Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Sarah Owen's life story with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesWe created this memorial page in honor of our sweet and salty matriarch Sally Ford a.k.a. Soulie, Soulouette, Soul-Train, Sosie, Sal. It's a place for family, friends and loved ones to share expressions of love and fond memories. Sally was so generous of spirit and meant so much to so many. From homeless teenager to beloved family, street dweller to heartsick neighbor, fellow shopkeeper to Dominic... more
Family and friends
Kathy Ford Born August 10, 1932 - Those cheeks!
Kathy Ford Smushing her 1st Birthday cake - showing her signature Sally rye style!
Kathy Ford On Grandma Miffus' knee in Virginia.
Kathy Ford Sally met her second husband, Tom Ford, when they were kids. Tom was 9 and had been forced to go to dancing school, which he hated. The teacher told the class a new student would be joining their ranks and "She was a real peach." That was Sally. Sixteen years later they were married and living in Mexico with 3 children, as they studied anthropology and started a business buying and selling pre-columbians. The marriage didn't last but they remained life-long friends, with a relationship as complex as Scarlett and Rhett's, contentious but loving. Tom was like a satellite who bi-yearly would orbit in from wherever he was living, whether Spain or South America.
Sally's entrepreneurial gifts expressed themselves early in life. At the age of 8 she raised chickens and sold eggs to her neighbors.
When Sally was 12 or 13, she spearheaded a local kid resistance to scary neighborhood bully Jimmy Pecan. Ambushes from unexpected places were her favorite tactic, using materials like water balloons or fruit off local trees. Matters escalated until peanut butter darts landed near Jimmy's feet and he finally backed off picking on neighborhood kids.
Kathy Ford Here is Sosie's yearbook page from when she attended The Cambridge School.
Kathy Ford Sally (on Right) with her sister Virginia and step-mom Nan
Kathy Ford As a young, Katharine Hepburn-like beauty, Sally, a jazz fan, on several occasions was Charlie Parker's dance partner when he played in Cambridge, MA.
Kathy Ford Sally's first husband Charles Lamuniere was from Geneva, Switzerland.
Kathy Ford Sally in Mexico
Kathy Ford In the late 60's Sally dated Kenyan Wanjohi Washoma. He was a lovable partner and wonderful father to the kids for a number of years.
Kathy Ford Sally was a social Worker in NY for a number of years. She was known to take and support some of the toughest family cases in Harlem and Brooklyn.
Kathy Ford Riding a Burro in Mexico
Kathy Ford Sally established and ran Liberty Crafts, a remarkable store for exotic jewelry, clothes, global arts and crafts, a mouth-watering bead counter and the best collection of kids toys and trinkets in the Western hemisphere - or at least Rockland County!
Kathy Ford In Piermont House with bird friend circa 1970's
Kathy Ford In the late 70's early 80's, Nyack, NY was an architecturally beautiful but run down Hudson River town. Sally helped spearhead the Nyack renaissance by opening her store, Liberty Crafts that became a shopping destination for the next 32 years. She was a leader in the Nyack merchant's association, which focused on beautifying and improving the town.
Kathy Ford Sally with her kids - Pierre, Mike and Kathy
Kathy Ford Sally's Dad Ben dancing with his 2nd wife Nan.
Kathy Ford Sally fulfilled a life-long dream to design and build her own home. The vacation home named "Carolisol" in the Dominican Republic was shared by her and best friend Carol (seen on upper balcony.)
Kathy Ford In her late 50's, Sally quit smoking cold so she could be healthy and present for her beloved grandson Sam. She quipped that she'd start smoking again when she turned 8o, but luckily when 80 came she didn't.
Kathy Ford Sally and her grandson Sam
Kathy Ford Sally owned a finca (farm) in the Dominican Republic for a number of years that raised pigs and harvested mangoes.
Kathy Ford In the 90's, Sally decided we should have color-themed birthday parties based on the birthday person's favorite color. We spent a year cycling through the rainbow with over-the-top saturation decoration - and she created food to match!
