Sally Joan Graham Heirsch

Sally Joan Graham Heirsch passed away suddenly on June 27, 2023, in Waynesville, NC. She had persevered over a number of years through many major medical challenges. Sally was a positive, happy person. She had a gratitude for life and a “can-do” spirit. Sally loved the beauty of the mountains, especially in North Carolina. She had a love of Louisiana culture and heritage, and was passionate about rooting for her favorite sports teams, especially the New Orleans Saints and LSU.

Sally was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Daniel F. Graham and Wilma W. Graham and was raised in the Pittsburgh, PA, Vineland, NJ and New Orleans, LA areas. She was a gifted pianist. In her younger years, she won several competitions including one where she had the opportunity to perform with the New Orleans Symphony. She attended Riverdale High School her junior and senior year where she served on the student council, played flute in the band, was a member of the National Honor Society and became a role model for many classmates. Sally also attended Southwestern University in Lafayette, LA.

She met Richard Vinet, then a musician in the French Quarter and later they married and had Christiane, their only daughter.

Sally’s career was in Hospital Management, specifically in Quality Assurance, Risk Management and Medical Staff Coordination. She assisted hospitals in successfully passing the rigorous surveys conducted by the JCAH, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Her vast experience led her to serving as president of NAMSS, National Association Medical Staff Services from 1984–1985 and helping to develop standards for hospitals in these fields that would be implemented on a national level.

After retiring from hospital management, she was active as Activity Coordinator for different residences, including Sherwood Village in Baton Rouge, LA and Lutheran Residences in South Pasadena, FL.

Sally had a love of music, which continued, throughout her whole life. She enjoyed many genres and followed a number of Blues, Jazz, Folk, Pop and Classical artists. She was also a talented writer. Her accounts and even personal stories she shared verbally were enhanced with detail and humor.

Sally has two sisters, Audrey Jean Lintner, deceased, and Marjorie G. Larson (Margie) who now lives in Canyon Lake, TX. She was very close to Margie’s husband, her brother-in-law Donald Larson who recently passed away, as well as her niece, their only daughter, Lin L. Ermon, husband James, and their four children.

Sally had a very special friend, Kenneth Johnston. They shared many common interests including music, nature, North Carolina and photography.

Sally is survived by her loving daughter, Christiane Danielle Vinet and her two grandsons Graham Malcolm Fraser and Aaron James Fraser.

Sally had a heart full of love for all her family and friends. She will be forever missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know her in this life!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com for Sally's family.