Sally M. Ling

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Sally M. Ling, 59, of Huguenot, a critical care registered nurse who was devoted to her profession, her patients and her family, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay.

Born Sally M. Doyle in Kent, England, she was educated there. She received her nursing training at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London.

It was at St. Bart's that she met Dr. Edmund Ling, and the couple fell in love. They were married in 1980 and that same year immigrated to the United States, moving to Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They also lived in Queens before settling in Huguenot 30 years ago.

Mrs. Ling had been working in the intensive care unit of Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, for 15 years, and was absolutely dedicated to her work and the patients in her care.

"She was completely selfless, caring and compassionate," her family said. She also was vibrant and outgoing, and fun to be with, they added.

Mrs. Ling was fond of playing with her beloved dog, Bella, a Shih Tzu-poodle mix. She also enjoyed growing flowers in her garden and cooking.

She attended Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church, Huguenot.

Surviving, along with Edmund, her husband of 35 years, are her son, James; her daughter, Rachael Lanning; her brother, Christopher Doyle, and her stepfather, Francis Cullen.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.