Sally Jane Reagan

Sally Jane Reagan, 61, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2009, in Austin, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Caves Road, Austin. Graveside services will be Friday at the Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, Texas. Sally was born in Amarillo, Texas, on January 26, 1948. She attended public schools in Altus, Oklahoma, and graduated from Altus High School in 1966, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the Spanish Club. Sally attended the University of Oklahoma and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She later obtained a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1993, Sally followed in her beloved mother's footsteps and became an elementary school teacher. Through self-study, she obtained her bilingual certification to become a bilingual teacher with the Austin Independent School District. She held several positions with AISD, including 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade teacher, reading coach, and instructional specialist, until her retirement in 2009. Teaching enabled her to combine her love of Spanish with her natural affinity for children, and she inspired students and teachers alike with her teaching gifts, her devotion to learning, and compassion for her students. A lifelong Sooner fan, Sally faithfully attended football watch parties held by the local OU Club and was their chief organizer and spirit leader. Sally also loved to travel, going to Europe over a dozen times, as well as traveling to the Caribbean and Central America. Upon returning home, she would delight in creating albums of postcards reflecting her travels. She also loved to collect pottery and added to her collection during trips abroad. Most of all, Sally enjoyed spending time with her sister, her large circle of friends, and her goddaughters, Addison and Blakely Broaddus. A wonderful sister and friend, Sally also was a devoted member of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church where she was active in mission work in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Frances Reagan, her grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and her brother-in-law, Michael Dick. Sally is survived by her sister, Mary Reagan, her beloved dog, Gracie, and her many friends, who were part of her extended family and who will deeply miss Sally's beautiful smile and loving spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that persons desiring to honor Sally through a charitable donation direct their gift to Austin Samaritans, www.austinsamaritans.org.