Sally Janet Dafashy

Sally Janet Dafashy, 82, died peacefully on February 15, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan on May 11, 1942, Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wagih Dafashy; her parents, Gladys and William Maxwell; her brother, William Maxwell, Jr.; and her sister, Katherine Smith. She is survived by her two sons, John and his wife Jessica, and David and his wife Mariangela; and three beloved grandchildren, Aaron, Nathaniel, and Elizabeth.

Sally graduated from Cody High School in Detroit and later attended The College of William and Mary, where she received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. She met Wagih, the man of her dreams, at William and Mary in an era when dating your professor was acceptable (or at least politely overlooked!). Their love story quickly became one for the ages, worthy of its own Netflix series.

While in college, Sally became a standout tennis player for the William and Mary team under the supervision of legendary coach Millie West, who famously commented that “Sally has a backhand more powerful than most men’s forehands.” Sally laughed about acquiring this reputation. Her Midwest sensibilities notwithstanding, she could have an incredible (perhaps raucous?) sense of humor, especially when she wasn’t trying.

Sally taught second grade at Matthew Whaley for several years before spending the majority of her career as the Reading Specialist at Berkeley and Norge Elementary Schools. She also spent many evenings teaching English as a Second Language for many years at the Williamsburg Public Library. Whether her students were 8 or 68, she loved the connections that she made with them as much as imparting her knowledge. It can truly be said of Sally that if she struck up a conversation with a stranger at a bar, she could write a pretty decent biography of them by the time the lights dimmed for last call. She loved socializing, dining out, and having a good glass of Champagne with friends. She was also a coffee connoisseur, ordering the finest beans from Hawaii long before anyone had ever heard of Starbucks or Amazon. Sally loved to travel with her family and enjoyed trips to many special places on four continents. She also loved staying at home with her animals and unwittingly converted the Dafashy family home into something akin to Dr. Dolittle’s conservatory.

A private graveside ceremony for family will be held late this week at Cedar Grove. A celebration of life announcement will be forthcoming, planned for a date closer to her birthday in May.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make memorial contributions to Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg. Alternatively, Sally would appreciate just knowing that you thought of her during a good game of tennis, a walk in the falling snow, or a romantic dinner with your special partner. If you should choose to honor her with a Champagne toast -- the dryer the better -- or a great cup of coffee -- NO cream or sugar -- that would be lovely as well!!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.