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Sally Sitta Obituary
Naples, FL
Sally Sitta passed on October 18th, 2010 after a lifetime of giving. A Naples legend, she came from Elmhurst, IL in 1963 and immediately joined the Naples Junior Woman's Club and Naples Community Hospital Auxiliary in which she remained active until the end. After ten years as a volunteer at NCH, the final two as auxiliary president Sally became the first director of volunteers, a position she held for twenty-five years. Under her leadership the auxiliary became the nation's largest and two new auxiliaries were begun on Marco and North Collier. She oversaw creation of the nation's first hospital courtesy cart transport system for visitors, the chaplain service, and expanded the White Elephant thrift shop from an annual fundraiser to a weekly event. She ended her tenure as a vice-president and special assistant to the president becoming director emeritus. She continued volunteering for the NCH Foundation, serving as committee member for the annual ball.
A lifetime member and past president of the Florida Association of Directors of Volunteer Services, Sally established the first professional certification program for directors and was named first recipient of the Commitment to Excellence in Volunteer Administration CEVA Award in 1996, since renamed the Sally Sitta Award. The American Society of Directors of Volunteer Services recognized her with its Spotlight Award in 1996.
In 1974, Sally was honored as Naples Daily News Outstanding Citizen for her numerous achievements including one of her most cherished accomplishments creation of Youth Haven, serving on the steering committee as chairman of the Special Project and member of Special Volunteers. She was also cited for her service on the Budget Review Committee and chairman of the United Fund residential drive, as an organizer of the Police Athletic League, member of the Committee to Save the Fakahatchee Strand, Southwest Council of the March of Dimes as well as being chairman of the Mother's March of Dimes, Mental Health Association, board member of the Naples Woman's Club and senior sponsor to the Naples Junior Woman's Club, vice-president of the Republican Club of Greater Naples and, never neglecting her family, Cub Scout den mother and chairman of Gulfview Middle School's spaghetti dinners. She was a board member and past president for Naples Retirement, Inc., founders of the Lely Palms retirement community, board member of Future Citizens of Collier County, Bright Futures mentor for the Education Foundation of Collier County, treasurer and past president of the Coquina Sands Association, past board member of the Naples Civic Association, and committee member for Florida Year of the Woman. In 1982, the League of Woman's Voters named her Woman Achiever of Collier County and was recognized in 1984 by Gov. Bob Graham as a nominee to the Florida Woman's Hall of Fame. In 1996, the Girl Scouts recognized her as a finalist for their Crystal Heart Award. She was named Woman of Style by N Magazine and honorary Woman of Distinction.
Sally was a longtime member of the Zonta Club of Naples, serving in many capacities. She was recently honored by the service club with establishment of the distinguished of the Sally Sitta scholarship and was recognized by Zonta International for her distinguished service to the status of women.
She was also a volunteer for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, serving as an Ambassador. Noted for her dedication to her family, Sally was preceeded in death by her husband, Jerry; and is survived by her sons, Don (Cris), Bob and Doug (Allison); grandchildren, Allison, Jason and Josh; and great-grandchildren, Justin and Jordan. As well as an abundency of lifelong friends.
Viewing will be Thursday, October 21, 2010, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hodges Memorial Funeral Home, 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL, 34108.
A funeral service celebrating Sally's life will be held at the Moorings Presbryterian Church Friday, October 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers we ask that contributions be made to the Sally Sitta Scholarship award benefiting deserving students at our local Lorenzo Walker Tech Institute. Send donations to: Zonta Club of Naples, 5848 Paradise Circle, Naples, FL. 34110.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sally Sitta
November 1, 2010
Sally was instrumental in mentoring many new and seasoned Directors of Volunteer Services serving in Healthcare organizations. She was a support to many of us throughout the years. We will miss her wisdom, her sense of humor, her leadership, and most of all, her wonderful heart.
