Obituary Notice – Sally Jane Congdon

FORESTVILLE:  On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, Sally Jane (Fairbanks) Congdon, age 79, of Forestville, with her children by her side, went to Heaven to be with the good Lord, family, friends, and pets who have gone before her.

Art and Evelyn (Olrogg) Fairbanks began their family with the birth of their daughter Sally Jane on September 1,1939.  She grew up on a dairy farm in Arkwright with her brothers Doug, Bruce, Gary and Carl.  Sally loved the country living and after spending any amount of time in the city, she would say, “Let’s get back to the hills.”

She was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1957.  She had many fond memories of her school years including, earning the privilege of ringing the bell, being selected by her classmates to be the senior prom queen and her many good friends.

The following year, she began a 60 year marriage to Earl D. Congdon. They were stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.  Following his service in the Air Force, they returned to Forestville to start their family.

Sally worked various jobs outside the home when necessary, but she felt that it was important to be home for her kids while they were growing up.  She was a devoted mother who worked very hard to make her children’s lives pleasant.

Most important of all to Sally was family.  Her children, Duke (Michelle) and Melissa “Missy” (Jon Longenecker), were unquestionably the most near and dear to her heart.  “I live for my kids.”  She also adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Amanda (Mike) Goebel and their daughter Adeline, Kevin (Megan) Congdon and their children Jacob, Henry & Alice, Nick (Maddie) Congdon, and James Congdon.

While Sally was a strong woman with a stubborn streak, she was also very compassionate, had a kind heart, a gentle touch, and always put others’ needs before her own.  She loved to go polka and square dancing with her cousin Pat.  Sally had a passion for flowers, trees, and wildlife.  She enjoyed sitting on her porch watching the birds.  Sally also enjoyed playing piano, sewing, yard sales, and collecting antiques.  All of her pets held a very special place in her heart.  Her peanut doughnut-loving pit bull “Miss Muffett” and Sally were nearly inseparable.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren & great grandchildren, she is survived by her brother, Doug (Linda) Fairbanks, sisters-in-law Dolores Fairbanks and Bev Smith, several nieces & nephews and friends.  Besides her parents she was predeceased by brothers Gary and Bruce (his wife Nancy) Fairbanks and Carl Smith.

“Thank you with all of my heart for being my teacher, my protector, my friend, and my mother.  Your work here is done.  The time has come for you to rest, relax, and have fun.  No more pain, no more worries, no more loneliness.  Until we meet again…see ya’, love ya’, be safe, good night.  Mitt.”

Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, from where Funeral Services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock.  Interment will follow in Cherry Creek Central Cemetery.

Donations in Sally’s memory may be made to either Lakeshore Humane Society (Spay/Neuter Program), 431 E. Chestnut Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048 or to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.