Sally Ann Clancy

In her lifetime, Sally Ann Clancy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother and completely devoted to family. They came first, and they knew it. Sally was involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, her sisters and brothers in a way that bound them together through ups and downs. Life may have been complex, but Sally had simple wishes. She wanted what was best for her family, and she achieved that by being generous with her time and magnanimous in her affections.

Sally Ann was born to George and Gertrude (nee Wagnitz) Weege in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on April 17, 1944 at a time when the United States was heavily invested in World War II. While men sacrificed abroad, women worked valiantly stateside to assist the war effort and stabilize the country. They became competent in business and manufacturing and confident in their ability to contribute to the American workforce, forever changing the social landscape.

On the home front, George worked as a cattle man and in construction while Gertrude served as a school cook. They supported a large family of eleven children: George, Dolores, Judy, Edith, Sandra, Ernest, Susan, Wayne, Sally, James, and Patrick. Five of the children were from George’s previous marriage, one was from Gertrude’s, and Sally Ann was the third of five born to the two of them. The family lived in the country on 22 acres of land, so there was always plenty for the children to do. They entertained each other and got along well, proving this description of their childhood: “It was a wonderful life.”

Being a country girl, Sally grew up with horses and dogs that she simply adored. She had her own horse which she rode often, and well into adulthood, horseback riding was one of her favorite recreational activities.

After graduating from high school, Sally went to work at a shoe factory in Oconomowoc and later for a cleaning company. Life became very interesting when she met a young man who was introduced to her through a mutual friend. Patrick Clancy was a sailor on leave from the U.S. Navy. He and Sally went on a first date to Marty Zimpco’s, and from then on, the two were caught up in a whirlwind romance. They married March 4, 1971 at the Milwaukee County Court House and spent a fabulous honeymoon in New York City. However, after just a few days together as husband and wife, Patrick returned to duty. In time, he returned home to find that the skills he had learned in the Navy served him well. Eventually, he became a master electrician and taught his trade in the area technical schools.

Sally worked for a cleaning company into her late twenties, but a diagnosis of depression pressed her to leave work and concentrate on family life. She was grateful to be able to care for her husband and three wonderful children—Craig, Jennifer and Shaun—and she took to parenting like a typical mom. She got the children to and from school and she supported them in their activities, especially Craig and Shaun in their hockey pursuits. In fact, the family often made their own recreation out of the sport by building a vacation around the places the boys played. Similarly, Sally traveled the country with Patrick to various locations that his work took him. More often than not, Sally bought a decorative spoon to commemorate the many sites she had the privilege of visiting.

In addition to her spoon collection, Sally accumulated Elvis Presley memorabilia and horse and dog pictures. She watched daytime “soaps” on TV, which fit in nicely with her hobbies of embroidering and hooking rugs. She was an avid reader, and she liked talking to her sisters on the phone. They often received messages like these, “Sandy, Call me” or “Edie, Call me.” And they did. Sally was a sympathetic listener and didn’t have to talk any more than she wanted. It was just good to have them near.

Especially when her beloved husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and died a year later, Sally depended on her family all the more. It helped that she was a grandma by then, because the grandchildren gave her such joy. She continued to travel, going on a first cruise with her daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Rodney, and she delighted everyone by being able to handle the teasing that her brother-in-law Jim dished out. Even throughout Sally’s long battle with depression and a later diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, all agreed that Sally was fun to be with.

Sally A. Clancy (nee Weege), age 69, died suddenly at her home on Sunday May 5, 2013. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Patrick Clancy, granddaughter Emily Rose, and sisters Dolores Levit and Susan August.

Cherished mother of Craig (Amanda) Clancy, Jennifer (Rodney) Blackmon and Shaun Clancy. Loving Grandma of Austin, Sabrina, Devan, Desiree, and Amber. Dear sister of George Wegge, Judy Robbins, Edith Walter, Sandra Pritzlaff, Ernest Wegge, Wayne Wegge, James Wegge, and Patrick Wegge . Furthered survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation Wednesday, May 8 at the Funeral home from 5 PM until time of the Funeral service at 7 PM. Interment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery Union Grove, WI

Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes

Suminski / Weiss

1901 N. Farwell Ave 414-276-5122

www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com