I was just in my jewelry box, picking one of many beautiful treasures I wear daily that I purchased while working for a few years (early 2000's) at Liberty Crafts, and started to think of Sally. She was such a wonderful person and I have so many fond memories of her. I learned SO much about jewelry and stones listening to her talk about the many ...
Kathy Ford Sally with grandson sam and son-in-law Alistair
Kathy Ford
Kathy Ford Arbor Acres was a lovely place to land in late life.
Kathy Ford Sally was afraid of performing all her life but in the safe and loving space provided by Arbor Acres in their Sharps and Flats choir she sang in 10+ concerts - even taking center stage in one of their original shows!
Kathy Ford Sally with Arbor Acres Friends Charlotte, Beau, Steve and daughter Kathy
Kathy Ford Sally loved all animals since a little girl. Over the years she was a loving caretaker of dogs, cats, monkeys, raccoons, birds, rabbits and turtles. In late life she was a big part in helping bring our miniature horse Trinket to so many people.
Always remember Sally’s kindness when we first moved to AA and her teaching us great board games. She usually won !
I am the brother of Alistair, son-in-law to Sosie's daughter Kathy. I will always remember Sosie's capacity for celebration including a wild propensity for showering close friends and kin with presents around Christmas. My first Christmas with Sosie was unprecedented and culturally shocking or should i say stocking? Never has a Christmas stocking ...
Joy Dial Playing Mexican Trains last year with Sally and surprise guest. We shared some laughs, fun, and sweet memories. I regret we met so close to the end of a remarkable life.
Kathy Ford A family visit to Arbor Acres
Kathy Ford We enjoyed many a giggly visit at Arbor Acres. Here with grandson Sam and sister Geege.
The 8+ years Sally and family spent in Mexico influenced her cooking; she could whip up a mean tostada or quesadilla, and she organized and cooked amazing family Sunday dinners that always included an extra guest or three.
Jamie Burton Sally and Kitty
Sally was an amazing person, mother, grandmother, mother in law and friend to all she knew and met. She helped so many people in her life and was the most selfless person I ever knew, Never thinking of her self. She made everyone's life a lot brighter and better and I will always miss her and think of her fondly for all she did for my life and my s...
Art Bloom Sally in Arbor Acres Sharps & Flats
Kathy Ford When Sally was young her mother was permanently committed to a mental institution. This was during WW II and Sally's father was absorbed in research related to the war effort. So at a tender age Sally became a mini-housewife, taking care of household chores and keeping an eye on her younger sister. Despite this traumatic early-life experience she managed to raise 3 kids and become a powerful maternal figure for countless people.
Kathy Ford Sally was an avid gardener with an extraordinary green thumb. Many will remember her beautiful gardens and unbelievably prodigious house vines that decoratively interwove on the walls of her apartment!
Jenn B Sally’s generosity gave me a new way to walk in the world. So much gratitude for her wild-woman influence still emanating from the holler to the hills! Love and prayers to Kathy, Ali, Sam and the whole Ford Family. 💜🙏🌄
I’ll miss Sally dearly. My condolences to you all. I’ll alway be her “Tweet”
Kathy Ford Sally was a fearless cook and would try her hand at the most exotic recipes. If you were lucky to receive an invitation to her weekly "Sunday Dinners" (which most of the town was) you could expect a generous table of globally-inspired dishes from appetizer to dessert.
Kathy Ford Sally was quite the athlete. She was a competitive diver as a teen, played tennis for many years (seen here with her step-mom Nan,) and enjoyed weekly Tai Chi for a few decades.
Wow, what a gal! We will always treasure the friendship we shared. Spending time with Sally in Sharps and Flats performances, creating together in art class, chance meetings in the hallway with her and Charlotte, lunch and dinner time at the table together talking about everything from raising chickens to discussing current events to bearing our ...
