Sara L. “Sally” Blackburn, 84, passed away peacefully on January 28th in Newport News after a long illness.
Sally was born July 30, 1940, in Boston to Hart and Carol Leavitt. She grew up in Andover, MA then headed to Colorado Springs College where she met the love of her life, John “Top” Blackburn. They were married for 43 years until Top’s passing in 2004. They raised their family as the Army sent them to Japan, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, and several places in Virginia before finally settling in Newport News in 1978.
Sally was an avid golfer and had four hole-in-ones during her playing days. She also enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, gardening, and making friends wherever she went. She loved to travel the world and was able to take many memorable trips to places such as Africa, Egypt, Turkey, the Mediterranean, China, Russia, and the Amazon rainforest. She was a cat lover and volunteered for several years at a local cat shelter while also caring for many of her own over the years. Throughout her life, Sally held the titles of daughter, sister, wife, mom, and her most cherished one, Mamaw to her 3 C’s.
Sally filled a room with laughter, and even when she lost her ability to speak, the laughter continued. It was said by many that “she was able to laugh her way through her illness”.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband John Blackburn and her parents Hart and Carol Leavitt. She is survived by her daughter Lyn (Ron) Cirullo of Tallmadge, OH, her son Mike Blackburn of Newport News VA, her brother Ned (Lynn Margileth) Leavitt of Rosendale NY, her sister Judy Leavitt of Wayland MA, and her three grandchildren Corey (Kyla) Blackburn of Philadelphia PA, Christian Shanley of Marina Del Rey CA, and Carey Cirullo of Tallmadge OH.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. The family would like to thank the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living for the great care they provided over the last few years. Memorials for Sally may be made by donating to The American Heart Association or The Alzheimer’s Association.
7 Comments
Hello Mike, Sally was a force to be reckoned! Im sorry for your loss yet, mentally you will never lose her. As I realized with the loss of Nancy, you will become more cognizant of her traits in you. Thinking of you and Corey.
I could not be more honored to have her as a grandmother to Corey. She was what every kid would want in a grandmother. Her love, inquisitive mind and laugh will be missed by all that knew her.
My condolences to Sally’s family. I knew Sally through the golfing community and worked with her on the Peninsula Women’s tournament for which she had primary responsibility. She had a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to work and play with.
Rest in peace Sally. All of the women’s golf group at Eaglewood will miss you. Along with all of us from the Shenvalee (25 years worth) golf trips.
I am so sorry for the loss of such a great lady. She and Top were amazing friends to my parents, Chuck and Sue Bellis, who I’ve lost recently. Along with the whole golf and bridge gang so many years of memories. Thinking of your family at this time and lots of purple hugs 💜
Sally,
You will always be remembered as a great wife, mother, mamaw, aunt, friend and mother-in-law. Your love, kindness, generosity and friendly way you interacted with everybody always left family and friends with a smile. Loved our morning breakfast chats about your childhood, latest trip, our family or your beloved Red Sox when you came for a visit. I will always applaud your competitive nature and determination. Remembering your laugh will always bring a little joy to my heart. Thanks for being the most awesome mother-in-law a guy can have and hope Top and yourself are teeing it off right now at one of Heaven’s finest courses. You will never be forgotten!
Sally,
You will always be remembered as a great Wife, Mother, Mamaw, Aunt, Friend and Mother-in-Law. Your love, warmth, kindness, generosity and friendly way you interacted with everybody always left family and friends with a smile. Loved our morning chats when you about your childhood, our family, cats (all varieties) and your beloved Boston Red Sox when you came for a visit. I will always applaud your competitive nature and determination. Remembering your laugh will always bring a little joy to my heart. Thanks for being the most awesome Mother-in-Law a guy can have and hope Top and yourself are teeing it off right now on one of Heaven’s finest courses.