Sally P. Detloff

Sally Polenzani Detloff, 84, of Bonita Springs, Florida passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Sally was the firstborn of Joseph and Eily Polenzani in Chicago, Illinois. She met her husband of 65 years, Gerald (Jerry) Detloff, on a blind date and following their courtship married on September 11, 1954. Sally always had a positive and calm perspective on life and felt it was something to be cherished and lived to its fullest. Sally raised her six children to be compassionate, fun loving, independent and confident in their own abilities. She was a beacon to her family; her light always welcomed them home but also illuminated the road before them. Sally had such love and pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a participant in their lives as much as possible. Sally was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain. She also loved to sew. Sally started sewing as a young girl making clothes for herself and then for her family. Later in life this artistic talent evolved and she began quilting which brought her much joy. In the early 70’s, Sally began working in the travel industry; first, in reservations at Eastern Airlines and then as an Office Manager/travel consultant at a travel agency. Her work inspired her to travel. She and Jerry travelled all over the world, most recently to Ireland with members of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Choir. Sally had a deep and enduring faith in God. She was very active in her parish community and loved by many. She participated in numerous parish service ministries and social activities. One of her biggest joys in life was praising God through song by being a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Choir and President of the choir board. She also was an active member and Treasurer of the Ladies of Charity of Southwest Florida participating and organizing many charitable events and activities. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Gerald, their six children, David (Josephine), Daniel (Paula), Michael (Susan), Susan Pedersen (Bruce), Joanne Ridge (Doug) and Kristen Decker (David); 14 grandchildren; Scott, Genevieve, Lauren, Jeff, Christopher, Paul, Nicholas, Adam, Daniel, Patrick, John, Rachel, Eily and Alexa, 16 great-grandchildren, brother Robert Polenzani (Linda), sister-in-law, Priscilla Polenzani; and numerous loving and talented nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph and Eily Polenzani, and her brother, Alfred Polenzani. A memorial mass will be held at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111TH Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108 on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Donations in her memory can be made to the Church Choir of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 625 111th Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108. You may also livestream the service at: https://saintjohntheevangelist.com/events/online-funeral-mass Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Sally P. Detloff

August 17, 1935 - March 29, 2020