About
Sally Dohm Obituary
after a lengthy health decline.
Sally was born in Westfield, NJ on August 28, 1943, to Emerson Maynard Van Doren and
Jaqueline Hicks Van Doren (later of Darien, CT, Seaside Park, NJ and Vero Beach, FL). Sally grew
up in Darien, CT and graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1962.
Sally went on to earn a B.A. from Brown University (Pembroke University) in Providence, RI in
1966. She would meet Stanley Dohm of Princeton, NJ in Seaside Park during college summers,
and they married in Darien, CT in June of 1966. The young couple moved to Ann Arbor,
Michigan to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan. Sally briefly became a
kindergarten teacher before having a family. In 1972, the family moved to Darien to raise their
two daughters.
Sally and her husband Stan took over her father Emerson's Darien Hardware, and later also
launched Darien Cooking and Gifts and Fairfield Hardware. Sally created and ran The Rainbow
Shoppe in Darien in 1981. The store was a unique mix of gifts, party goods, and specialty
dollhouse and miniature items. In 2008, Sally retired to her family's Seaside Park house to
enjoy the beach, swimming laps in the ocean, spoiling her dogs and growing tremendous flower
gardens. In later years, she loved to watch the birds her garden attracted.
Sally is survived by her daughter Wendy Dohm White and husband Robert White, of Ipswich,
MA; and her four grandchildren, Dr. Ryan White of Boston, Caroline White of Boston, Tyler
White and Jenny White, both in college. Sally is preceded in death by her daughter Sandy
Kathleen Dohm, parents Jaqueline and Emerson VanDoren, and her older brother, Barclay Van
Doren. She is also remembered by Barclay's wife, Janet, and their children, Clay and Cary.
Those who wish to honor Sally's memory can leave a message, memory or photo at her
Memorial Page at www.forevermissed.com/sally-vandoren-dohm. The family will host a
"celebration of life" in early summer, during Sally's favorite time of the year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Lynda Roberts
November 13, 2025
Wendy I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom´s passing. I hold so many memories of her from spending Summer afternoons in her Garden to rooming together during Sandy. One of the most poignant was helping her get ready for your Summer visit. As you know she went to great lengths to make sure everyone had whatever they liked. She loved all of you so much and was the proudest Grandma.
The photo you chose is perfect. That´s exactly how I will remember her. Smiling and holding flowers.
I´m so pleased that the last time I visited we were able to talk about happier times.
I will miss her.
Lynda Roberts
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
1252 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755
Make a Donation
in Sally Dohm's name
People and places connected with Sally
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Sally's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sally Dohm's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