Greetings Cathy, Thank you for letting be know of Souly's passing. The photographic history is a heart warming commemoration. Sally was a truly sweet human being, a force of nature with a magnanimous depth of character and personality of a lioness without being overbearing which is quite a feat. While I am saddened by her death, I feel a deep s...
Sally was a talented writer who loved rhymes and spontaneously wrote funny poems and limericks for friends over the years. When her kids were young and got obsessed with flatulence jokes, her disapproval amused them and egged them on. She decided to try and diffuse their fascination by outdoing them and wrote a long, Dr. Seuss-like poem about vario...
My thoughts and prayers and all My love are with you at this time ! You are such a big part of so many peoples hearts !! We love you !
Kathy Ford Some of Sally's favorite early memories were Christmas-centric. And she became affectionately known as Sosie-Claus as she purchased presents throughout the year for family, friends and loved ones. By the time Xmas rolled around each year the gifts were literally spilling out of her closet until finally dropped into the stockings and hands of the lucky recipients.
What a beautiful photo tribute to a life well lived. Knowing Sally and her wonderful family has truly enriched my life in countless ways. I adored her for her compassion for others and her wicked sense of humor. Loma Hopkins and I will miss her so much!
This is a wonderful tribute to a fascinating woman I never had the honor to meet...except through the many people whose lives she has touched who will carry on her spirit!
What a beautiful and inspiring memorial. I witnessed Sally’s energy and spirit truly touch others.
Kathy Ford Sally loved her time in the D.R.
Kathy Ford Sally was a creative soul who excelled and dabbled in a number of mediums. She painted. Shot photography. Wrote tales. And in later life sewed up a storm quilting more than a few patchwork masterpieces!
Dearest Sally, Soulie, Sal you left a beautiful imprint on this earth and on my heart forever. My late childhood and early teens is filled with memories of you house - my 2nd home- where I was welcomed with love, not gushy just a kind of equanimous acceptance. Sally treated me as an equal, with a wry smile and a sideways wink, even when I was ten. ...
Kathy Ford Soulie in blue
Mrs. Sally was a very precious lady. I know she will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Love and prayers to you all.♥️ Deb Dollar
Kathy Ford Teen Sally
I was thinking about Sally yesterday!!! I was in Nyack one day, and locked my keys in the car. I went into Liberty Crafts. Why I don't know (!) Sally drove me to my house to get my other keys. That stuck with me. I also remember eating delicious Mexican food at her apartment. Hugs to all of you - Kathy, Allistair, Pierre, Mikey, all LOVE YOU Ellie...
Sally immediately made me feel a part of the Ford Family Clan via Jen, my sister. I will always think of, and be inspired by, her very generous and welcoming spirit. Thank you Sally!
What an extraordinary life Sally had! I am glad to have known her and her loving, caring family. Sending peace and strength. Sandra Thomas
We only met a few times, but what a wonderful, supportive, special soul - it's clear you touched so many during your life's journey here on earth! You have given us a wonderful family to carry on your legacy. Wishing everyone peace positivity and many more beautiful memories of Sally. Hugs and Love and blessing to you all, Kevin and Andrea Morrell
Pierre Ford This photo is of when Sally lived in Vermont and was towing me in my little wagon as she cut the grass, typically inclusive. I'll miss my mom as a friend as much as I will as a mom. I loved her feisty sense of humor. Many people don't know she was a very musical person. The day before she died I spoke to her on the speakerphone. She was so physically compromised, relatives in the room had to clarify her responses. I said,"Have you had any music going through your head?" She responded," With all this going on you want me to compose music, too?" I responded "We'll meet again in this world or the next!" She responded "I think the next." I consider these her final wry words to me. Sally was a very rare combination of someone who was tough but also very whimsical. Goodbye sweet Sally, you'll always be a flame in my heart!
Growing up, coming to the Ford's Piermont home on Sunday nights, I remember Sally's wonderful dinners, particularly the salads. It felt like a second family for me when my first wasn't very nurturing. Years later, whenever I passed through Nyack, I'd stop by the store and chat. Sally was a very loving person.