Stacy Scott Berteau, Director, Volunteer Services, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System
Lee Russell
October 27, 2010
Dear Don,
I was truly sorry to hear about your mother. It is very difficult to know that she is gone but know that she will always be with you in your heart. My heartfelt condolences.
Lee Russell
Edie Huddleston
October 27, 2010
I have many fond memories of Sally and of the two years I worked with her in the Volunteer Dept. at NCH. She was a very fair and considerate lady who was dedicated to the many volunteers she worked with. She had numerous friends and will be missed.
Barbara Ramming
October 26, 2010
Sally was such a kind and sweet lady..always around NCH with that smile..my thoughts and prayers to all that loved her..
Barbara Cain
October 26, 2010
I worked with Sally for many years and she was one of those rare individuals that listened and did not judge people. She had a wonderful laugh and she will be missed by all who knew her.
October 25, 2010
My mother, Grace White, recently passed away, worked for NCH for many years and she spoke often of Mrs. Sitta and what a gentle and caring person she was.
With both of them gone, an Era has certainly passed at NCH.
Mrs. Sitta was a wonderful person and great friend of my mother. My sincere regards to the Sitta family
Joe White
October 25, 2010
My mother, Grace White, recently passed away, worked for NCH for many years and she spoke often of Mrs. Sitta and what a gentle and caring person she was.
With both of them gone, an Era has certainly passed at NCH.
Mrs. Sitta was a wonderful person and great friend of my mother. My sincere regards to the Sitta family
Sheri Chase
October 24, 2010
Sally will be greatly missed. It was such an honor to know her. The ball wasn't the same without her presence...And Judge Judy was in the building!
The Jernigans
October 24, 2010
"Mom" as Sally was known to me, opened many doors and opportunities during the years I knew her. She may be physically gone, but she'll not be forgotten and she lives in the hearts of all whose lives she touched. She was so supportive during my working years with Naples Community Hospital and when I started sculpting. She was the one who introduced me to Bill and David Turner, of Turner Sculptures, at a fund raiser in Naples 25 years ago. We will miss her and always love her memory. Michael & Linda Jernigan (Tallahassee, Fl)
October 24, 2010
Sally Sitta was my mentor into the Zonta Club of Naples; how much I appreciated her help and kindness! Also her great spirit of generosity of volunteerism as she directed the volunteers at NCH when I worked there! Everybody loved Sally because she had a loving smile, an open door, a shoulder to cry on, and the answer to everything!! Naples is a better place for the many things she did. I only wish she had lived to celebrate herself more!!
Olea DeFore, RN, AFP.
Edward Morton
October 22, 2010
Sally was one of the most giving and caring people that I have ever known. She quietly went out of her way to bring dignity to so many and so often; the mold was broken when she was born.
Linda "Lily" Kerr
October 22, 2010
There are folks who talk about kindness, generosity, involvement, teamwork, right-living - and then there are those who exemplify these qualities. Sally did both. She was always kind to me and I liked the way she looked me in the eye. It's true: "The best sermon is a life well-lived." Our world is a little dimmer today and heaven's a little brighter today.
October 21, 2010
I worked with Sally in getting the Beatrice Branch Briggs Health Resource Center off the ground and just today was talking of my fond memories working with Sally. She was very dedicated to NCH and contributed more then everyone will ever know. Naples lost a great lady with her passing.
Andrea Wheaton
North Andover, MA
October 21, 2010
Sally was a wonderful lady - I enjoyed many years working beside her as avolunteer for the Chamber - along with Sally. We shared the same birthday (june 14th) She will be missed!!!!
Diane Neuman
October 21, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathy to your family. Sally was a cherished friend of mine for many years. I have many fond memories of her as our paths crossed in volunteer work and as fellow Zontians. Sally was a shining example to women of all ages as a mother, co-worker, volunteer and friend.
Michael Harper
October 21, 2010
Sally was first my supervisor, then my colleague and always my friend. She touched my life, blessed me and loved me with her grace, care and support. She will always live in my heart and my thoughts.
