Sally L. (Hope) Birch

Struthers— Sally L. (Hope) Birch, 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, at Assumption Village Nursing Home after a brief illness.

Sally was born January 2, 1936, the daughter of the late James and Helen (Nehlen) Hope.  She graduated from Struthers High School and went on to be a homemaker and wonderful mother to her six children.

Her first job out of the home was at the BQF Steakhouse where she enjoyed doing the daily baking. She later worked at the former Holiday Spa; Bally Scandinavian/Bally's Total Fitness where she made lifelong friends with both her colleagues and the members of the club that she welcomed everyday. Sally also worked for LaFrance Cleaners prior to her retirement in 2008.

Sally was member of Struthers Presbyterian Church where she was active in teaching Sunday School when her children were young. She later joined her son, Rick, and his family in becoming part of the Catholic faith as a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown.
Sally was also active in the Manor Ave PTA for many years throughout her children´s school years. She loved being a part of this great group of parents and teachers and enjoyed being able to volunteer at the school on a regular basis.

Sally's greatest joy in life was watching her grandchildren perform at various athletic, band and other activities they took part in. She loved to brag about their successes throughout life and took pride in knowing her grandchildren were always there to lend a helping hand. Over the past few years Sally wasn't as active, but she loved tuning in to Boardman High School Basketball games each week to watch her only grandson, Patrick, coach the Spartans. Sally also loved when her great grandchildren came to visit and always looked forward to talking with them.

Sally leaves to cherish her memory her son, Paul “Rick” (Nancy) Birch of New Middletown and her three daughters, Linda Mountford of Poland, Kathy (Bill) Mason of Hawkinsville, GA, and Terri (Don) Sumner of Orlando, FL. She also leaves her three granddaughters, Kristin (Mike) Fox of Poland, Lauren (Dan) Baco of Canfield, and Courtney Mountford of Poland as well as her grandson, Patrick (Alyssa) of Boardman. Sally also leaves five great grandchildren, Landon and Laiken Fox, Parker and Lena Birch, and Peighton Baco. Sally will also be remembered by her former husband, Paul Birch of Struthers and her wonderful sister-in-law, Barb Hope, who took such great care of her in her later years.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son James Birch, daughter Susan (Birch) Wynne and the best brother ever, James T. Hope.

Family and friends will be received on Monday from 5-6:45 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, where a funeral service will follow Monday at 7 p.m. Private interment will take place on Tuesday at the Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors of Assumption Village, their remarkable care was so appreciated and also a special thank you to Dr. Buccino; Dr. Proia and Dr. Nicoloff.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.