Sally Tappan Brown, age 71, of Newark, Delaware, died on Tuesday,
February 7, 2006, at home with family and friends after a courageous
battle with cancer.
Sally attended Berea College in Kentucky and received her B.A. in
1956. She had a major in math and a minor in science. She was a
member of Pi Kappa Phi and is included in Who's Who of American
Colleges and Universities. After accepting a DuPont Fellowship to
Cornell University in New York, she received her Masters of
Education in 1957.
From there, Sally began her journey through university communities.
She taught high school math in State College, PA, and then moved to
College Station, TX. In 1962, she moved to Newark, DE, where she
raised her children, and was an active member of the community.
Sally developed an interest in sports related treatments and worked
as an Athletic Trainer at the University of Delaware Field House
from 1979-1982 and attended the University of Delaware graduating in
1984 with her B.S. with a certificate in Physical Therapy.
Sally worked at the Back Clinic in Wilmington, DE from 1984-1997,
where she was admired and well-respected. She treated many patients
from the Newark area. After her retirement, Sally continued her work
in Physical Therapy, helping friends, attending monthly journal
review sessions, and sharing advice on the benefits of healthy
posture.
Born on July 27, 1934, in Spruce Pine North Carolina, Sally was the
second of four daughters of the late John and Willie Tappan. Growing
up in the mountains of North Carolina, Sally developed a deep love
of family and an appreciation for art, and the beauty of nature.
Becoming Catholic in 1950, Sally began her life-long journey
embracing religion and spirituality. In Newark, Sally was an active
member of the St. Thomas More Oratory for more than 40 years, where
her greatest joy was to receive Communion and serve as a Eucharistic
Minister. She represented the Oratory each year at the Chrism Mass
to receive the holy oils and joyfully received the Sacrament of
Anointing during her illness. She was an active member of many bible
studies, prayer groups, and faith sharing circles. She was a member
of many outreach campaigns and committees and provided countless
crock pots of her famous soups to brunches and retreat programs.
Sally was an active participant in her community as a member of the
League of Women Voters, a volunteer with the MS swim program, a
mentor for students at West Park Elementary School, and a leader of
an exercise group for local ladies.
Sally was a dedicated student of T'ai Chi, studying for nine years
with Ming Tao T'ai Chi Ch'uan Studio. She was enthusiastic and
inspiring to many students as she took on the challenges of learning
the complete Yang Style of solo forms, weapons and two-person
forms. Sally attended many workshops and retreats always bringing
her warming smile and helping hands for students in need of her
impressive knowledge of physical therapy.
Food and wine were a passion for Sally. She was an amazing and
creative cook, who took great care with her preparations and
celebrations of food. She was a long-time member of a Soup Group,
which met monthly to reunite over delicious soups. Her knowledge of
wine grew as she became a member of the TasteVin group and traveled
many times to Europe to experience and expand her appreciation of
wine.
Her sense of adventure took her all over the world, with travels
throughout the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa. She loved to experience
different cultures and had a true flare for turning acquaintances
into friends. People all around the world began to coordinate
vacation schedules to coincide with Sally's travels.
Sally valued education and art. She loved to learn and loved to
teach. Sally was a member of a book group that met monthly for over
40 years. She enjoyed reading as well as researching information.
She supported artists and appreciated works of art in all forms.
That was evident in the way she surrounded herself with collections
of books, paintings, sculptures, textiles, flowers, clothing, and
jewelry.
Sally's greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. She has
imparted to them her amazing appreciation and enjoyment of life and
the quest to live life to its fullest.
Sally had a unique ability to connect mind, body, and spirit. She
thought of life as a celebration. Her warmth and genuine concern for
others touched many. She instantly made visitors part of her family
and her vibrant smile always sent a welcoming message. She brought
energy to all that she did and everyone she touched.
Sally is survived by her daughter, Laura Brown and Skip Higley, of
New Smyrna Beach, FL; son Michael and his wife Patricia, and their
children: Ryan and Meghan of Corvallis, OR;
son Chris and his wife Nancy and their children: Jack, Sam, and Tommy
of Ann Arbor, MI; and sisters Sabra Buchanan and her husband Dewey, of
Morristown, TN; Margaret Browning, of Morganton, NC; and Mary
Phillips and her husband Jerry, of Spruce Pine, NC.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Sally's life on Friday,
February 10, 2006, at St. Thomas More Oratory, 45 Lovett Avenue,
Newark, DE at 7:00 pm, where friends may visit with the family from
5:30-6:30. There will be a reception at the Oratory immediately
following the service.
Sally's remains will be buried in the spring in the mountains of
North Carolina.
Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice,
3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.