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Sally Aulson Obituary

AULSON, , SALLY ADAMS MacLEOD Age 56, passed away Friday, February 8, 2008 at her home in Italy, TX, following a courageous 5 year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on August 3, 1951 in Austin, TX to her father, James MacLeod and her mother, the late Barbara Barker. Sally, known as Sam to her friends, lived in a number of diverse places. During her early childhood in Indonesia, she learned the local language as well as English. After three years back in Poultney, Vermont, Sam moved to Portuguese Guinea where she lived until the African uprising against Portuguese rule occurred and her family left within 24 hours of the revolution in 1961. For the next three years Sam and her family lived in the Philippines where Sam befriended the daughter of president Diosdado Pangan Macapagal, and is believed to have had a hand in giving him his nickname "The Incorruptible". Sam spent the next few years in London where she attended Clairmont School, before moving to New Orleans, LA, to attend and graduate high school in Houston, TX. She graduated from Endicott College in Beverly Mass. and while there met and married Patrick J. Aulson in September, 1972. Her interests included coaching her sons' OM and Destination Imagination teams, one of which she coached to win gold at the global competition. She was also active in scouting and volunteering at each of her son's schools. Other hobbies included letter boxing, reading, painting and cooking. Sally is survived by her husband Patrick, son Keith and his wife, Kelly; son Jonathan and his wife, Sarah; and son Alexander. She is also survived by a sister and her husband, Susan MacLeod and Rod Bell; a brother Scott Barker; and her father, James MacLeod. Preceding her in death are her mother and step-father, Barbara and John Barker. Visitation for Sally Aulson will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008 with Funeral Services to follow at 4 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please donate to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Dignity Memorial Sparkman Hillcrest 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas (214) 363-5401

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Published by Dallas Morning News on Feb. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Sally Aulson

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Betty

February 5, 2021

In reading over the eulogy above, I realize that Sam was a MacLeod descendant, as am I. A few years ago I was able to visit "our castle" on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. She was a lovely person, and I will always remember her with great fondness. She certainly added so much to so many lives and I count it as an honor to have met and worked with her in her more artistic endeavors. She is missed.

Gordon E. Scott

February 18, 2008

Sally was our niece and we fondly remember our summer outings with her and the family in Vermont. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficults days.Aunt Norma and Uncle Gordon

Dave Mallon

February 15, 2008

I was with Patrick the night he met Sam at Endicott College, in Beverly, Mass. The beautiful blonde hair, the big welcoming smile and always a kind word.

I remember Sam telling a story of the time when the Aulson family was taking their boat from Beverly harbor to Cape Cod ( a considerable journey ). Anyway, half way there Mrs. Aulson remarked on how soft the sea air felt. Sam not quite knowing what she meant stood up and started pinching the air. Needless to say once Sam was informed of what Mrs. Aulson meant, she was quite chagrined and embarrassed! Later on they all had a good laugh.

She will be missed. But just the thought of her brings a smile to my face.

All our love and prayers to all who knew her. And here’s a special prayer for you Sam, from Toga Dave.

Dave Mallon & Family, Windham, N.H.

georgie jenkins

February 14, 2008

We are newbies in letterboxing, but have seen her name many times. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy is with you and may Jesus Christ give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.
With love,
Beautiful Butterflies

Janet Clark aka Blooming Flowers

February 14, 2008

I was one who was blessed to know Sam as Ruby Tuesday. She lived such a rich life, I know she will be missed here on earth and welcomed into Heaven. God Bless those who are left to remember her. My heart goes out to the family at this very sad time.

Betty Barna

February 14, 2008

In the Asian world people can be considered as national treasures and Sam was certainly a treasure to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She coached the Springridge Elementary PTA adults through a couple of plays (which was the most fun one can have) as well as helping to create and execute the murals by the 6th graders in the cafeteria and coaching OM for the kids. In all she was the model of grace, creativity and caring. She was truly loved by one and all. Although I have not seen her in many years, I will never forget her for she touched my heart. All my love and heartfelt sympathies to her family.

Janet Huntley

February 13, 2008

My condolences to the entire Aulson family. Although I never met Ruby Tuesday in person I got to know her through her beautiful and creative postal letterboxes. I remember the day her "Red Hat Momma" postal box arrived at my house. Oh man that was truely a work of art!

I was deeply saddened when I heard of Ruby's passing.

Good bye, Ruby Tuesday. You will be missed.

Moonstone

Barefoot Lucy

February 13, 2008

Ruby Tuesday was bigger than life in Texas letterboxing, and so much more. While she kept us entertained and inspired by her wisdom and wit, it was clear that the best she had to offer was saved for her family. I think she truly understood the idea that you can gain even more by giving freely of what you have. She has left us all with a legacy and I'm proud to have known her.

Patrick, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers. I know this is a difficult time for you, but know you are not alone!

