Sally Giovine-Kerr
Obituary by John Giovine
Whether she was skinny-dipping in a river, sailing in the waters of
her native Puget Sound, or championing for social equality on the political
front lines, Sally was truly force of nature.
Although she was raised in a family of means during the Great Depression,
Sally was virtually without pretense, embracing all with equal consideration.
With a tear in her eye, she would recall how Depression survivors would
come to her family's back door in search of food, gratefully accepting
anything that was offered. This foundation of humanity, love, and grace
would forever become Sally's legacy.
Always a step ahead of her time, Sally left her university sorority in
the 1940s due to its anti-Semitic bias, and she worked as a "Rosie"
(draftswoman) during WWII. Even in her late 70s, Sally was still marching
against war in the streets of Seattle. She lived with passion and purpose,
leaving this world a better place for all who follow.
In 1942, Sally married Peter R. Giovine. After his army service was completed
in WWII, they settled in Olympia, Washington, raising five sons (two daughters
died at childbirth). Peter died of a heart attack in 1959, and in 1968,
Sally married Robert N. Kerr and moved to Seattle.
Completing her education with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education,
Sally taught preschool and worked tirelessly to end corporal punishment
in all schools. She later became a counselor and continued working with
people until shortly before her death.
Like her warm heart and gentle embrace, Sally's door was always open.
Generations of family and friends shared her table, sage counsel, and
love. She greeted life as the full spectrum that it is, and she was always
willing to learn from its infinite wisdom.
Though her pace slowed toward the end, Sally remained a vital life force.
Her great passions were sunrises and sunsets at Golden Gardens Park, her
beloved "mochas" at Irwin's Bakery and Cafe, and reading Harry
Potter books aloud with her beloved life partner, Bob.
Sally died peacefully on the evening of April 11, 2006, surrounded by loving
family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlton and
Mabel Sears; her sister, Zan (Sears) Clark; her first husband, Peter R.
Giovine; and their daughters, Susan and Lisa. She is survived by her life
partner, Bob Kerr, her five Giovine sons (Peter, Marc, David, John, and
Luke), Bob's children (Larry, Dan, and Holly), and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service in celebration of Sally will be held at noon on Saturday,
May 13, 2006, at Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation (2200 East
End Street NW, Olympia, Washington, 360-786-6383). In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made in her memory to your favorite women's organization or hospice
facility.
Click
here to read "A Wild Woman Dies Well,"
an article about Sally's final hours, written by John Giovine's longtime
partner, Cat Saunders. If you'd like to contact John directly, you
can call him at (206) 325-5377 or e-mail
him.
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