Sarah G. Buell

Latham- Sarah "Sally" (Gallup) Buell, 93, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home. The daughter of the late Stanley and Muriel Cheney and step-daughter of the late Claire Maxwell Cheney, Sally was raised on a New England farm in Southbridge, MA.

After graduating High School, Sally attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Sally enjoyed two years at Skidmore and then, determined to do her patriotic duty during World War II, enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES as a 2nd class gunnery instructor. After leaving the Navy, Sally returned to Skidmore College as a Junior. She was elected president of the student body and graduated with honors. After raising her family, she then went to work for the American Red Cross and later the New York State Department of Social Services.

Sally made numerous contributions to the community in various volunteer roles over the years, including work with the FOCUS Food Pantry, the American Red Cross, and the YWCA. She was a 60+ year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she served on the Christian Education Committee and would later be served as a deacon and was ordained as an elder. She volunteered for a number of causes including the Visiting Nurse Association and the Guardian Home.

In her senior years she enjoyed arranging fresh and silk flowers and Early American folk painting on tin ware. Sally loved animals, especially cats, and enjoyed the beauty of nature.

Sally is survived by her four children, David Gallup, John (Sue) Gallup, Susan (Randy) Filin, and Judith (Pierre) Veillette, and three step-daughters, Jean (Bill) Nichols, Carol Buell (Olivia Hicks), and Donna Buell (Martin Raths). Sally felt blessed with eleven grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Andrew, Daniel, Cassidy, Jenna, Christa, Greg, Brian, Nate, and Helen. She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn Wolfe and Philip (Caroline) Cheney as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sally is predeceased by her former husband, Earl H. Gallup, Jr. and her late husband Arthur G. Buell.

Sally was a woman of great moral character and Christian faith. She was devoted to her beloved family and was a wonderful and loyal friend to many. She was instilled with a sense of adventure and was an indomitable spirit. In her words, "never let the grass grow under my feet". She was never afraid to try new things and, as a result, had many unique life experiences. She was a compassionate person of great integrity who has made a true, positive impact on the lives of many.
A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Albany.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Eastern NY Chapter, 251 River St., Troy, NY 12180 or to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.