Sally Stich Kansas

Sally Stich Kansas, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. She lived life with a vivacious sense of optimism, a charming spirit, and an uncanny ability to make friends. She spoke to everyone, loved to listen, and embodied incredible courage and strength throughout her life.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22, 1946, to the late Marjory Schwarz Stich and Jac Stich, Sally proudly lived her whole life in the same zip code, graduating from Fortier High School in New Orleans. Always carving her own path, she married Maurice “Brother” Kansas in 1970 whom she met at the Roosevelt Hotel Sazerac Bar when she was supposed to be attending a more formal occasion upstairs.

An exercise entrepreneur, Sally helped introduce New Orleans to aerobics, which she taught with fellow enthusiasts at the New Orleans School of Ballet. An urban cowgirl, she made blue jeans part of her staple dress from the 1970s on.

The door to her home was always open. Artists, musicians, students, teachers, oil rig workers, ballet dancers, writers, restaurateurs, fishermen, fond friends, and lots of family came to seek counsel, listen to music, and have fun with Sally. Characteristically, every meal included the exclamation “This is the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.”

Years after her first true love, Brother, passed away in 2013, and while dining with her “Golden Girls” at Pascal’s Manale – a perennial home away from home – Sally met Federal Court Judge Marty Feldman, with whom she had a close personal relationship for seven years until his passing in 2022. And while she had many friends, plus the blessing of two loves in her life, she adored her children and grandchildren above all.

Sally survived sister Ellen Stich Newell and brother Ralph Stich, and is survived by her son, Eugene Joseph Kansas, his wife, DeAnna Lucas Kansas, and their son, Levi London Kansas, as well as by her daughter, Ann Kansas Cross, and her husband, Michael Patrick Cross, and their children, Katie Ann Cross, and Lainey Reese Cross. For one last night, a private – and fun – celebration of life will be held this spring at the family home.

Given Sally’s diverse philanthropic interest, giving to the charity of your choice is preferred.