Sarane W. “Sally” (Symonds) Willing, age 76, a long-time resident of Winchester, passed away on July 16, 2016, lovingly surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of James R. “Bob” Willing.
Born in Hartford, CT, Mrs. Willing was the daughter of the late Robert and Anne Symonds. She was raised and educated in Essex, CT. Sally attended Lasell College where she earned her nursing degree, and completed her nursing training at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham & Women’s) in Boston.
Sally married Bob in 1960 and they moved to Winchester shortly thereafter, and settled in to raise their children. She was active in the Winchester community, volunteered at the Winchester Hospital for over 37 years, and was a long-time member of the Winton Club. Sally’s world revolved around her husband, children and grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending summers in Gloucester and Rockport with her family and friends. Known by many as a “super fan”, she could be seen at all of her family’s many activities and sporting events. Sally also loved Boston sports teams, was an avid reader, a great cook, a gifted seamstress, a master of creating stained glass art, and an animal lover – especially her beloved dogs. Sally cherished the wonderful trips she and Bob took all over the world with family and close friends.
In addition to her husband, Bob, of 56 years, Sally is survived by her children: Debbie Carson and her husband Dan of Winchester, Patsy Macaluso and her husband John of Reading, and a daughter-in-law, Kelly Willing of Reading. She was pre-deceased by a son, Jim Willing. She was also the dear sister of the late Charles and Paul Symonds and the devoted grandmother of Bobby, Kevin, Scott and Tori Carson, Brett, Cody and Haley Macaluso, and is further survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Parish of the Epiphany Church, 70 Church St., Winchester, on Friday, July 22nd at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s memory may be made to the Winchester Hospital Center for Cancer Care, payable to the Winchester Hospital Foundation, 41 Highland Ave., Winchester, MA 01890 www.winchesterhospital.org.