Sally Jean Poirier

Sally Jean Poirier passed away peacefully with family by her side on New Year's Day, 2025. Born on April 10th, 1934, in Tupper Lake, the first of eleven children to Ralph 'Bud' and Julia Miller Russell. Sally dedicated her life to family, teaching, cooking, and traveling. A graduate of Tupper Lake schools and Potsdam State, Sally led a full career building lifelong relationships with her fellow teachers, students, and colleagues.
She met her life partner James Woodrow 'Woody' Poirier and wed on October 14th, 1957 in Tupper Lake. Sally and Woody were stationed in Germany before settling down in Tupper Lake on Hosley Ave.
Sally was a proud mother to her son, Glenn, a devoted grandmother to her two grandchildren, Caitlin (Russell) and Patrick (Lindsay), and most of all, she loved her six great-grandchildren more than anything: Addison, Amelia, Alex, Callan, Scout, and Wynn. She had a special bond with them, enjoying summer days when she could be with all of them together. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved celebrating every milestone in their lives. She cherished family reunions with the large Russell family and was proud of her siblings, nieces, and nephew's accomplishments.
After retirement, Sally traveled the world on trips to Australia, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, and Ireland, and she enjoyed winters around her family in Beaufort, SC. In Tupper Lake, she enjoyed daily stops with her friends at Shaheens IGA, making apple sauce and baked goods for everyone to enjoy, and visiting with her neighbors.
The matriarch of the family is predeceased by her husband Woody and her siblings John Russell, Irene Russell, Grace Grammo, Ralph Russell, and Bill Russell. She is survived by her son Glenn (Nancie) Poirier, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her siblings Nance Green, Helen 'Peg' Cole, Robert 'Tom' Russell (Veronica), Michael Russell, Sioux Collier (Bob), brother-in-law Rey Grammo, dear friend Peggy Poirier, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Sally Poirier will be fondly remembered for her steadfast commitment to family and her spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of all she knew throughout her life.
Calling hours in honor of Sally will be held on January 5th, from 3-6 PM at the Frary Funeral Home and funeral, at St Alphonsus Catholic Church on January 6th 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad.