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Sally Callander Obituary

Acclaimed Lincoln Park Garden Designer Sally Callander passed away after a valiant and determined battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 78 years old. A true renaissance woman, Sally attended the University of Colorado at Boulder then began her business career at Velsicol Chemical in the early 60's in administration. She rose to become one of the company's first female marketing managers at a time when few women were given the opportunity. The company eventually was sold and became Sandoz where Sally retired in the mid 90's. Along the way, Sally perfected her culinary skills and owned a baking and catering business for which she was recognized in prominent magazines of the day such as Better Homes & Gardens. Her passion for excellence in her work and drive provided a bounty of numerous friends and colleagues around the country. Sally's true passion and life's work did not emerge until her middle 50's when she started Callander Garden Design and created stunning gardens all over the city from the Southside to the North Shore, with particular focus in her beloved Lincoln Park. Along with her team, she brought amazing joy to her clients and dedicated her life to her work up to final days. A native of Clinton, and Winnetka, IL she attended New Trier High School and is survived by her sisters, Clay Callander and Sean Callander McIntosh (Donald). Daughter of the late William and Laura Callander and sister of the late John Callander (Linda). Dear Aunt of Justin Donegan, William Callander, Rebecca Callander, Matthew Callander, Katryn McIntosh, Emily Marvullo, and nine great nieces and nephews. Her constant four-legged companion, Freddy and Chloe brought her great joy. In addition, Sally's family was also comprised of her numerous friends who loved her dearly. The Callander Family and Friends wish to acknowledge and thank the wonderful staff of The Self-Help Home and Vitas Hospice for the love and caring they gave Sally through the final days of her journey. In lieu of flowers, contributions may made in Sally's memory to PAWS Chicago at www.pawschicago.org.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Catherine Aragon-Munden

November 6, 2023

We'd been out of touch with Sally and only heard about her passing when we reached out to get together. It was a terrible shock. We met Sally when she designed our beautiful garden, and we quickly became friends. She was funny, smart, warm and so full of spunk. She loved gardening, laughing, spending time with friends, and, of course, her cats. I can only imagine how beautiful the gardens in Heaven are now that you're there. Love to you, Sally.

Angela Sotos

May 5, 2021

Sally was my first manager out of school at Sandoz. After almost 18 years I found her again when she designed my garden and became my friend. She was warm, kind, creative, incredibly resourceful, knowledgeable and so much fun! She is present in my garden every day. My sincerest condolences.

Lin Witte

September 30, 2020

Sally was such a force of nature i cannot believe she is gone. She was a true original, a most generous friend, a brilliant garden designer, a wonderful cook, an energetic business owner and one of the most creative people i have known. Will so miss you, Sally.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Elizabeth Compton

Planted Trees

Matthew Steinmetz

September 27, 2020

So sad to hear the news of Sally’s passing. She was an obvious force from the first time I met her 20 years ago — smart, determined, creative, confident, and funny. No surprise that she was able to rise in the corporate ranks despite the hurdles she would have faced at that time. Sally certainly will be missed, from her special touch in the gardens she created to her wonderful presence (and smile) at dinners and cocktail parties. My condolences to the family.

Matthew Steinmetz
Friend

Paul Cales

September 23, 2020

I worked for and in Sally's house as a carpenter in the 1990's through the early 2000's. I took over her house project after another Paul (my crew foreman), moved back to Michigan. She was awesome and FUN. Sally had many of my close friends work for her as well. Her "Side Jobs" filled our pockets with cash and fueled many climbing trips and adventures. She even gave me her "miles" from United Airlines for Christmas present and sent me to Kathmandu. I look forward to seeing her again on the other side.

Linda Lang

September 20, 2020

Sally was so many things, she was sassy, witty, funny, kind, genuine but most of all she was my friend for over 20 years. I will miss our monthly "girls dinner" where we would chat and laugh the night away.

I miss her so much already.

My condolences to her family and her friends.

She was so loved.
Linda Lang

Marguerite O'Connor

September 20, 2020

So sorry for your loss.

Robert Klingel

September 20, 2020

What a loss, but has left her mark on so many lives thru the gardens. Loved working with Sally and that laugh. She was such a hands on person with her projects, of which I can’t say how many clients we work with together.
Sally brought together all the seasons and always looked forward , such a visionary.
I’ll miss our chats and being together. Loved our cocktails and dinners together.

Linda Lang

September 19, 2020

Sally was so many things, she was sassy, witty, funny, kind, genuine but most of all she was my friend for over 20 years. I will miss our monthly "girls dinner" where we would chat and laugh the night away.

I miss her so much already.

My condolences to her family and her friends.

She was so loved.
Linda Lang

Si Ragsdale

September 19, 2020

Sally was a joy! I’ll always remember her generous spirit especially when she invited my mother and sister to dine with her at her home while they were visiting me. I had the pleasure of working with Sally at Velsicol when the corporate office was still on Ohio Street...wonderful memories!

My condolences to her family and friends. I know you’ll miss her her smile and laugh.

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