Sally Osborne 1939-2026

Sally Osborne lived a life full of laughter, generosity, and love. Born in 1939, she grew up in Michigan with her parents and brother, and it was there she first learned the value of family. After graduating from Alma College, she married her sweetheart, Thomas Osborne, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together they raised three children: Patrick (spouse Anne), Douglas (spouse Jami), and Katherine (spouse Rico), and were blessed with three amazing grandchildren, Darby, Asha, and Nyjah. Thomas preceded Sally in death in 2018, and after 8 years apart, the two are together again, undoubtedly making each-other laugh. Throughout her life, Sally was a dedicated and nurturing caretaker of her own family, as well as countless others in the Cherry Creek School District, where she earned many accolades for her exemplary work as an administrative assistant. Her kindness, patience, and warmth touched everyone she worked with, just as they touched everyone she loved.

Sally had a spirit as bright and full as a favorite song — and so, in the tradition of her beloved *The Sound of Music*, we remember her the way she'd want to be remembered: through a few of her favorite things.

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These Were a Few of Her Favorite Things

Frosted sugar cookies and warm oatmeal raisin,

Stashed all through the house — no need for asking.

Christmas cookies baked with family close by,

These were a few of her favorite things.

Anne Murray singing soft on the car radio,

Her kids beside her, voices in tow.

Salerno's pizza and a good laugh that rings,

These were a few of her favorite things.

Tennis matches, singing, and swimming in her younger days,

Gene Wilder movies and his funny ways.

Sunday football when the Broncos took the field,

These were a few of her favorite things.

The Voice on TV and Days of Our Lives too,

Ellen's laugh and her gardens in bloom.

A James Patterson novel and the porch light strings,

These were a few of her favorite things.

Spring, when the world woke up bright and green,

Fall not far behind with its colors and cider-warmed scenes.

High Tea at the Brown Palace, dressed in her best,

Holiday lights glowing — her favorite request.

Abby curled close, her faithful friend,

A warm little paw and a love with no end.

Walks in the yard and naps in her chair,

These were a few of her favorite things.

And giving advice to whoever would ask,

Offering comfort — her lifelong task.

There was no one Sally wouldn't sit with and hear,

No problem too small, no burden unheard.

When the world felt heavy, when things went wrong,

She simply remembered her favorite things,

And then she didn't feel so bad.

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Sally had the best laugh and the warmest smile — the kind that made you feel like you were the only person in the room. She gave endlessly: her time, her wisdom, her apple crisp, her love. She found joy in small things and big ones alike, in a garden coming into bloom, a song on the radio, a grandchild's face.

She will be deeply missed, and forever remembered, by her children, her grandchildren, and the countless family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched with her warmth, her guidance, and her generous heart. She is reunited now with her beloved Thomas.

Climb every mountain in peace, Sally. You were, and always will be, one of our favorite things.