Sarah “Sally” Gamble Epstein died at the age of 99 on Sunday night, August 17, after a sudden decline in her health. Her passing was peaceful at her Washington DC home with her husband, Don Collins, and children in attendance.
She led a vivid, adventurous century-long life. Underneath her gracious demeanor and generous spirit churned a fierce and determined energy that drove her ever forward.
Sally had an extensive network of family, friends and compatriots in her numerous and varied interests, all of which had a common denominator: make the world a better place for all. She was especially ardent in her belief that women should have control of their own bodies and reproductive schedule in a manner that improved maternal health, the health of children and the health of families. Sally, in partnership with her former husband, Lionel Epstein, assembled a world renown collection of prints by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. She became a scholar of Munch's life and times and contributed to the public’s understanding that art could be more than decoration, historical record or religious instruction. It also had value as a vehicle for better self understanding and empathy for others.
A celebration of life service and reception will be held on October 31, 2025, her 100th birthday, in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Sally’s honor to Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC Inc. and/or Tostan International.
