Amherst, MA – We are deeply saddened to announce that Sally Darby, 65, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at home after 2.5 years of ovarian cancer treatment.
Sally was born in Chester, PA, on May 9, 1961. Her family moved to Wilmington, DE, when she was 11, and it was there she met her husband, Paul, when they were seniors in high school. Both went on to graduate from University of Delaware where she earned a BA in Marketing. Sally and Paul married and called North Carolina, Delaware, Boston and Pittsburgh home, before settling in Amherst, MA where they spent the last 26 years.
Sally held several jobs in customer service and sales before her favorite role as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 daughters for over 10 years. They were her greatest passion and joy. She finished her career at the UMass Engineering School Career Center, retiring in 2024.
Sally was simply a delightful person- so easy to be with in any setting. She felt these excerpts from William Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” were words to live by – “on that best portion of a good man’s life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love” and “even if life is sometimes uncertain and cruel, it is ultimately lovely, exhilarating and exquisite.” She exemplified these words to all who crossed her path and had a special knack for making everyone feel welcome and at home.
Her strength throughout her treatment, especially in her final days, continues to inspire her family as they move forward.
Sally is survived by her husband of 41 years, Paul; her three daughters, Bridget, Elaina, and Paige; her son-in-law, Ian; her grandsons, Ezra and Isaac; her siblings, Michael (Ann), Don (Debbie), and Kathy (Steve); and her brothers-in-law, Mark (Dale), Steve (Brandy), and Phil (Patty), along with nieces, nephews and friends. She loved them all.
Our family is grateful to Sally’s dedicated care team, including Dr. Westin at Baystate, Dr. Krasner at Dana-Farber, Dr. Castro at Mass General Boston, Dr. Siddiqui at Mass General Cooley Dickinson, Charlene Vinton of Cooley Hospice and our dear friend and neighbor, Dr. John McCann.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (ocrahope.com) or Cancer Connection of Northampton (cancer-connection.org).
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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