Sally Read Dow

Sally was born on November 11, 1935 in Lynn, Massachusetts to John M. Read and Catharine H. Mayo. She was a graduate of the Walnut Hill School, Connecticut College, and Simmons College, where she received her Master of Library Science.

Sally worked as a librarian at Harvard University and the New York Public Library before moving to Croton with her husband Bryden M. Dow in 1963. She retired as Head of the Children’s Room at the Ossining Public Library in 2012 after 40+ years of public service. Among her many contributions, she helped select the winner of the annual Caldecott Medal for children’s books.

Locally, Sally served as a trustee of the Saw Mill River Chapter of the Audubon Society and was a member of many other organizations including the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was a longtime member of the Asbury United Methodist Church where she played in the handbell choir. Sally loved to play bridge, and was a devoted attendee of area concerts, recitals, plays and discussion groups. She was also an active participant in folk-dancing and Tai Chi, and an enthusiastic world-traveler.

Sally is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bryden M. Dow, her three children, Gregory R. Dow of Briarcliff Manor, New York, Elizabeth Dow of Rye, New York, and William H. Dow of Moraga, California, and nine grandchildren.

Visitation hours are Monday, February 1st from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, 41 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 2nd at 11 am at Asbury United Methodist Church, 17 Old Post Rd. S., Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music fund at Asbury United Methodist Church or to the Saw Mill River Audubon Society, 275 Millwood Rd., Chappaqua, NY 10514.