Sally Outis Obituary

Sally Ann (Johannes) Outis 30 Year Albany Resident Sally was born and raised in Belvidere, IL; daughter of Melvin and Hazel Johannes. Graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in English, earned her MSW from Catholic University in Washington, DC and a certificate in non-profit management from USF. Lovingly committed to husband Robert Outis for over 40 years; proud mother of Andy Outis of New York, NY; Robin Ryan (Robert) of San Rafael and Kelly Reine (Jeffrey) of San Francisco; and doting grandmother of Jane and Kate Ryan, and Hannah Reine. She played an instrumental role in mothering and mentoring her children's friends and other members of her community, both informally and through myriad volunteer roles. Sally is survived by her father, Melvin Johannes, and her brother, William Johannes, both of Illinois, and countless extended family members and friends. She was a community leader who brought her own brand of boundless energy, determination and optimism to numerous activities, including the Albany Education Foundation, of which she was a founding member, the 2004 Kerry presidential campaign, for which she moved to Ohio for over 5 months, and her fight with ovarian cancer, which lasted nearly three years. Her family owes a debt of gratitude to the veritable army of friends who surrounded Sally, in person and in spirit, through the course of her illness. She was an avid road-tripper, camper and a lifelong Girl Scout who could always be counted on to make the most of any situation. She will also be remembered for her infectious smile, keen insights, indomitable spirit, blond brownies and extensive array of Christmas cookies, recipes for which came from her mother. Join family and friends to celebrate Sally's life on April 24th at 11:00am at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, Berkeley. Donations may be made to the Albany Education Foundation, 1320 Solano Ave., Ste. 203, Albany, CA 94706; the Gooden Family Scholarship Fund, 632 Clayton Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530, or the Homeless Prenatal Program, www.homelessprenatal.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Sally Outis

14 Entries

April 24, 2010

Sally was a mentor to me in my volunteer work with Albany schools. She was friendly, positive, wise and determined.
She will be missed. My sympathy to her family.
Fondly, Kay Weinstein

Ravi Karra

April 23, 2010

We will always remember and treasure the great times we had with Sally all these years. She inspired us with her determination and commitment to be of service in her local community -- and her local community extended all across the country! She was quick to make friends and then worked to strengthen the bonds by drawing out our common interests and sharing with us her joy of life and the world. We are sadder and weaker for the loss, but stronger and happier for the memories and inspiration. Bob, we wish you all the strength to tide over these difficult times.

Vini and Ravi.

Sally Outis, around 1970

Paul Schroeder

April 18, 2010

Bob, Andy, Robin, Kelly and all who loved and were loved by Sally! It's not enough for me to say that I now know much better what a special person Sally was and is. Here's a photo from about 1970 - as always, she makes me smile. Love to all from Mazie too.

April 13, 2010

The news of Sally's passing is so sad for us and we can imagine that is must be devastating to her family. Though we were neighbors for a relatively short period, Sally really welcomed us and provided us with warmth, kindness, generosity and love that will never be forgotten. We are thinking of you, Bob, and the rest of her brood, during this very difficult period.
-Chris and Amy

Cal,Kay and Kim Bolen

April 13, 2010

Bob,Andy, Kelly and Robin,
We will always remember all the good times and the memories we shared in Belvidere. We will keep all your family in our prayers.

Jack Rosano

April 8, 2010

I'll always consider Sally as the "Lady of Albany Education".
I am a bigger person for having
known her. Sshe will be missed.
Jack Rosano

Terry Coombes

April 8, 2010

I met Sally in when the Johnson Foundation started to explore a partnership with Gonzaga University's School of Business in providing a masters program in business for Native American educators. Sally and I worked for a few months before my colleague, Stacey Chatman, came on board to manage the program. I was so impressed with Sally's commitment and passion and enjoyed her great sense of humor. She was an inspiration! I know how closely she and Stacey worked together to make the MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship the success that it has been all these years fpr both Gonzaga and the Native Americans who have completed a rigorous and challenging program.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

Edward McManus

April 8, 2010

Our sincere condolences to Bob, Andy, Robin and Kelly. Sally showed us all what commitment to family, friends, community and beliefs is all about. I know I am, and I believe we all are the better for having known Sally, worked with her, been able to call her our friend and co-worker in Albany and beyond.
Ed and Shannon McManus, Harwich, MA

Scott Ferguson

April 7, 2010

Bob, Andy, Kelly, and Robin...
Our prayers and wishes are with you and your family. What a great woman, great wife, great mother, great friend, great neighbor, and great example. Everyone who knew her was touched by the good she did. I surely was. She always thought of others before herself. I am sure everyone who knew her would agree. She will be missed. With love,

-The Ferguson Family

Victoria Sears

April 4, 2010

Sally Outis was a wonderful person, tireless volunteer and fundraiser, good
friend to the Albany schools. She is missed by all whose lives she touched.

Nick Pilch

April 2, 2010

I didn't know Sally well at all, just by reputation and by the help she gave me. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Her family and her community has suffered a great loss.

Leanna Farrell

April 2, 2010

Dear Bob and Family, Even thought years passed before I had a chance to write to Sally, she has always been a part of my school memories. We attended kindergarten through high school together. She lived one block over from me. I had the chance to catch up and write her a long letter to which she replyed with an equally long letter. It was wonderful to be able to hear from her. I of course have known of her life through my dear friend, Betty over the years. I kept her in my prayers and your family as well. I prayed for a miracle and celebrated every success. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and I pray for her soul in heaven. God Bless you. With love, Leanna

April 2, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of Sally's passing. I will always remember her spirit and dedication to the causes she believed so passionately in. She put her passion into action in a way most people don't. All my love to those who loved her best, especially her husband and children.
With love,
Janet Seltzer

Nancy Helsdon Schwebke

April 1, 2010

Remembering your family in thought and prayer. Sally was always destined to achieve wonderful things and that she did! Cherish your memories.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results