A bright and shining light went out on April 6th at 5:55 am.
Sally was born on March 20th, 1951 in Silverton Oregon to Mildred and George Zawicki. She was one of seven children. She married the love of her life, Patrick Pankratz the 28th of June 1967 who proceeded her death back in 1999. We have some comfort in believing they are now reunited in their very special love.
Those that knew Sally, loved Sally. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met. Sally loved her family and she loved people. She talked, told stories and laughed throughout her life.
Friday nights were reserved for dinner at Grammy’s. She would shop each Friday morning and prepare all day for the arrival of her clan. Sally loved food and family and when you could put those together – that’s when the magic happened! She had snacks ready for when the kids would start to arrive after school; she would search for new foods for the grandchildren to try and would make their favorites whenever they asked. Friday nights were a special time
Sally worked at Fred Meyer for most of her career but in her most recent years she worked at Dotty’s in Sandy where she made amazing friends and created a community that would meet for taco Tuesdays and would stop by just to say hi when she was working. Some of those carried their friendship outside of work to do crosswords together, play cards, dice and chit chat at her kitchen table.
Sally is survived by her children, Paul & Melissa Pankratz and Mary & Scott Averette, and her grandchildren, Jarod, Jacob, Josie, Riley and Cayla.
Sally spent the last few years of her life living with her brother, George Zawicki, who cared for her and offered her constant companionship. It wouldn’t have been the same without George by her side, her little brother and her very good friend. Her surviving sisters Martha, Lois and Alice called constantly and chatted with her about family doings.
She will be remembered fondly by her many friends and family members. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, Grandmother, Grammy, GMA, sister and a friend. Sally was truly a bright and shining light in all of our lives.
Special thanks to Mt. Hood Hospice. They are truly remarkable people and were amazing with Sally and family. They were always just a phone call away and were really some of the most amazingly caring people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. We were blessed to have you as part of our story.