Sarah "Sally" Gruner

Sally was the quiet center of a big, beautiful, sometimes chaotic, but always loving family. She offered calm in the storm, compassion without judgment, and a steady presence to everyone who knew her. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother—and she was truly extraordinary at it.

Born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, Sally was the daughter of Ethelda “Tilly” and sister to Debrah “Debbie”. She worked for John Hancock for many years before meeting her husband, George. They married and spent over 20 years building a life together before his passing. In those later years, Sally cared for George through a long illness with quiet strength and loyalty—qualities that defined her throughout her life. Together, they began the chapter that meant the most to her: becoming a mother and, later, a grandmother.

She was a devoted mother to Katie Prchlik and Eric Gruner, and a loving mother-in-law to Andrew Prchlik, whom she adored, and to her daughter-in-law Elena Gruner. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Renée, Anna, Sage, Clayton, and Nikki.

For the last 15 years, Sally lived with Katie and Andrew in the home they built in West Barnstable—a true family homestead filled with everyday joys, messy moments, and a whole lot of love. She was the one everyone turned to: a peacekeeper, an honest advisor, and a safe place to land.

She had a sharp wit and a soft heart. She loved her morning Dunkin’ (or Starbucks), her weekly haircuts, and—despite her family’s best efforts to get her to quit—her cigarettes. She kept the radio or TV on in the background, loved long phone chats with her best friend Maureen, and always wanted to hear the latest updates from her grandkids (especially the drama and gossip from Renée, which she secretly loved).

Above all, Sally loved the beach. Cape Cod was her dream, and she spent countless summers in the sun with her children and grandchildren. Even when she could no longer get to the shore, her love for it never faded—and it lives on in her beach-loving girls and the life Katie built with her coastal shop, Cape Cod Chokers.

She was always the heart of the family. Her love, loyalty, humor, and gentle presence will be carried forward by all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

She will be deeply missed—and forever cherished.