In memoriam
Sally Jane Pedersen
February 22, 1950 – September 9, 2026 · Age 76
Obituary
Sally Jane Pedersen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, librarian, and teacher, passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 76. Her life was shaped by a deep love for her family, a passion for learning, and a steadfast commitment to helping children discover their own potential. Sally was born on February 22, 1950, in Lombard, Illinois, to Robert and Kathleen Netwig. She grew up with her three sisters, Nancy Wons, Kathy Freeman, and Mary Nelson, with whom she shared the joys, challenges, and enduring bonds of sisterhood.
From an early age, Sally demonstrated the intelligence, determination, and leadership that would remain with her throughout her life. She graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1968, where she served as president of the Girls’ Club and vice president of the Office Occupations Club. She was also recognized as an Illinois State Scholarship Semifinalist. On October 30, 1971, Sally married Thomas Lawrence Pedersen.
Together, they built a life and raised two children, Eric and Caroline. The family they created—and the love they shared—remained at the heart of Sally’s life. Sally believed deeply in the value of education, not only for the knowledge it provided but also for the doors it could open. She graduated from Governors State University in 1982. Sally was also a published author, with an article appearing in the February 1984 issue of Bronze Thrills.
Seven years later, she became the first person in her family to earn a postgraduate degree, receiving her Master of Library Science from Northern Illinois University in 1989. It was an achievement that reflected her perseverance, her love of books, and her belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream. She devoted her career to sharing that love of learning with others. Sally worked as a librarian in Warrenville, Illinois; at Maple Brook Elementary School; and in Charleston, South Carolina.
She later became a teacher, serving children at Orange Grove Elementary School and Ben Milam Elementary School in Texas before teaching at James B. Edwards Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Through her work, Sally touched the lives of countless children. Whether placing the right book into a young reader’s hands or helping a student understand something for the first time, she gave her time and talents to work that mattered deeply.
The lessons she shared extended far beyond the walls of a classroom or library. Sally was also a world traveler who found great joy in experiencing new places and cultures. Of all the destinations she visited, England, Ireland, and Italy held especially cherished places in her heart. Her travels gave her a lifetime of wonderful memories and stories. Above all, Sally treasured her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Thomas; her son, Eric, and his wife, Heather; her daughter, Caroline, and her wife, Deann Pressley; her beloved grandchildren, Gregory and Abigail; her sisters, Nancy, Kathy, and Mary; and the many relatives, friends, colleagues, and former students fortunate enough to have known her.
Sally’s life cannot be measured simply in years, degrees, places worked, or miles traveled. It lives on in the family she loved, the students she encouraged, the readers she inspired, and the many lives made better by her presence. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sally had a profound and lifelong love for animals, with a particularly special place in her heart for dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Sally’s memory to Montgomery County Animal Services at https://www.mcaspets.org/donate.
Sally’s Favorite Quotes: Your family are the people who cut you the most slack and give you the most chances. I mean, when Richard Dawson says "Name something you find in a refrigerator" and you say "A dictionary" and the rest of America is screaming "You moron!" at their TV sets, who's clapping and saying "Good answer! Good answer!"? Your family, that's who. - Dennis Miller No, you go on without me...
I'll be all right... Don't worry about me... - Auggie Den Doggie
From an early age, Sally demonstrated the intelligence, determination, and leadership that would remain with her throughout her life. She graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1968, where she served as president of the Girls’ Club and vice president of the Office Occupations Club. She was also recognized as an Illinois State Scholarship Semifinalist. On October 30, 1971, Sally married Thomas Lawrence Pedersen.
Together, they built a life and raised two children, Eric and Caroline. The family they created—and the love they shared—remained at the heart of Sally’s life. Sally believed deeply in the value of education, not only for the knowledge it provided but also for the doors it could open. She graduated from Governors State University in 1982. Sally was also a published author, with an article appearing in the February 1984 issue of Bronze Thrills.
Seven years later, she became the first person in her family to earn a postgraduate degree, receiving her Master of Library Science from Northern Illinois University in 1989. It was an achievement that reflected her perseverance, her love of books, and her belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream. She devoted her career to sharing that love of learning with others. Sally worked as a librarian in Warrenville, Illinois; at Maple Brook Elementary School; and in Charleston, South Carolina.
She later became a teacher, serving children at Orange Grove Elementary School and Ben Milam Elementary School in Texas before teaching at James B. Edwards Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Through her work, Sally touched the lives of countless children. Whether placing the right book into a young reader’s hands or helping a student understand something for the first time, she gave her time and talents to work that mattered deeply.
The lessons she shared extended far beyond the walls of a classroom or library. Sally was also a world traveler who found great joy in experiencing new places and cultures. Of all the destinations she visited, England, Ireland, and Italy held especially cherished places in her heart. Her travels gave her a lifetime of wonderful memories and stories. Above all, Sally treasured her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Thomas; her son, Eric, and his wife, Heather; her daughter, Caroline, and her wife, Deann Pressley; her beloved grandchildren, Gregory and Abigail; her sisters, Nancy, Kathy, and Mary; and the many relatives, friends, colleagues, and former students fortunate enough to have known her.
Sally’s life cannot be measured simply in years, degrees, places worked, or miles traveled. It lives on in the family she loved, the students she encouraged, the readers she inspired, and the many lives made better by her presence. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sally had a profound and lifelong love for animals, with a particularly special place in her heart for dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Sally’s memory to Montgomery County Animal Services at https://www.mcaspets.org/donate.
Sally’s Favorite Quotes: Your family are the people who cut you the most slack and give you the most chances. I mean, when Richard Dawson says "Name something you find in a refrigerator" and you say "A dictionary" and the rest of America is screaming "You moron!" at their TV sets, who's clapping and saying "Good answer! Good answer!"? Your family, that's who. - Dennis Miller No, you go on without me...
I'll be all right... Don't worry about me... - Auggie Den Doggie
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