Sallie Jo Doores VanSant, 61, of North Plain Road passed away on Friday, November 14, 2014 at her home in Housatonic.
Born January 21, 1953 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana she was the daughter of Mary Jean and Jack Doores. Sallie grew up in New Jersey and spent three years in Surrey, England when her father was posted there. She spent her high school years in Connecticut before marrying Nicholas Procter VanSant in 1971. Sallie and Nick lived in several states before coming to live in Great Barrington in 1980.
Sallie graduated from Empire State College in New York and later earned a Master of Social Work degree from Smith College in Northampton. She practiced locally as a psychotherapist with much of her practice focused on helping children. In recent years she studied and practiced Shiatsu massage as well.
As well as being a wife to Nick, Sallie was the mother of six children including a daughter who died shortly after birth. Her daughters Jennifer VanSant, Melissa VanSant, and Olivia VanSant as well as her son Samuel VanSant live in Great Barrington. Daughter Carrie VanSant Bailly lives with her family in West Melbourne, Florida. Sallie was grandmother to twelve lovely children.
All are invited to come and recall this beloved wife, mother, helper and healer on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feel free to bring an offering for our altar of reflection at the remembrance. Offerings can include photos, written sentiments, and small objects of significance.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Multicultural BRIDGE or the Elizabeth Freeman Center through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to her family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
