Sally Ann Blaker

Cowboy Sal is Off to Her Next Rodeo.

Sally Blaker( née Aiman) whose motto was Fun Above All, died on the morning of Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. She was her mavericky self right up to the last couple of days. Her embarkation to her next rodeo was calm and peaceful. Two of her daughters, Barbara and Frances, and her dear friend Bernie were with her.

Sally was born in Berkeley, California and spent almost her entire life in the SF Bay Area. Although her parents divorced when she was a small child, the family remained close. Sally was extremely close with her older siblings John and Mary and they saw each other frequently, gathering together to talk, play ukulele, sing and drink a beer!

She married Alfred Blaker and they had 6 kids in 8 years! Family was extremely important to Sally and Al, and they passed this on to their children who remain very close. She met her partner Meryl Sacks almost 30 years ago and they continued their devotion to each other even once Sally moved to North Carolina in October of 2024. Meryl and Sally spoke to each other daily via FaceTime and cared deeply for one another. Once Sally moved to North Carolina to be closer to her daughter Barbara who could provide support and care, she continued bringing people together through her Sal's Salon and Sal's FAB Book (and movie) Club.

She loved music her whole life. As an adult she became an accomplished classical guitarist, baroque cellist and viola da gamba player. Playing music with others was one of her greatest joys. She taught us, her musician daughters, that when you get together to play music with others, you must also have refreshments!

Sally, who referred to herself as The Sal ,was a starter and a doer. She put on several Baroque operas, bringing together accomplished amateur musicians and enthusiastic audiences. She started the Early Music Open Mic – once-a-month performance opportunities. She joined her two musician daughters to play in the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra (created by said daughters, following in Sally's lets-start-something footsteps). When she moved to North Carolina a year and a half ago she started Sal's Salon, where many friends have sung and played music once a month, and Sal's FAB Book Club – read the book, watch the movie.

Sally was a true friend to so many people. Think of her when you have a hankering for a beer at 11:30 am, or when you have an urge to wear flamboyant clothing.

Let's all be like Sal- reach out and create a warm space for others.

In lieu of flowers, Sally requested donations be made to the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra

https://www.ncbaroqueorchestra.org