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BORN
1926
DIED
2026
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Sarah Conefrey Obituary
01/09/1926 - 01/19/2026
Sarah (Sally) Conefrey passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on January 19, 2026, just ten days after her 100th birthday. Born on January 9, 1926, in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo, Ireland, to Kathleen and John Deane, Sally was the eldest of six children. She was the devoted wife of John (Sean) Conefrey for 48 years, until his passing in September 2005.
Sally is survived by her loving children: Kathleen (Vincent) McEvoy; John (Maureen) Conefrey; and Colm (Patricia) Conefrey; and by her three cherished grandchildren: Kate (Billy) Gray, Colleen Conefrey, and Michael Conefrey. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Eleanor Rose Gray, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her second great-grandchild in early April. She is further survived by her dear sister, Grace Munnelly of Killala, Co. Mayo; her sister-in-law, Una Deane of Ballycastle, Co. Mayo; and many nieces and nephews in the United States, Ireland, England, and Europe. Sally was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved sisters and brothers; and her dear in-laws: Ann (Brendan) O'Keeffe, Mary (Martin) Pryal, Joey (Eileen) Deane, Noel Deane, Noel Munnelly, Seamus Conefrey, Anna-May (Johnny) Williams, Elizabeth (Fintan) Morris, Tommy (Peggy) Conefrey, Sister Ellen Mary Conefrey, and Charlie Conefrey.
Sally was a nursing graduate of Dr. Steevens' Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital, both in Dublin, Ireland. Upon completion of her nurses training, she moved to Coventry, England, where she was employed by the Coventry Corporation as a public health and school nurse. It was in Coventry that she met her future husband at a local dance; Sean and Sally were married in Ballycastle on August 7, 1957. Shortly thereafter, they set sail aboard the RMS Mauretania II for their transatlantic crossing to the United States, followed by a train journey from New York to San Francisco, where they settled, found jobs, and started a family. As Mom tells it, the day after arriving in San Francisco she walked to the old Southern Pacific Hospital on Fell Street, just a few blocks from where they were staying. She applied for a job and started that very night. Sally worked there as a registered nurse on the night shift until its closure in 1974. She was unemployed for only a few days before learning that Shriners Hospital on 19th Avenue needed a night nurse. Sally applied, was hired, and worked there until its closure in 1993.
Mom was a great "Irish" mother and loved all things Irish. Green was her favorite color and St. Patrick's Day was her favorite holiday. She brought us to Irish dance lessons, loved Irish music, taught us Irish songs and poems, had us play on Irish sports teams, and made the best Irish bread. She never missed a Feis or a game; she was always our biggest fan. She loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved gambling trips with the Irish and church communities, the stock market, a good joke or a funny story, she loved to laugh and most of all she loved us and her beautiful grandchildren.
Sally had a wonderful long life, and will be remembered for her keen sense of humor, her kindness and generosity, her sound advice, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her. She was a proud member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish for nearly 65 years and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. Her family would like to express their profound gratitude to her kind caregiver and friend, Brenda Farro, to whom they owe their eternal thanks. They also extend their deepest appreciation to the Kaiser Hospital staff, especially Dr. Dowray, her primary care physician for many years; Sarah Lee Chow, RN; and the entire Kaiser care team.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1555 39th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary from 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. Sally respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to either the Holy Name of Jesus Church Maintenance Fund, 3240 Lawton Street, San Francisco, CA 94122, or the United Irish Cultural Center's Annual Appeal Fund, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Conefrey
Sponsored by Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family The Duggan Welch Family.
Ollie Gallagher (Williams) and family
January 25, 2026
Sincere condolences to cousins Kathy, Johnny, Colm and families on the death of your mother. Sally was a great lady and we enjoyed visiting her and having phone conversations with her in her latter years. She was fully tuned in to what was going on in our lives and had a great interest in all our families. She will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.
Suzanne and Jerry O Sullivan, Ireland
January 25, 2026
Deepest sympathy to all the Conefrey families, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gerardine Nicholls née O´Keeffe
January 25, 2026
Aunt Sally was always part of my life. From an early age I remember her and the Conefrey family visiting Ireland in the summer. Ireland was always in Aunt Sally´s heart, and she ensured that her children were exposed to all things Irish from an early age. She was with my grandfather when he died which although sad was also comforting that she was with him when he passed on. Over the years she visited Ireland less and less. At the time I did not understand why but as I have gotten older and moved to Melbourne, Australia I think I know why. Our memories are linked to the past times when you lived in Ireland and are associated with loved ones who are no longer with us. It can be too painful to return to places where those we were close to are no longer there.
Aunt Sally and her siblings had a difficult childhood. Their mother died suddenly when they were young leaving granddad to raise them alone for many years before he married Josephine. Life was hard in a small village in Mayo and the family faced many difficulties. Like most Irish people they were forced to immigrate and seek a life elsewhere. Aunt Sally had a deep faith which I think carried her through the good and bad times she faced. She was blessed to have met Uncle Sean - a true gentleman. Bringing up children and working fulltime as a night nurse cannot have been easy but Aunt Sally was stoic and never complained. I remember I once moaned to her about some trivial problem, and she told me to `offer it up´ That was part of her religious philosophy. You carried your cross bearing whatever life throws at you.
Aunt Sally was honest to a fault which could be challenging at times. But she was authentic and did not hide how she felt. In this very troubled world, we could do with more genuine and honest people like Aunt Sally.
