Sally Sheehy

Sally Lorraine Clarizio Warne Cooper

Sheehy

1926 - 2026

Fewer than six months shy of her 100th birthday, Sally Lorraine Clarizio Warne Cooper Sheehy passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at her lovely home in Santa Maria, California--a community she cherished for over 60 years. Her remarkable life is hinted at even in her name, each chapter reflecting a story well lived. To those who knew and loved her most, she was simply NeeNee, a name first spoken by a toddler grandson and forever synonymous with warmth, strength and joy.

Sally was born on June 7, 1926, in Sacramento, California, the elder daughter of Sally and Frank Clarizio. Her father, an Italian immigrant from Bari, arrived in the United States at just 17 years old and built a life through determination and resilience. The family soon settled in San Francisco where Sally's sister, Frances, was born.

Growing up during the aftermath of a global pandemic and the hardships of the Great Depression, Sally often recalled simple meals of sourdough bread and olive oil--later crediting olive oil as one of her secrets to longevity. She came of age in the heart of San Francisco and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Lincoln High School. Athletic and fiercely competitive, she was known as the fastest sprinter in her school where she outran the girls and boys alike. After the early loss of her father, her mother remarried Casimir "Cash" Sapa, and Sally welcomed younger brother, Kirk.

After high school, Sally married Charles "Buz" Lewis Warne II, an Air Force lieutenant and pilot. Their early years together were defined by adventure and movement. They were first stationed in the Philippines where son Charles was born, then Sacramento where daughter Susan was born, Alabama where daughter Linda arrived, and other states including Maryland, Hawaii and Virginia. Life as a military wife further shaped her resilience, independence and adaptability.

In the mid-1960s, Sally made a bold and defining decision. With characteristic courage, she sold her Mercedes, packed her three children into the back seat of a '66 Ford Mustang and with a U-Haul in tow, set off to begin a new chapter to live near her mother, stepfather, and brother. In Santa Maria she earned her real estate license and joined Myrna Winter Realty, establishing herself professionally while raising her family.

Through family connections, she met Robert "RC/Bob" Cooper. He was immediately taken by Sally's spirit and grace, and the two married and built a beautiful life together. Robert embraced her three children as his own, adopting them and creating a loving and adventurous home. Their life was shared between Santa Maria and Bend, Oregon, where Robert developed Deschutes River Woods and added a small general store, laundromat and fuel station. At first their home was a modest A-frame cabin adjacent to a fishing pond, but Robert soon built his family a stunning home perched on the Deschutes River bluff with sweeping views of Mt. Bachelor. Sally was never one to stand on the sidelines. She learned to operate a backhoe, helped dig trenches for water lines, fished alongside Robert and traveled the Pacific Northwest in their motorhome, often surrounded by family and friends. Whether building a life or hosting one, she did it fully.

A passionate golfer, Sally played courses across the country and delighted in recalling them while watching tournaments. A proud member of the Santa Maria Country Club, she walked the course, carrying or pushing her own clubs. After finishing as runner-up multiple times, she eventually won the Women's Club Championship. Sally's adventurous spirit never faded. In her 70s, despite never having learned to swim and harboring a fear of water, she climbed onto a jet ski at Lake Nacimiento and held on tight as she sped across the lake with her radiant smile as fearless as her determination.

After losing Robert to cancer in 1994, Sally was courted by then neighbor, Terry Sheehy. They shared 14 wonderful years of marriage, traveling the world and embracing life together. It also helped that Sally loved strawberries, as Terry was a pioneer strawberry farmer in the Santa Maria Valley. Following Terry's passing, Sally lived independently for another 16 years, firmly believing that staying social was the key to a sharp mind and full heart. Whether it was a spontaneous trip, a card game or lunch with friends, she was always ready. She enjoyed tequila on the rocks and, at her 95th birthday, famously quipped, "You don't know you're old until your son is 75!"

Sally was a formidable bridge player, sharp strategist, and woman of remarkable intellect with razor-sharp wit. Her talents were endless--an artist, decorator, gardener, seamstress, exceptional cook and natural hostess. She approached everything with elegance and intention. She had high standards and a signature sense of style, believing linens should be ironed, outfits impeccable, and dressing up for every occasion worth it.

In March 2022, Sally's daughters took her back to a much-changed and newly-developed Bend. While visiting the general store, the proprietor looked up in surprise and exclaimed, "Sally Cooper--is that you?" At age 95 after breaking her neck in a fall, she faced recovery with the same grit that defined her life. Initially at Marian Hospital her doctors soon learned her pain medication caused hallucinations. Our strong Little Old Lady required 4 nurses and finally 2 security guards to keep her in bed. With the help of the Arroyo Grande Acute Rehab Center, she quickly surpassed expectations and returned home within weeks. At 96, after retiring her driver's license, she purchased her final Jaguar. The sales team looked at her with astonished amazement, proving that style and spirit never age.

Sally--our beloved NeeNee--was a champion in every sense. Not only a champion on the golf course but forever the champion of our hearts. She is survived by her children, Charles "Chuck" Warne Cooper of Vancouver, WA, Susan Warne Cooper of Novato, CA, and Linda Warne Cooper Smith of Santa Maria; her brother, Kirk Sapa (Sharon Center) of Ithaca, NY; her grandchildren, Robert Warne (Christina) of San Rafael, CA, Brandon Smith (Karla) and Shannon Smith (Adam Polen) of Santa Barbara, CA; her great-grandchildren, Miles Smith, Maya Warne, Baron Smith, Morgan Smith and Elliot Warne. Sally also leaves behind a circle of dear friends, physicians and caregivers who admired her strength, elegance, love of life and tenacity for longevity. She was preceded in death by her three husbands, her sister Frances Clarizio Gates, and many cherished loved ones.

A private interment was held with immediate family and her closest loved ones, and a celebration of life will be held later this year. Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Memory Gardens has overseen services, and the family wishes to thank them for their extraordinary friendship during this difficult time. Sally's fond relationship with Father Ed Jalbert was legendary and the family is grateful for him. In honor of Sally's extraordinary life, may we all remember the words: "Bloom where you're planted." "Always look and do your very best." And above all, "Don't save things for a special occasion--being alive every day IS the special occasion."?