Mona McClure

February 13, 2008

We are saddened to learn of your loss. We remember most of all her helping with Kristin's OM team and the fun they all had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Mona & Jim McClure

Sherry Gordon-Shulik

February 13, 2008

Sam was a gift to all who had the honor of knowing her. How I wish I could be with everyone for the service today. Sorry I can't. Not being able to say good bye with everyone else who truly loved Sam will always be one of the biggest regrets in my life. However, I am there in spirit and in my prayers. I KNOW HOW LUCKY I AM FOR HAVING SAM AS A FRIEND. She loved her family, friends and life itself. Pat, Xander, Keith and Hawk, please know that my heart aches for all of you. She loved all of us, but the 4 of you always, always came first in her heart. My thoughts and love are with each of you.

This is written with all my love and friendship
Sherry

Lisa Lehman

February 13, 2008

I also got to know Sam through letterboxing, though we never had a chance to meet. She was a creative, thoughtful, encouraging and talented woman. My thoughts are with you!

Tamsyn

Kantexan

February 12, 2008

Sally was an inspiration to all of us in the TX Letterboxing Community. She will be truly missed. My condolences to all of her family and friends.

Jeanne Root

February 12, 2008

To Sally's Family, I am so sorry to learn of Sally's passing. She was a brave and beautiful lady. I heard so many wonderful things about her from her mother and stepfather, Barbara and John. She will be missed by so many but memories of her will be held close in her friends' and family's hearts.

DeDe aka Blue Butterfly

February 12, 2008

We will miss you Ruby Tuesday! Thanks for the memories.

Kathleen Stoddart

February 12, 2008

Years ago, I received a very special book from Sam, "The Merchant of Marvels" by Frederic Clement. Sam truly was the merchant of marvels.
To Pat, Keith, Hawk and Xan. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.

Leslie Topa Keck

February 12, 2008

I will always remember her creativity and her diligent service to kids. I am very glad to have known her in elementary school PTA and with various neighborhood kid activities including Indian Guides, OM, Scouts and sports. Thoughts and prayers go out to her 3 boys and to Patrick, a very devoted husband.

Leslie Topa Keck

Barbara Hudson

February 12, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob, Barbara and Andy Hudson

Sandra Imboden

February 12, 2008

We learned only about your loved one through the Letterboxing Texas group. Since we live in OH the pleasure has not been ours.

What a Book her life has been according to what we read. May GOD fill your life with HIS comfort at this time of your loss and may your journal memories of her for time to come.

Granny Butterfly of SE OH

Chris Groberg

February 11, 2008

Sam was one of those special, unique individuals a person is blessed (too rarely) to have had in their lives.

She will be missed by me...but her spirit will live on in the lives of the many others she has touched.

We are better for having known her...if only far too briefly.

Good bye, dear Sammay...

Judy Wagnon

February 11, 2008

Although I never met Sam in person, we had many lively conversations through our friendship in letterboxing. She and Xander put together so many stunning gifts for us, her friends. Her personality shone through clear and strong, and I thoroughly enjoyed her wit. She will hold a place in my memory for a long, long time. My heart goes out to you, Pat, and to the boys. Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday, I'm gonna miss you.
Boxer Lover

Ellen Owen

February 11, 2008

Patrick, Xander, Hawk and Keith - My prayers are with you. Sam was such a special person. We laughed, we talked and we shared over coffee (or tea!) for a time, every week. Her pride in you was evident from the moment I met her. She always put others ahead of herself, never judging and constantly supporting anyone who needed it. I know that she is on a grand adventure, safe in God's love, watching you with pride.
Peace to you.
Ellen

Benny Hickerson

February 11, 2008

Sam,
We'll all miss you, and I'll miss you especially. Thanks for your friendship.
Benny, aka Viewfinder

Gina Marie Pelcher (Seaver)

February 11, 2008

I was so sorry to hear about Sally. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Jeff Seaver

February 11, 2008

We are all very saddened to learn of Sam's passing. We all look back to the wonderful summers that we spent as one big family in Poultney, Lake St. Catherine and Hannah's House. Our thoughts are with you all. Aunt Gina, Judy, Jeff & Dave.

Karen Anderson

February 11, 2008

I was so saddened to here of Sam's death. I knew her through VOMBO where we were on the Board together. She was a hard working enthusiastic supporter and her energy was amazing. I will miss her.

Bruce Urban

February 11, 2008

Sam was one of the most giving, caring, postive people I been fortunate to meet. Her contribution to VOMBO's scholarship efforts were immeasureable.

Dan Zellman

February 11, 2008

Sam was a very special person and an inspiration to literally hundreds, possibly thousands, of children. And me. She will be missed.

Maribeth Jagger

February 11, 2008

I will carry Sam (Ruby Tuesday) with me in my heart forever. She was an inspiration to me and an exceptional person. My love and thoughts are with the family.
Love, Maribeth/Puddle Splasher

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