Aunt Sally was a generous host. I remember bringing my mother to see her in 1995. She made us feel so welcome (as she always did when I stayed with her on several occasions). The trip was topped off when we won second prize in a Thanksgiving draw. Aunt Sally was as excited as we were. Aunt Sally realized that I liked her white soda bread and, on every visit, she baked the bread for my breakfast. That was so typical of her...nothing was too much for her guests.
I imagine Aunt Sally is looking down on us in heaven happy that she is reunited with her parents and siblings but worried that her funeral will go according to plan. She need not worry. Her family never let her down and will not now. She may also be asking God to do something about the mid-term elections.
Rest in Peace Aunt Sally. I am sorry I cannot attend your funeral, but I am in Northern Michigan unable to travel because of snowstorms. I will be thinking of you.
Your niece Gerardine & Dale
Shea Wisely
January 25, 2026
Miss you must stang Sally a beautiful Lady with a heart of gold a wonderful person we will miss you and love you always .
Love you always Muss Stang Sally.
Shea Wisely
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Margaret Dade
January 24, 2026
My sincere sympathy to the entire Conefrey family on Sally's passing. She was always a pleasure to meet. RIP Sally.
Gerardine Nicholls
January 24, 2026
Aunt Sally was always part of my life. From an early age I remember her and the Conefrey family visiting Ireland in the summer. Ireland was always in Aunt Sally’s heart, and she ensured that her children were exposed to all things Irish from an early age. She was with my grandfather when he died which although sad was also comforting that she was with him when he passed on. Over the years she visited Ireland less and less. At the time I did not understand why but as I have gotten older and moved to Melbourne, Australia I think I know why. Our memories are linked to the past times when you lived in Ireland and are associated with loved ones who are no longer with us. It can be too painful to return to places where those we were close to are no longer there.
Aunt Sally and her siblings had a difficult childhood. Their mother died suddenly when they were young leaving granddad to raise them alone for many years before he married Josephine. Life was hard in small village in Mayo and the family faced many difficulties. Like most Irish people they were forced to immigrate and seek a life elsewhere. Aunt Sally had a deep faith which I think carried her through the good and bad times she faced. She was blessed to have met Uncle Sean – a true gentleman. Bringing up children and working fulltime as a night nurse cannot have been easy but Aunt Sally was stoic and never complained. I remember I once moaned to her about some trivial problem, and she told me to ‘offer it up’ That was part of her religious philosophy. You carried your cross bearing whatever life throw at you.
Aunt Sally was honest to a fault which could be challenging at times. But she was authentic and did not hide how she felt. In this very troubled world, we could do with more genuine and honest people like Aunt Sally.
Aunt Sally was a generous host. I remember bringing my mother to see her in 1995. She made us feel so welcome (as she always did when I stayed with her on several occasions). The trip was topped off when we won second prize in a Thanksgiving draw. Aunt Sally was as excited as we were. Aunt Sally realized that I liked her white soda bread and, on every visit, she baked the bread for my breakfast. That was so typical of hernothing was too much for her guests.
I imagine Aunt Sally is looking down on us in heaven happy that she is reunited with her parents and siblings but worried that her funeral will go according to plan. She need not worry. Her family never let her down and will not now. She may also be asking God to do something about the mid-term elections.
Rest in Peace Aunt Sally. I am sorry I cannot attend your funeral, but I am in Northern Michigan unable to travel because of snowstorms. I will be thinking of you.
Your niece Gerardine & Dale
Kenny Hagan
January 23, 2026
A Great lady lived to a Great age.
Sal is definitely at peace and probably cutting a piece of pie, with ice cream of course, for Sean.
George Fogarty
January 23, 2026
John and family, I"m sorry to read of the loss of your mom. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.
Pete Murray
January 23, 2026
Sally was a beautiful person who always had a smile for you when she saw you. another great Holy Name family loses its matriarch.
RIP Sally
Mary Rea
January 23, 2026
Deepest sympathy to the Conefrey family on the passing of Sally. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Rea, Dublin
Jack O´Keeffe
January 22, 2026
So sorry to hear of Sally `s passing. May her jolly soul rest in eternal pesce.
My fondest memories are of Sally´s visits to Handicapables as she ambled along pushing her wheelchair. She loved attending the mass at St Mary´s Carhedral followed by a simple lunch and fellowship.
She was a most generous contributor to the organization.
My sincere condolences to John,Maureen , Kathy and families.
Jack O´Keeffe
Valerie and Felim
January 22, 2026
Felim and Valerie O´Reilly send their condolences to all the family, especially to Kathy whom we have known for years
Susan Dunnigan
January 22, 2026
For Kathy John and Colm. So very sorry to hear of your mom's passing, I have fond and cherished memories of time spent with Kathy in the Conefrey home (lots of tea;-) I would think of her with fondness when I would hear about Shriners and the wonderful work they do. Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and your family. Sue Dunnigan (Ryan)
Hilary Williams & Johnny Nolan
January 22, 2026
Sincere condolences to John , Cathy , Colm and the extended Conefrey family on Sally's passing. May she rest in peace.. Slan abhaile Sally.
Brenda Egan
January 22, 2026
Sending our deep sympathy to the Conefrey family. Aunt Sally was a wonderful Sister to our Mom and Dad and a beloved Aunt to us all! We will cherish the special memories our families shared through the years!! We will remember her caring nature kind heart and compassion and the ways she motivated us to be our best selves!!! We were truly blessed with our Aunt Sally xoxo RIP The Pryal Family ...
Frankie and Helen Dolan
January 22, 2026
Sincere sympathy to the Conefrey family on the passing of Sally
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