Born November 9th, 1945, in Leominster, Massachusetts to Philip Joseph (1920 – 2003) and Anna Maria (1922 – 2005) Valera, Sally Ann was named after her maternal grandmother, Solidea DiMarzio, who immigrated from Teramano, Abruzzo, Italy after WWI.
Like her namesake, Sally was a strong, independent woman whose work ethic, fortitude and resilience were the foundations of the home she provided for herself, two children, and longtime life partner, Kevin Kiely. Growing up in an Italian-American family, Sally learned early in life that traditions and practices rooted in love and sharing are values that define lifestyle and world view.
Her natural disposition for accommodating others, problem solving, and making things happen, made her a natural for working with the public. She briefly ran a day care in her home when her own children were young. She was the compassionate first encounter in a local psychologist’s office in her role as office manager. But before becoming a hospital administrator at Cape Cod Hospital in Barnstable, from which she retired in 2011, in the 80s and 90s, she trained office staff in the basics of computer programming and office suite management tools. Her education was business oriented and her ability to bring people together was extraordinary.
A leader in her field, she regarded her staff and colleagues as equals on a mission: everyone had a job and no one wanted to disappoint Sally by not measuring up or not showing up. It was easy to bond with Sally and her recognition of jobs well done fostered more loyalty from her team. In a pre-pandemic world, she often worked from home and left no task untended and no staff member behind. She was engaging, respectful, and related to everyone in her orbit; her generous financial donations to the hospital were part of a collective legacy she was proud to be part of.
As gratifying as her professional life was, her personal life was filled with joy. In the 1960s, she and husband Wayne bypassed apartment life and bought a modest home in North Leominster. That honeymoon season was shared mainly with the Valera family and during the time the couple built a kinship network that followed them to Cape Cod.
Cape Cod was Sally’s haven. Though the backyard cranberry bog was a source of anxiety to a young mother who feared her children could wander off and risk life and limb (!), she gifted them with roots and wings, and they thrived in her care. She kept a beachy theme as her home decor and her love of fashion and trends was often evidenced by trinkets and memorabilia she loved to collect. There was no shortage of Hallmark keepsakes tidily arranged in her living room - and on our Christmas trees.
The natural beauty of the Cape was Sally’s solace and respite. She loved her neighbors, small town life, and took great pride in being a Massachusetts native. She loved Craigsville Beach, Kalamus Beach, sun bathing, watching her children master swimming and sailing skills, relaxing by the backyard pool, and opening her home for family weekends. She loved bringing her parents to Baxter’s for their annual fried food fest, followed by ice cream at Four Seas and mini golf; picnicking at the JFK Memorial Park, and making time for a bit of whale watching with nieces. Her parents looked forward to lunch at the Canal after crossing the Sagamore, shifting to Cape mode and a leisurely visit with the Bourns, and Sally loved their small rituals and habits. A treasured routine was “date night” with Wendy, time set aside for watching movies, chatting, and grazing on favorite snacks.
As grandchildren arrived, her focus naturally shifted to indulging little hearts’ desires.
In her 78 years, she illuminated the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Sally passed on Friday, December 8, 2023 in Hospice Care at Cape Cod Hospital with her family by her side.
She is survived by daughter Wendy Bourn Parker and her husband Louis Parker; son Ryan Bourn and his wife Heather Bourn; grandchildren Zachary and Cassidy Parker; Tyler, Levi, Jesse and Ethan Bourn; great grandchild Dominic Bourn; sisters Constance Penning and Kathy Frederickson; brother Kenneth Valera, and longtime life partner Kevin Kiely; former husband Wayne Bourn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sally is predeceased by brother Samuel (1945 – 2016) and sister-in-law Sandra Jean Valera (1945 – 2022) as well as her parents.
Sally’s bright smile, sweet laugh, generous spirit, and loving embrace will be sorely missed.
A celebration of life will be held in May, 2024. Should the spirit move you, a donation in Sally’s name can be made to a charity of your choice.