Sarah Virginia “Sally” Allegra, 88, of Ruffs Dale, PA, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Sally was born on June 3, 1936, in Mendon, PA, a daughter of the late Harper S. and Catherine (Wolk) Lynn. She was married for 52 years to Frank P. Allegra, who passed away on February 17, 2009.
Sally grew up on a farm in Ruffs Dale, where she lived the values of hard work and family duty. The difficult lessons of the Great Depression were the foundation of her compassion for those in need or at risk.
Sally graduated early from high school and was the first in her family to attend college. She received her B.S. from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1957 and began working as a dietitian. She traveled the world with Frank and worked across the country before returning to Ruffs Dale to raise their family.
Sally loved meaningful thought, always questioning and wondering her way toward understanding. As a lifelong learner, she later earned a B.Ed. from Seton Hill University and an M.Ed. from Pennsylvania State University. She taught in the Southmoreland School District until retirement, sharing her knowledge of nutrition, wellness, and hospitality with thousands of students. Food was Sally’s art; a meal with her was an act of love.
Sally was an active member of the peace movement and cared deeply about social and environmental justice, both locally and globally. She was known and respected for her intellect, empathy, and progressive values. Grounded in faith and love, she pursued a lifelong practice of seeking truth and beauty in grace.
Classical music always played wherever Sally was. A lifelong pianist, she listened to WQED religiously and loved the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Sally loved her family and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her loving family: her three children, Catherine Allegra (James Tanner), Joe Allegra (Amy), and Christopher Allegra (Mark Genszler); her grandchildren, Alexander (Becky), Zachary, Jackson, Joshua, and Brianne; her great-grandchildren, Leo and Allegra; her siblings, Ann Gelman, Sam Lynn, John Lynn (Daphne Bicket), and Emma Stevenson (Tom); and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Maureen Lynn; her sister, Catherine Connell (Joe); and her brother-in-law, Bob Gelman.
At Sally’s request, there will be no viewing. Memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders, The Nature Conservancy, and/or WQED.
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the Robert B. Ferguson Funeral Home, 105 Spring Street, Scottdale (http://www.fergusonfunerals.com).
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