Rev. Michael R. Harper
Sally Sitta
October 21, 2010
Your in our thoughts & prayers
John& Mary
October 21, 2010
My fondest memories of Sally always include her warm, all inclusive smile. I was fortunate to work with Sally in her office and later at the Briggs Center. She gave of herself in untold ways to all who crossed her path. My thanks to Sally is "Thank you for being you." Rita Ross, Naples, Florida and Flat Rock, North Carolina
October 21, 2010
Sally was a remarkable and accomplished woman who touched the lives of so many people. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Jo Ann Grey, Naples, FL
Bonnie Kolling
October 20, 2010
Sally was a shining star during my employment at NCH. She gave so tirelessly to our community, her hospital family, and those she mentored with her love and honesty. I learned so much from this woman and will cherish my memories.
Candice Carraway
October 20, 2010
Lisa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know how your grandma was so dear to you. I know you have alot of precious memories in your mind and herat that you will treasure always.
Candice Carraway
October 20, 2010
Sally hired me in 1990. She believed in me and helped me in so many ways as a boss and a friend. I will miss her but will never forget her. Sally was the best !!
Gary Shultz
Nancy Flood
October 20, 2010
Sally was a calm, kind and knowledgeable influence for many years to the women of the Naples Junior's Club. She set a first class example to all who knew her.
Danny Brack
October 20, 2010
To The Sitta Family,
I did have the privilege of knowing Mrs. Sitta and Jerry. An incredible woman. A wonderful family. They both had a marvelous sense of humor and their contributions to Naples are legendary. I am so sorry for your loss. May their memory comfort you at this difficult time.
A Briggs Center celebration
Connie Muhlhahn
October 20, 2010
Sally with the Briggs Center crew
Connie Muhlhahn
October 20, 2010
Sally and Bob
Connie Muhlhahn
October 20, 2010
Sally at the Briggs Center
Connie Muhlhahn
October 20, 2010
Connie Muhlhahn
October 20, 2010
Sally was truly an angel on earth. Her imprint on me over the years has been a blessing to me, as I know it has been to many people whose lives she touched. I will never forget everything she has done for me, both as my boss for 7 of the 23 years I was at NCH and a dear friend. What she taught me has always stayed with me and her wisdom and sense of humor will always be what I remember the most.
Sally, you are always in my heart and I am so blessed to have had you in my life.
October 20, 2010
don and family, im sorry to hear the news of your mom. soon i hope, happy memories of her, will bring a smile to all of you. she certianly brought a world of community service to naples over the years...i can still see her at the white elephant as i grew up, like you, with these wonderful strong role models, such as her. love, chrisse morse collins
Daniela Needler
October 20, 2010
Sally was an incredible teacher, mentor and friend. Her presence at the Naples Junior Woman's Club was invaluable and she will be dearly missed.
Terri Tragesser
October 20, 2010
Sally Sitta was the Lady of Naples Community Hospital for over three decades. Her respect for its history, compassion for its patients, leadership in developing the volunteer program and "Mom" to so very many of us that sought her guidance made her an invaluable asset and resource.
She truly is one of those human beings that left a footprint of positive uniqueness and a life path one can only admire and learn from.
Sally Sitta, you will be missed by many and replaced by none.
Sandy and Wayne Gilliland
October 19, 2010
I did not have the privilege of personally knowing Sally, but it's obvious she led a life devoted to others and leaves a legacy in her children and her community. May the blessings she shared give comfort to Don, Cris and all her family and friends in this time of personal loss.
Sandy and Wayne Gilliland, Bedford, Texas
Brandy Donahoe
October 19, 2010
Dear Family,
Sally's sweet smile, warm heart, and great sense of humor will never be forgotten. I'm am thankful to have known her, she was such a special lady.
Anytime my kids say their thirsty I'll think of Papa Don saying "swallow your spit, that's what mom would always tell us".
I love you all and wish so much I could be there. XOXOX love sent from Texas, Brandy, Ella and Cayson Donahoe
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