Sara “Sally” LeRoy Christian

Born in 1928, Sara “Sally” LeRoy Christian, aka “Mom Sal” and “Nana”, joined loved ones in the next chapter on December 14, 2023. She grew up in Lansdowne and Trevose, PA and graduated from Ursinus College, with graduate studies at West Chester State Teachers College. Sally taught elementary school in the Pottstown & Media, PA areas before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.

She was a longtime member of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, DE and also a member of the Unitarian Universal Church of Surprise, AZ for many years. In the Wilmington church, she served on the board in multiple roles, culminating in her term as president.

Music was a gift, a talent and a legacy for Sally. Her father played piano for the silent movies, circa 1920’s & 30’s. She learned to play piano by ear as a little girl and her eight-minute rendition of Fred Waring & his Pennsylvanians song, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” will remain legendary. She sang in the church choir for over half a century in Wilmington and with the Sun City Choraliers for years. Cooking Sunday dinner followed by a family sing-along was the weekly norm and this helped instill a love for music in all her children and grandchildren. With her natural gift of performing, she also enjoyed acting in plays and musicals.

Sally was an avid reader since early childhood. Starting as a young adult, she kept a log of completed books with summaries, which became a book in itself. She was committed to staying active and trying new things. She joined with friends to create an informal “swim gym” group in the early 1970’s before aqua exercise was a routine option for people; did her Jack Lalanne exercises at home; and took up tennis at the ripe age of 50 and golf at 65! Growing up near Philadelphia, she and her family were lifetime Eagles fans. In addition to raising two legged children, she was a mom to many pets along the way – rescue dogs & cats, two Great Danes, three Schnauzers, four Siamese cats, one Himalayan cat, four rabbits, two hamsters, fish and even a parrot. Constant Comment Tea, Diet Shasta cola, Snyder’s hard pretzels and Herr’s potato chips were a “few of her favorite things” and she always kept enough on hand to energize the revolving door of active kids and their friends.

Community service was a significant piece of Sally’s being. In addition to her long-term, multifaceted service to the church, she served on the Board of the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of Delaware, helping to start the vision screening program for Amblyopia in schools. She volunteered with Planned Parenthood of DE, Meals on Wheels, and cooked for the Ministry of Caring, Emmanuel Dining program. She played piano for the Delaware State Hospital, retirement homes and various charitable events as well.

Sally was able to find gratitude, even in challenging moments. Anyone who met her would likely have experienced the joy, positivity and kindness that simply was “Sally”. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special and loved. Even in her most recent days at age 95 without many words, she subtly reminded us that there are beautiful things in this world worth celebrating every day. And of course, one of the most meaningful for her…the power of a smile is contagious. It makes sense that “On the Sunny Side of the Street”, “Put on a Happy Face”, “Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off & Start All Over Again” and Zippity Doo Dah” were a few of her favorite songs.

Family and friends were her greatest joy in life. Preceded by her loving husband Gene Christian in 1997 and her devoted brother Harrison, she is survived by her eldest daughter, two sons (Pete LeRoy), (Ben LeRoy and wife, Betsy), daughter (Laura LeRoy Travis and husband, Gerry), grandchildren (Michelle and Max LeRoy), (Jason and Kyle Stoltz), (Brooke and Chase Travis), stepchildren (Paulette Christian), (Jackie King and husband, Brian), (Valerie McClung and husband, Chris), five step grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Mom’s caregivers, Angie Brown and Samantha Esty, for their dedication and love. We also appreciate the support and care from everyone at The Lorelton and Accent Care Hospice, especially Chantal Yao, Beth Cooksey and Dr. Liu.

“Our Gal Sal” was a bright spirit, kind soul and her light will shine on through many.