Sally O'Donnell
April 29, 1966 - February 13, 2022
Boise , Idaho - 'How do you catch a falling star, that shines so brightly, touches so many, yet passes so quickly' Anonymous
Sally, the beloved youngest child of Patricia McLaughlin O'Donnell and John B. O'Donnell, was a vessel of infectious energy from the moment of her birth, April 29th 1966 in Old Greenwich, Connecticut until her death in Boise, Idaho February 13th 2022. Sally's generous smile lit up every room she entered.
She spent her early years in Duxbury, Mass and is a graduate of Duxbury High,1984. While there, she focused her abundant energy and skill on the athletic fields, excelling in Soccer and Track and Field. In 2000 the Duxbury Clipper named her one of the top 50 Duxbury athletes in the 50 years spanning 1950-2000. She attended Keene State College in N.H. and continued to develop her athletic skills along with core classes. In 1986 she was an accomplished athlete on the National All-American Collegiate Cross Country Team. She also had a side gig modeling for athletic wear in her hay-day.
She moved to Boise in 1986 and enrolled at Boise State University where she earned a BA degree in Exercise Science, emphasis in corporate fitness. She also began her long career as a server at many of Boise's finest restaurants and also in 2002 started a successful pet sitting business. She was an avid cyclist, active in club soccer, and loved fishing, camping, golfing and working out frequently at local health clubs.
Sally's effusive personality brought her innumerable lasting friendships over the decades who were her pet-sitting clients, Warm Springs Golf Course golfing buddies, restaurant co-workers, biking partners and many more.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two nieces and her many beloved pets. She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her siblings; Murry O'Donnell, Boise, William T. O'Donnell, Darien CT., Ann E. Thomas, Boise, and Beth O. Libby, Winchester, MA. and multiple nieces and nephews as well as her Golden Retrievers, Beau and Joy.
A Celebration Of Sally's Life will be held this spring or early summer.
In lieu of flowers a donation in Sally's name to an animal rescue or favorite charity is appreciated.

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

Published by Idaho Statesman on Feb. 25, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Sally O'Donnell

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

22 Entries

Halle Longeteig Smith

May 11, 2022

Sally was a server at the first fine dining restaurant I worked. She treated me with kindness and was always quick to point out she appreciated my work ethic. The world was a better place with her in it. Sending all my love to the family.

Rod Walkey

April 26, 2022

So sad to hear this news. Sally was a positive force and she will be missed by all she touched.

TOM and Sandy Wells

April 11, 2022

We will miss you. Thank you for being so kind to us. We love you.

Gayle and Steve Verschoor

April 5, 2022

I am so very sad to hear of Sally´s passing. Sally had become a wonderful friend to our family. She will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace

Tina Hathhorn

March 21, 2022

Sadly, I just heard of Sally's passing just last week and I was completely and utterly devastated. I worked with Sally for many years at the Sandpiper Restaurant and from day one of meeting her, we all knew just how special she was. I never knew anyone in better shape than Sally. Her exuberance for living and her athleticism made us all wish we could be like her! Always a smile on her face ....always a good word to say, she was such a great person. She really did light up a room when she walked in. We had moved away from Boise for 10 years and when we moved back she was one of the first people I saw.......At the gym of course. I wished I could always be in the shape that she was! This was a shocking blow to find out that someone like Sally is no longer on this earth. I will miss seeing that smile and hearing about all of her adventures. Sally girl, you mad a lasting impression on everyone you ever met. You were kind and generous and never met a stranger. I think you knew just about everyone in this community and your loss hurts us all. We will never forget you Sally. I am forever saddened. Rest in Peace beautiful lady.

Sarah

March 10, 2022

Sally, you will be missed. Harley adored you and I´m forever thankful for how you cared for him. RIP friend.

