Sally Thomasson Sanger

Sally Kay Thomasson Sanger of Albany, CA passed away on Friday September 7, 2025 at age 81. Born in Middlesboro KY, the youngest of three, she studied English at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. After college she moved to California and then to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico where she studied and then taught silversmithing. On her return to the US she settled in Albany and worked as a secretary at All Souls Episcopal Church in Berkeley where she met her husband David. Their two children, Jonathan and Elizabeth were born in 1977 and 1979.

The daughter of a school librarian and superintendent, Sally was a steadfast supporter of reading and education. She volunteered in the Cornell School library when her children were young and later sought out stimulating children's books for her grandchildren.

Sally enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, theater, playing the piano, singing in the church choir and especially writing. She took several writing classes with Adair Lara. She also loved to travel and joined her husband on many international trips. She was particularly glad to be able to return to Mexico and visit the family she stayed with in San Miguel de Allende.

Sally was a fixture of the community for half a century and could frequently be seen riding her bike around Albany, sharing her beautiful smile and laughter. She loved animals, children, adventure and living life to the fullest. Sally was a private but devout Christian who found solace in God's words. She will be remembered for her creativity, her strength, her honesty, and her many acts of kindness to those in need.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Grace, Case, Ellen, and Alex Thomasson. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, David, their two children, Jonathan (Alisa) and Elizabeth (Nick) Flegel, and five grandchildren, Rose, Samantha, William, Emily ("Emmie Kay") and Caroline.

A memorial service and interment for Sally will be held on November 9th at 3pm at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Franciso.

Donations in Sally's memory can be made to www.thefoodpantry.org