Sally Contrael Olinger

Sally Contrael Olinger, born on July 20, 1939, passed away on July 2, 2025 while peacefully surrounded by her daughter Beth, grandson Tyler, Tyler's wife Courtney and their 3 children.

Sally was born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to John Henry Contrael (deceased 1994) and Louise Maxine Knepshield Contrael (deceased 1992).

Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh-is a beautiful small town filled with salt-of-the-earth people. Sally remembered it as a wonderful town where life was simple and community was strong.

As a child living in Vandergrift, Sally enjoyed the freedom to run with friends through the streets without worry, sip milkshakes at Sweelanes, buy penny candy at Woolworths, or catch a movie at The Casino Theater.

Sally was known for sneaking off to the The Casino Theater as a young girl and spending entire days there, captivated by film after film.

In Sally's youth she was known for her adventurous spirit and independent streak. Not quite thirteen, she once took her father's Studebaker for a spin, a testament to her fearless nature. She also found creative ways to escape the confines of the classroom, often helping the nuns with chores like peeling potatoes during school hours. Her life was marked by a lively sense of humor that stayed with her always.

Sally attended Vandergrift High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. She kept in close touch with many of her high school friends, all of whom were very special to her. Her dearest friend, Putty, remained her confidante throughout her life, exchanging texts, calls, cards, and letters up until Sally's passing.

During high school, Sally caught the eye of Robert "Oley" Olinger, the tall, handsome star of both the basketball and football teams. They fell in love and were married in May 1959. Oley preceded her in death in September 2015.

Sally and Oley quickly started a family after marrying and were blessed with four children: Louise Joan Peoples (Paul Miller) - Louise passed away in 2020; Elizabeth(Beth) Barela (Jeff); Robert Olinger (Nancy); and John Olinger (Catherine).

Sally and husband Oley moved their family to Erie PA in the early 1970's due to a job opportunity for Oley as a steel project estimator. The family loved Erie, spending a lot of time at the beach - Presque Isle. Winters were tough but the family was told it built resilience Throughout her life, Sally kept in touch with Erie neighbor Ann A. They talked up until a couple weeks before Sally's passing.

In 1980, an opportunity surfaced and Sally took a leap of faith, believing that if others could run a business, so could she. They packed up and moved to Albuquerque from Erie. Sally was chosen to open and own Olsten Staffing in Albuquerque, after being invited to New York City by the company's founder, Stuart Olsten, for a meeting that confirmed her grit, determination, and the personality it takes to lead a business. Although she didn't have the funds to start the venture, she saw that as just a minor obstacle-one she overcame with her characteristic resolve and resourcefulness. Through hard work and vision, she built a successful business and a legacy of leadership.

Over the twenty years of ownership, she was named "Woman Business Owner of the Year" several times. Family members who worked alongside her became instrumental in the company's success.

Through Olsten, she and her family and team members helped countless individuals not only find employment but discover paths to fulfilling and lucrative careers. Many people who walked through the doors looking for temporary work went on to secure permanent positions, earn promotions, and build prosperous futures. Her willingness to give people a chance often changed the course of their lives, opening doors they never imagined possible. Her business wasn't just about staffing-it was about believing in people and helping them achieve their dreams.

Sally wasn't quite ready to retire after selling her business, Olsten Staffing. She then became the HR Director at Montebello Retirement Home in Albuquerque for several years.

Sally's most important legacy is her family. Family was everything to her. As her four children began having families of their own, the family grew.

Sally was a devoted grandmother to nine grandchildren: Paul O. Peoples (Ginger), Erin Peoples, Luke Peoples (Emily), Tyler Barela (Courtney), Lauren Barela (Elias Fenstermacher), Jordan Olinger (Kelsey), Sarah Olinger, Casey Olinger (Joseph Loughrin), and John Olinger.

Many joyful times were spent in the courtyard at the house on Malagueña in Albuquerque, where stories were told, meals were shared, and fun was always on the agenda. There were countless gatherings-not only for birthdays and holidays, but also for casual get-togethers to play cards, share laughter, and enjoy each other's company.

In true family fashion, there were a few unforgettable moments, like a birthday cake being dropped on the patio while signing Happy Birthday, or someone accidentally falling into the fire pit-fortunately, without injury, or a harmless homeless person found asleep on the couch. So many funny stories.

Sally's door was always open, and you could stop by anytime for a cup of coffee or to hear her famous words: 'Can I make you a sandwich?' No one ever left her house hungry and everyone and anyone were always welcome.

Sally's family continued to grow, and she delighted in her 12 great-grandchildren - with one more expected soon: Paul T. Peoples, Grace Peoples, Noah Peoples, Payton Peoples; Rylin Barela, Nash Barela, Collins Barela; Scarlett Olinger; Max Olinger, Livvi Olinger, Noa Olinger, and Joseph Olinger Loughrin.

After retirement, Sally and her husband moved to Phoenix, AZ to be close to their daughter Louise and husband Paul who had moved there. Everyone missed the Malagueña home however by then many family members had themselves moved away from Albuquerque. Sally thought that was the end of moving however after her husband passed in 2015 she moved to Celina, TX to live with her daughter Louise and husband Paul who had moved there with Paul's new job.

After the unexpected passing of her daughter Louise in 2020, Sally moved back to Albuquerque, having previously been living with Louise and her husband Paul. Upon her return, her daughter Beth and son-in-law Jeff found her a wonderful patio home, allowing Sally to live mostly independently, just as she wished. Her son John and family also lived in Albuquerque. Her son Rob and wife Nancy lived in Tucson and made many, many visits to visit his mom and other family members in Albuquerque.

In her new neighborhood - The Islands - Sally quickly became close friends with many wonderful women, all around her age, who shared stories of days gone by, common interests, and similar values. Once a month, the gals gathered with snacks and treats to play Hand and Foot, a tradition Sally cherished. They looked out for one another, with the strongest among them pulling in everyone's trash cans and offering helping hands.

Sally often opened her door to find a friend delivering a freshly cut rose from their garden, homemade cookies, or even a full meal. These friendships brought her great joy and comfort, The women she met in The Islands neighborhood during this time held a very special place in her heart. She loved them all dearly.

Sally's passing leaves a profound void in the world, and she will be missed tremendously by so many. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel special, and she truly never knew a stranger.

The family is planning a service and a celebration of her life. The date and details will be shared soon.

John 14:1-4