Our deepest and sincerest sympathy to you and the family. We are so sorry we never got to meet this wonderful lady.
Soulie was a truly righteous human being and regardless of whether or not she was consciously aware, followed the Dharma because her nature was so evolved. I pray that all Soulie's kindnesses in this life be rewarded a thousand fold and may she pass through the Bardo, undistracted by the lesser light and attain Enlightenment as her soul is absorbed...
To ours lovely Sally . We wish Lord have you in the really paradise. For your second Dominican Family, you are an Angel. Ours deep condolences, To Kathy, and all Ford Fsmily. From all of yours employees and Friends . From Cofresi Dominican Republic. Villa Carolisol. Rest in peace. Querida Sally.
What a great lady. So glad my brother Fred Miraglia was a part of the family. When I would come to NY from San Francisco CA I was always invited to Sunday dinners. The best. Prayers and thoughts to the family. Love Ginnie 🙏🙏
Angelo DiMeglio Dear Ford Family And Soley,,I'm so saddened about her passing..I am so greatful to have known Soley for such a long time..I have so many cherished memories that will live on with me forever.I grew up with Mike,,Kathy,Peter..I was always welcomed into the Ford home in Piermont and Nyack..Great Times,,Food and drinks..Soley always invited me to go with them on vacations,,Monterey Ma,,Dominican Republic and other places with great memories..She was so loving and generous..We did keep in touch with eachother here and there,,but distance didn’t help to see eachother often enough..I am very lucky to have been friends with such a Sweet Woman..I love and will miss her but live on with Cherished Memories..With Love and Affection,And to the Family also...Angelo DiMeglio
So sorry to hear this, I knocked on the downstairs door of the apt a couple of years ago I don't go to Nyack anymore, Jim
my heart is with you, with thanks for sharing the details and photos. you are treasured gems.
Angelo DiMeglio
Deep condolences to all Sosie's family. Sadly we never met but our few conversations were always full of life
Rest well, Sosie. You're in our hearts, always.
Samuel Snider “To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” J.K. Rowling
Carla Rose Ta
Brenda Snell
Sally was so special and so loved at Arbor Acres! She did as much for Arbor Acres as it did for her. So, on behalf of Arbor Acres please know we are thinking of you all. We will miss Sally, and I hope the family, who we have also come to love, will continue to visit Arbor Acres. You are always welcome here! Lynn Ross (the one from Nyack)
It's difficult to lose a friend but painful to lose a wonderful, special friend. To Kathy, Mike, Pierre, Sam, Alistair and Geege our hearts are filled with love, sadness and prayers for you. Sally touched the hearts and minds of everyone lucky enough to know her. Sally was talented, gifted and a loving, caring thoughtful person with an enormous he...
Sorry to hear of Sally's passing . I had been thinking of her and sent an email on Monday Oct. 28th. I wrote to her that I think of her every day I walk by her building and how I miss our TV chats while sipping Tecate Beer Cheers my dear friend XOXO.
I loved Sol my whole life long. A wonderful rich, kind life she lived and modeled to me as a kid and as an adult. I dug out a journal I kept during a second visit to the DR in January of 1988! Here's an excerpt: Sally seems to become more transcendent every year. I want to be like her with a zillion things going on and the apparent calm of the ...
Our kids spent weeks together and we all have memories of wonderful Sally. She is forever in our minds last three days with as well as the account of your last days with her, so beautifully written. Tears and smiles from all the Mardens.
Spent many a day in Liberty Crafts and always enjoyed Sally and her partner. The past dental Asst of Dr Darling in Tappan. During Sally’s last few years, I enjoyed her company many times at Johnny Cakes. She was a regular there with her friend, who had owned the Doll House Store a few doors down. These memories span forty or more years!🌸❤️🌸 Mart...
