipe passed down by her mother. Each Christmas (with her legendary snowman village nearby) Sally loved to make sugar cookies and would enlist anyone within earshot to join in the fun. She also loved gardening and had a fondness for lilacs and wildflowers, but nothing can compare to the giant sunflowers that she planted with her grandkids, with some reaching a height of up to eight feet!
Sally had a deep love for animals and throughout her beautiful life had numerous adoring pets who loved her as much as she loved them. She spoke frequently about rescuing her beloved dog Dweezle from the Cayman Islands and helping him grow and thrive from how sick he was when she got him fourteen years ago.
Her energetic, bubbly, and generous nature made her an amazing caregiver to anyone in need where she, without reservation, would stay indefinite amounts of time with loved ones to ensure they were taken care of. She was active in her spiritual journey through the passion she had for her Catholic faith, and she so devotedly and humbly said the rosary for numerous family members and friends that she wore down the colors on her rosary beads. Sally was such a blessing and an amazing woman who loved and was loved by all!
We feel a sweet comfort imagining her with those that preceded her in death: her parents, sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Burnett and Margaret Mason, along with her dear cousin Aileen McDonagh. We picture them talking nonstop, barely coming up for air while her nephews Kevin Burnett and Ron Mason entertain all the family and friends whom she joined in Heaven.
Sally is survived by her five children: Maureen Seville (Rick) of Windsor, CO; Colleen Laub (Rich) of Johnstown, CO; Sherri Niss (Calvin) of Laramie, WY; Robert Korleski of Las Vegas, NV; and Lori Ellebracht (Tim) of St. Louis, MO.
She is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Lauren Veazey (Carl), Sarah Seville, Gary Seville (Clair), Robert Laub (Rex), Richard Laub, Shaun McKinney, Christine Leverette, Erica Korleski, Timothy Ellebracht and Kathryn Ellebracht, as well as four great-grandsons and many friends and relatives who were blessed to know her and understand the imprint that she has left on our hearts.
Join us for a Celebration of Life in Sally’s honor on August 13, 2022.
Please follow link for details and RSVP: http://evite.me/mwPeT5ky1U
In lieu of flowers, Sally asked that all family and friends have a Catholic mass be said in her name at their individual parish on her birthday following her death. The angels are sure to be singing around the world on March 10, 2023 as we fulfill her final request.
Or make a memorial donation to Dementia Together in Sally’s name here: https://dementiatogether.org/
