Sally L. Grady

Sally L. Grady, 86, of Phoenix, AZ died August 7, 2015 at Elder's Ranch in Phoenix. Sally Louise Wilcek and her identical twin sister, Lorraine, were born on Aug. 3, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Selma and James Wilcek. She grew up in Chicago and worked as a secretary for several years after graduating from business school.

Sally married Michael T. Grady on Sept. 5, 1953. The couple resided in Chicago until Mike enlisted in the Navy in 1955. Thereafter, Sally was a "Navy wife" and stay-at-home mom for 21 years and raised four children while stationed in Maryland, Florida, Georgia, California, and Virginia. After Mike retired from the Navy, the couple resided in Roselle, IL for 12 years before moving to Phoenix in 1987. Sally moved into Elder's Ranch senior facility after Mike passed away in 2011 and received excellent care there from Ron and Aurora.

Before becoming disabled by rheumatoid arthritis, Sally enjoyed sewing, cooking, caring for her family, traveling and boating with her husband, getting together with friends and family, painting, and ceramics. In later years she enjoyed reading and looked forward to weekly outings with her daughter Karen to get her hair done. Despite many physical and mental challenges, she remained feisty until the end.

Sally is survived by her four children, Michael A. Grady (wife Kathleen Hoppa Grady) of Mequon, WI, Kathleen A. Grady of Brookings, SD, Karen M. Grady of Phoenix, AZ, and Alison L. Hopkins (husband Bill Hopkins) of Shelburne, VT; five grandchildren (Alex, Kelsey, Liam, Fiona, and Aine); one sister, Elaine Roth of Elkhorn, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Lorraine Cucchi, and her loving husband of 57 years, Michael.

A memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Arthritis Foundation or Serenity Hospice of Phoenix, AZ.