Sally J. Neary

Sally Jane Barton Neary, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 89. Born and raised in the Chatham neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. She was an honor student at Hirsch High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Illinois, where she was also a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

In 1958, Sally married Tom Neary, and together they shared 67 wonderful years. Sally began her teaching career as a third-grade teacher at Hough Street Elementary School in Barrington, Ill. After starting her family, she dedicated herself to raising her children, Susan (Jody Elovitz), Tom (Liz Rowe), Nancy (Bill Blakely) and Julia (deceased). When her children were older, Sally joined the staff at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Ill.

Sally and Tom's love for adventure took them on travels around the world and explored much of the country in their motorhome. In 1999, Sally and Tom retired to their family summer home in the picturesque Sister Lakes area near Dowagiac.

Her legacy of love, joy and adventure will continue to inspire her children, grandchildren and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Honoring Sally's wishes, cremation has taken place and her immediate family will privately celebrate her life with a Mass. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac. Please visit Sally's personalized web page to share a memory or leave a condolence to her family at www.clarkch.com.