Colonie- Sally J. Shell, 76, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Born in Elizabethtown, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Clarissa LaMere. Sally is predeceased by her husband, Percy "Butch" Shell.
At a young age, Sally promised her dad before his passing that she would look out for her mom and siblings. She dedicated her life to this promise and spent years as the caretaker and mother-figure to all of them. Sally eventually met the love of her life, Butch. Together, they continued Sally's promise. Sally and Butch welcomed the birth of their son, Bill. He was the center of their lives. Unfortunately, Sally and Butch did not have enough time together before Butch's sudden passing. She was left devastated and lost without her Butch.
After many years of working at the Albany Stratton Veteran Hospital, Sally retired and took up baby-sitting for the children of family members and close friends. These children had a special place in her heart, especially Joshua Preville. Sally continued to babysit for many years. She was thrilled to become a grandmother adding her two grandsons, Chad and Joey, to her clan. These two certainly kept her busy. Sally was especially excited when her granddaughter, Jenni, arrived. They always had a strong bond that was unique and very special.
Sally truly enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks with her special Aunt, Grace French, and many cousins. Not only did Sally spend many hours on jigsaw puzzles and sharing her love for birds with Jenni, she was also a great storyteller.
Sally is survived by her only son William J. Shell and daughter-in law Mary. She was the loving "Grammy" to Joseph and Jennifer Shell and "Mammy" to Chad Darwesh. Sally will be deeply missed by her sister Violet Clark, her sister and best friend Anna LaMere and many cousins, nieces and nephews, including very dear nephew, Kelvin VanBramer.
In addition to her husband, Sally is predeceased by her brothers, Frederick, Larry and Roger LaMere and sister, Florence VanBramer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schenectady City Mission.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie, NY 12205. A Catholic funeral service will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home at 10am with interment following at Graceland Cemetery.
To leave a special message for the family online, please visit NewComerAlbany.com