Sally Robbins Bilder

1942 - 2025

Sally Robbins Bilder

August 24, 1942 - August 13, 2025

Sally Robbins Bilder, beloved mother and wife, whose life and work touched people and institutions in Madison and beyond, died peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was 82 years old. Her death followed closely upon that of her husband, Richard Bruce Bilder, with whom she shared 60 years of mutual love and devotion.

Sally was born in Norton, Massachusetts. After completing High School at the age of 16, Sally enrolled at Brown University, graduating with a degree in English Literature. Sally's professional life centered around effective, compassionate government and education. She worked during the Kennedy administration in the Department of Treasury and the Head Start Program. In Washington, she met Richard and moved to Madison, where he began a long career as Professor of International Law at the UW. Sally worked for several state government agencies and served as Special Assistant for Governors Schreiber and Lucey. She obtained her Masters in Public Policy and Administration and held the role of Associate Director of UW PROFS.

In addition to working with the nuclear disarmament movement, Sally became deeply engaged as a volunteer for Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Educational Communication Board, serving the latter as Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary through the 1980s and 90s. Later, she returned to a personal love - gardening - and supported Allen Centennial Garden as Board President and through financial, creative, and hands-on contributions. These culminated in the creation of Sally's Garden, an English Cottage Garden.

Sally had boundless intellectual and creative energy. She closely followed and participated in politics, read voraciously, obtained her Masters in Arts Education, and memorialized in paint iconic scenes around Madison, especially places where she and Richard would walk and enjoy natural beauty. Her paintings were displayed in shows and graced local calendars.

More than anything, Sally was devoted to her family. She raised four children – Mary, Anne, David and Deborah -- guiding them towards happy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives like her own. They are the lucky beneficiaries of her wisdom and her abundant love. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren. Sally was preceded in death by her dear sisters, Katherine Frost and Nancy DeLorenzo; and her brother-in-law, Lawrence Bilder.

Donations in Sally's memory can be made to the "UW Foundation", directed to "Sally Bilder's English Cottage Garden Fund" or "Richard B. Bilder Scholarship Fund." Mail to UW Foundation, US Bank, Lockbox Box 78807, Milwaukee, Wis. 53278-0807.

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