What a lovely lady Sally was. My kids and I have the fondest memories of her always greeting us with that sweet smile in Liberty Crafts. She was an AMAZING cook. We combined families for a Thanksgiving celebration one year and it was one I will never forget. God Bless all of the family and friends. Fly on Sweet Angel Sally.. xx
We were neighbors in Cofresi and decided to leave about the same time. We visited Sally once at her home in the U. S. And write occasional emails. Exchanged Christmas greetings. We liked Sally a great deal. We will miss her.
Thank you so much for sharing these vignettes of Sosie’s life and the news of her death. What an amazing woman! I feel blessed that I was in her orbit and have been loved and nurtured by people she loved and nurtured. I hardly knew her but I know how much she will be missed. I love you all and am holding Kathy and Alistair and Sam and Geeg and Mike...
Sally was like a second Mom to a lot of people. I will always cherish those Sunday dinners and holiday get-togethers. What memories for us as well as we had our honeymoon in the D.R. every time I pass by 13 Bdway. It brings back all those feelings. With love to the Ford family from ours. Marina & Christopher
We are Alistair Burke's mother and stepfather. Sally always made us feel so welcome. We do indeed remember the delicious Sunday night dinners. During a rainy visit to Nyack I had the opportunity to work in the "Alladin's Cave,"Liberty Crafts for a few days. This delightful emporium was a second home to many of the locals and I experienced first han...
Dear Sally, I met you and your family in my early teens in Piermont. You left an amazing impression on me because of all the great things you have accomplished in your life. You raised a wonderful family and were an incredible business-woman. I will always miss you. Love to you and your family Kathy,Mike,Peter,Geege. Mik...
Connie Grazia Sally was a gifted soul full of kindness and a force to be reckoned with. I first met Sally in 1980 when I became friends with Kathy and over the years I earned her friendship. I have fond memories of working at Liberty Crafts where there was usually a Budweiser on the counter and plenty of inspiring toys in the jars, delightful Sunday dinners and time in the DR. I feel so lucky to have had her as a friend and mentor. I will miss the endearing way she could call someone a little creep, most of all, I will miss her. I love you, Sosie!
When dark influences threatened my enthusiasm for life Sose always found an encouraging word. I can see her hand now, flicking in the air and batting away the people and situations that threatened to overwhelm me. She was a 2nd Mum who believed in me far more than I believed in myself. She was my advocate and defender to the last but a wonderful te...
My big sister Sose was one-of-a-kind: faithful and just, bountiful, accepting, certainly ahead of her time, sharp-minded and salty, indomitable, down-home and a hard-core teaser. She would give people the shirt of her back. I am forever thankful for her devotion and tolerance. Love you - Geege
Jamie Greenberg Wow! You know how you meet someone in your life who has a special influence and impact on your life. Well, Sally was that kind of person for me. When I was a young budding performer working Pierre on our show, Sally let me move into her house to ease our financial strain and give us time to plow into booking our Last Minute Kids of the Magical Abzurd show. But I also got an unexpected bonus. I was able to live and bask in a house that supported and encouraged creativity. And it was there, that I was able to experience the full expression of my unifarcian originality and pituitary celestially! And I took that with me the rest of my life. Sally also gave me the best Christmas present I ever got. She made me the most beautiful costume for our show. it was a classic clownish jacket with tails. I still have it in my closet 42 years later! And Sally, I just want to let you know as you make your way around the unifarce in your new crystalline beingness, I am forever grateful. There is so much love for here! Luv, Jamie
Kathy Ford A message from Scott Snell for Memorial: I feel so fortunate to have known your mom and to have seen her on the various occasions in my life. I will miss your mom very much. I'm especially saddened to think that my mom has now lost one of her very dear friends. I have early and very fond memories of their tennis and beer dates. I remember Sally provided a gift package to each of us when we were driving across country in 1973, moving out to California... something to open each day on that long journey. I will never forget your mom... She was a gem. Photo of Sally and Brenda Snell in China
So sorry to find out about this. Sally was such a lovely and gracious lady. Love to all. Reed
Hello gorgeous