WATERTOWN, NY — Sarah B. “Sally” Palumbo, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2020, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Dec. 13, 1926, in Cape Vincent, Sally was the daughter of William J. and Mary E. Barnes Flynn. In 1927, the family moved to Watertown, where Sally lived for the remainder of her life – most of her years being spent at her home on Flower Avenue East.
Sally was a graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy. On June 25, 1949 she married the love of her life, Bernard E. “Bernie” Palumbo at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. J. A. Francoeur officiating. Sally and Bernie were predeceased by a son, Thomas B., who died at birth on Oct. 31, 1952. Bernie died on April 9, 1987, and we are certain he and Sally are beyond overjoyed to be reunited after many long years apart.
In her early years, Sally worked at the family business, Crystal Springs Water in Watertown. She then was employed by New York Telephone Co., and when her children were in school, she worked in food service at Holy Family School. Sally enjoyed a close relationship with our Lord and was a communicant at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Foundation and the Niagara Mohawk Retirees.
Sally took great pride in her home and the family cottage in Three Mile Bay; spending countless hours gardening, doing yard work and cleaning in an effort to keep them looking as pristine as possible. Even in her final days, one of her parting pearls of wisdom to her loved ones was to “keep a clean home.”
Above all else though, Sally’s greatest joy in life was her family and the time she spent with them. Simply put, her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and their families were her world. Her loved ones will always treasure how Sally – also known as “Nana” – was there for everything, from sporting events to graduations and of course, family parties, right up until her passing. We will miss her sense of humor, genuine interest in all that was going on in our lives, mischievous ways, honesty, beautiful smile and of course, the endless amount of love she had for all of us.
Sally is survived by her three children, John W. “Jack” Palumbo and wife Christine, Clayton, Judy P. Compo and husband Thomas G., Alexandria Bay, and Janet M. Prevost and husband Edward R., Watertown; six grandchildren, Robert J. England and wife Robin, Jennifer S. Ashcraft and husband Travis, Sarah V. Compo and fiancé Paul Pierce, Ann C. Bedard and husband Thomas, Edward B. Prevost and wife Amelia and Tyler P. Prevost and fiancée Allison Cavallario; six great-grandchildren – Kaya V. England, Lilah R. England, Annabella R. Ashcraft, John T. Bedard, Bodhi R. Prevost and Thomas C. Bedard; sister-in-law Mary E. Flynn Watertown – who Sally thought of as a sister, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband and son, Sally was predeceased by her three brothers, James F., John, and William J. Flynn, Jr. and four sisters, Virginia F. Flynn, M. Catherine Stiegelbauer, Margaret F. Henry, and Agnes E. Keegan.
Due to the current health concerns, there will be no calling hours.
The funeral mass and burial will be private and at the convenience of her family.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 West Lynde St., Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences to Sally’s family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.