Sally Harrison Dickinson passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024. She was born the daughter of George and Helen Harrison September 7, 1929 in Leominster,Ma. Sally graduated from Leominster HS(47)and Skidmore College(51). Stories of her youth are remembered by many. After graduation, Sal headed west to ski and explore life. Life turned to a marriage proposal from Porter, which he was thrilled she accepted. Now, after 71 years of shared kindness and love, she is a gift that remains with all that knew her.
Porter and Sally started their family soon after marrying on December 27, 1952. They strongly believed “There are two gifts we should give our children. One is Roots to Grow and the other is Wings to Fly.” Their children, Kim, Karen, Porter(Steve) and Mike were the beneficiaries of this belief. As they spread their wings, each of them realized how unique their upbringing was and how fortunate they were to have her as their Mom.
Her lifetime of achievements and activities are many. Sally was a board member at the First Parish Church in Fitchburg, where she also taught Sunday School for many years. She was President of the Fitchburg Women’s Republican Club in the 70’s and served on the Fitchburg Historical Society Board for many years. She was a church organist, talented piano player, avid skier and golfer.
After she raised her children, using her BS degree she joined Brown & Bigelow, where she was awarded many sales honors. Finally, ten years later she went on her own and launched her successful specialty advertising company, Portals, Inc. Then, after selling her business and deciding she was past her prime for her beloved downhill skiing and other athletic activities, Sally co-chaired the Historical Society’s Capital Campaign with Jay Crocker raising enough funds to purchase and renovate the building on Main St. they currently occupy. At this time she also began researching her family history, writing many books, including her final publication “ The Missing Links” at age 90. Her writing skills were honed over the years with her highly anticipated weekly letters sent out to many family/friends keeping all updated on family news, activities and her thoughts on life. As Poet Laureate for her treasured BLBC, she was known for her clever poems and limericks written for special occasions. These were also written for her children and grandchildren, to their delight, for hidden gifts on birthdays and holidays.
A Celebration of Sally’s Life will be held at a later date at The Fitchburg Historical Society.
Special thanks are given to Notre Dame Hospice and especially Michael, her Attending Nurse whose kind, gentle care of Sally and his compassionate support of our family will be forever appreciated. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, Attn: Paige Thayer, check memo Notre Dame Dulac; or The Fitchburg Historical Society at 781 Main Street Fitchburg, MA 01420.
Arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home.
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.