Trina Whitehead

March 9, 2022

Sally we will miss you dearly. I just found out about your passing yesterday and and so deeply saddened. Thank you for taking such good care our pups. We will miss seeing you out on the golf course on hole# 2 and saying Hi to Burton on the Balcony! We could always see you with your golf bag with your golden retriever club cover. You will truly be missed by all. Say hi to all our pups. Tanner and Lucky will be sooo happy to see you.

Tish Purdy

March 2, 2022

I am sad to see your passing. Thank you for being such a memorable part of our community for so many years. Your love, light and beautiful smile will always be with me. Rest In Peace sweet girl.

Kim Carstensen

March 1, 2022

You were an inspiration to me during my mt bike racing years... I coveted your Wicked Fat Chance in the 80's. I will always remember your smile, energy and team spirit...

Brent & Mila Knezacek

March 1, 2022

Our hearts go out to those closest to Sally. We just heard the news today and both Mila and myself are in mourning. Sally was a ball of positive energy and kindness and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have had her touch their lives. We wish her peace and know that there will be plenty of friends and pooches on the other side happy to comfort and see her, our Ridgeback Rosie included. Rest in peace Sally!

Susan Lamberson and Bill Kaage

February 27, 2022

We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Sally. She was a wonderful caregiver for our pet. We always enjoyed our time with her and appreciated her zest.

Marla Johnson

February 26, 2022

My dearest friend....how will I go on without you? We had so many good laughs together over the past 30 years. RIP and enjoy all the pups frolicking and happy now that you are there! I'll see you on the other side of the rainbow!

Christie & Mike

February 26, 2022

You were such a bundle of energy, smiles, kind words of encouragement, a great golf partner, a true animal lover and a person that will be sadly missed. You will be missed as a true friend.

Paul Fleming

February 25, 2022

so sad to hear of Sally O´s passing. I was an old friend of hers and this is so tragic to learn of this. so sorry for those close to SallyO. RIP my friend

Crystal

February 25, 2022

Sally has been my neighbor for 20 years. She also took care of my animals when we needed and referred to us as the Dr Doolittle house because of how many pets we have. She was a very caring and compassionate soul. We will miss her smile and bubbly personality in the neighborhood. Duke and Lola will be lost without her . She showed them so much love and took such amazing care of them.

Jill Gibbons

February 25, 2022

Sally had a smile for everyone. Always.

Alex Laws

February 25, 2022

What a loss. You were always a smile and good laugh at the golf course. You will be a bright star looking over the friends and warm Springs as you will be in our thoughts and preyers.

Kim Lock

February 25, 2022

I am shocked and saddened about Sally's passing. Sally and I worked together at the Moxie Java on Main Street back in 1991/2. I loved her outlook on life, her cheerfulness, and her work ethic. Our paths diverged, but we would occasionally see each other around town. We met again last year at Warm Springs Golf Club. I was so pleased to see her. We played 18 holes in the Tuesday morning league and a few weeks later played at Indian Lakes. It was just the two of us and we really connected. I was looking forward to seeing her again on the course this year. My deepest condolences to Sally's family and friends.

Wolfgang

February 24, 2022

I´ve known Sally since she arrived to Boise. She was a true friend and I will miss her.

Tonya

February 24, 2022

Sally will be deeply missed. She was a light that shown brightly in the many lives she touched. She was a loyal and devoted friend who has left our lives better than before. She will forever be remembered for these qualities as well as her infectious smile, her enthusiasm for any endeavor she was involved in, and most importantly, her deep love for her family and friends. We have lost a very special soul. You will be missed my friend.

Bush

February 24, 2022

So sorry to hear this. I'll miss Sally's smiling face, so sad.

Clarissa

February 24, 2022

Sally was a ball of sweet energy. She was a loyal patient at my office. She could make me smile & we could share funny stories, life lessons, and friendly advice. My heart sank when I heard of this sweet souls passing. You will be missed by all who loved you. But all the doggies in heaven have a new friend to throw the ball too.

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