Sally Joann Drain

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Sally Joann Drain at the age of 71. Born in Portland, Oregon on July 22, 1953, Sally was the oldest of three children. As a young adult, Sally pursued beauty school but later settled in the insurance industry from which she retired after 20 years. Subsequently, Sally settled into her best-known role as Nana. All the pride and joy her two daughters brought her was tenfold with the arrival of each of her five grandchildren. Sally would enjoy her days as a professional sports spectator, a seamstress, a beautician and, of course, a personal shopper. Regardless of her roles throughout her lifetime, one thing remains true: Sally was the most selfless being on this earth and would sacrifice herself if it made her loved ones happy. Now, more than ever, it is apparent just how many lives her kind and loving heart touched. We will cherish the memories of her camping every Labor day with family, watching the sunrise and sunset at the ballpark, lounging around on holidays while laughing at her infamous stories, eating her famous taco salad or fried chicken, staying up late at night with her grandbabies so her daughters could breathe and always, always being there to listen (and ask many questions) to a friend.

Sally is proceeded in death by her parents, Robert Hulen and Rita Schmeiser as well as her Grandmother Virgie Hulen, all of whom she patiently waited to be reunited with in Paradise. She leaves to mourn her longtime companion Samuel Tillman, her daughters Tifani Brown and Kalila Al-Nizam and their children: Laila, Amaya, Saniyah, Ayana and Leonard. She also leaves behind her sisters and best friends, Sharon Hughes and Sandra Salmonson, their spouses, Steven Hughes and Robert Salmonson and her nieces and nephews, her bonus children: Brenda Randall, Dennis Hughes and Paul Salmonson and their families. Additionally, she is proceeded in death by her step-brothers Walter Schmeiser Jr. and Robert Hulen Jr. and survived by her step siblings Michelle Amato, Toni Hulen-Stillwell, Jeff Hulen and their families. Many friends from over the years mourn alongside the family as she was like a sister, aunt, mom or nana to them as well.

Our family appreciates the support and prayers that have been sent from various stages in her life. It is no coincidence everyone's thoughts are similar. Sally was the most amazing, the sweetest, the kindest, the most selfless, and the most beautiful soul. In these times, OUR Nana would want us to continue to be kind and love one another.

Arrangements for her Memorial Service are to follow. In the meantime, we encourage you to sign our online guestbook including your favorite memories and photos.