Sally S. Waterman

It is natural to be saddened by the loss of such an active spirit and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Sally accomplished great things and impacted many people, so it is impossible not to grieve this person who lived life to the fullest. Anybody who knew Sally would know that she would want this process to be short. She would want the focus to be on the memories we all have and what new memories we will make in her honor. Sally Sue Waterman, 73, passed away on March 30, 2024, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 18, 1950, in Toledo, OH to Virginia and Lloyd Whitaker. She was preceded in death by both of her parents along with her brother Lloyd (Ruth) Whitaker, and stepfather Arthur Semler. She is survived by her husband Tom Waterman; daughter Jacqueline (Jay) Smith; step-children Jennifer (Bill) Beattie, Michael (Maureen) Waterman, Nancy (Jim) Fitzgerald; grandchildren Preston Smith, Sam Beattie, John and Jacob Kingzett, Kieran and Declan Waterman. She graduated from Start High School in 1968 where she was actively involved as a cheerleader. She continued her education at Ohio Northern University where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and a cheerleader. She had a lengthy career in the insurance industry, which began at Roemer Insurance. She worked hard, rose quickly, and caught the eye of Community Mutual, where she worked as a service representative. After gaining more experience, she became a sales representative at the King Insurance Agency. She excelled in this position and was highly regarded by clients and fellow workers. Retirement provided an opportunity for Sally to embrace her passion for golf. As a member of Inverness Club and Bonita Bay, she enjoyed participating in several leagues, and tournaments and generously volunteered her time at numerous events including the Solheim Cup. Championships soon followed and she became commissioner of various ladies' groups at both clubs. She always had a fresh game to play for the daily event. Throughout her battle, when the doctors presented the latest challenge, she always wanted to know if she would be able to play golf. She golfed the world with many of her great friends. She always had a smile on her face and a bottle of birdie juice for the group to celebrate. The friendships she developed were an integral part of her life and provided an invaluable support system in recent years. She also enjoyed playing pickleball, bridge, traveling and was an avid reader. During Sally’s battle and journey, she was cared for by the most remarkable team of physicians and assistants. Care which began in Toledo in the office of Dr. Judis and Dr. Phibbs was expanded to Florida to include Dr. Rubin and Dr. Nakfor and their teams. She knew no better treatment was available anywhere in the world. Finally Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs was added to care for her in the final stages. What a team to complete the journey. She would want to thank each caregiver personally if she could. While cancer cut Sally’s life short, many of her friends will say she is the toughest person they know. Her grit, resilience, and determination were on full display. She approached her battle with cancer with the same class and resoluteness with which she lived her life. No doubt, our great lord will welcome her with open arms, expecting her to have those golf games ready for all of the golfers who are waiting for her to arrive. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 19th at 11:00 A.M. A celebration will follow immediately at Bonita Bay Club. For those northerners who are unable to attend, an additional celebration will be held at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio on June 14th in the early afternoon. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to donate in Sally’s name, please consider the Pastoral Leadership Development fund of First Presbyterian Church/Bonita Springs or the First Tee of Lake Erie. Their websites are fpcbonita.org/leadership and firstteelakeerie.org/donate respectively. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Sally S. Waterman

December 18, 1950 - March 30, 2024