Sally Louise (Tracy) Chamberlain, 86, Ferrisburg
Sally left this earthly realm on February 1st. She was born on May 4, 1936, to Scott and Hilda (Palmer) Tracy, in Charlotte, Vermont. She was the youngest of six children. She is survived by her husband Paul of sixty-four years; daughter Tracy Haviland (Dave); son Todd Chamberlain (Michelle); grandchildren Grace and AJ Chamberlain; sister Joyce Jackson; and best friend Jan Raymond, who has always been like a sister to her. She was predeceased by her parents; infant sister Marian; infant son Paul, Jr.; sisters Jane Jewel and Nita Murray; and brother Robert Tracy. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as an amazing group of friends.
Sally grew up in a farming family. During some summers she helped on the farm of her Uncle Albert and Aunt Doris DeVine. She learned how to drive a team of draft horses pulling a wagon of hay, up a very steep hill. When Uncle Albert advanced to a tractor, she noted that the horses did a better job!
Sally attended Vergennes High School, and worked at Simmonds in Vergennes, and General Electric in Burlington. When Sally married Paul, they made their home in Ferrisburg Center, where they raised their two children. In 1980, the family moved to the home that they designed and built on Shellhouse Mountain in Ferrisburg.
In 1960, it was decided that Sally would race the stock car belonging to her Father-In-Law Harley and his brother Harold in a Powder Puff event at a local track. Her aggressive tactics gave her the win.
Sally greatly enjoyed live music, and played the guitar and sang. She was an avid deer hunter, with good results! Fishing was also a favorite with her. In 1966, she and Paul built a camp in Bristol Notch, where she was able to do plenty of hunting and fishing, especially for trout. Travel was important to her. She and Paul visited family as far away as Kansas and California. Closer to home, they spent much time in Ogunquit, Maine. Taking rides to explore the countryside was a regular activity. They also went on cruises to Jamaica and twice to Bermuda.
Sally befriended many people in her lifetime. That was her joy, and truly what she will be remembered for most.
There will be visiting hours at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Friday, February 10th, between the hours of 5 – 7 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church in North Ferrisburg on Saturday, February 11th, at 11;00. There will be a reception following, including a luncheon, at the American Legion Post #14 in Vergennes. To send online condolences to her family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
8 Responses
Dear Aunt Sally, you will always be remembered as a lady with tenacity and spunk. Your sense of humor was a very joyful part of your personality. Your laughter was infectious. You were a joy to be around and you will be so very missed by all who knew you. However, I am so happy you are at home with Jesus where all you know is peace and contentment. You are with those loved ones who passed before you and that gives me great peace and joy for you. Enjoy the dessert of life. Heaven. Love, Debbie
I remember well Aunt Sally teaching me how to play her guitar. Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes and a couple other songs over a weekend and eventually giving me that guitar. Such a special gift! You were a light in this often dark world Aunt Sally and will surely be missed. You have made Heaven a little brighter and I look forward to the day when we will meet again. You are loved!
I have some fond memories of my Aunt Sally from when I was a kid and she will be missed
Prayers and best wishes to the family
My wife Carol and I have everyone in our prayers
Dear Aunt Sally
You will always be remembered as a lady with tenacity and spunk. Your sense of humor was one of the great parts of your personality. Your laughter was infectious. You were a joy to be around and you will be so very missed by all who knew you. Even though it’s sad to say goodbye to you, I am so happy you are at Home with Jesus where peace and contentment are all you know. How happy you must be to have all your loved ones who went before you in your midst. That gives me peace and happiness for you. Heaven is the dessert of life. Enjoy!
Love, Debbie
Gosh, so many good times remembered with you Aunt Sally. I remember a weekend with you when I was young and you taught me how to play Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes and You are My Sunshine on your guitar with you eventually one day giving me that guitar.So special! You always seemed to have reason to smile and had a quick wit that was so appreciated. You may have left this earth but not a heart of those you touched while here. You now have a new and healthy body and are with so many loved ones and friends who passed before you and above all you are with Jesus. Oh what joy! I will see you later. I love you!
Sally and I became friends if I remember correctly through church and Sunday School. We had a lot of fun and Hilda kinda let us do what we wanted. 😉
I have fond memories.
I am so sorry for your loss, Paul and family.
I’m sorry I am unable to attend any of the services but will be thinking of you..
We lost another great lady in the Ferrisburgh community.
Suzie Jerger