Sally E. Stockwell

To her family, Sally was affectionately known as the “Flying Nurse,” riding her motorcycle to work each day so her children could have the family car. It was just one of the many ways she quietly put her family first. If you looked in her saddlebags, you would find her knitting, reading materials and fresh baked goodies for her co-workers.

On August 7, 2026, Sally E. Stockwell 96, of Keene, NH, passed away after a long and full life.

Sally was born in Keene on September 23, 1929, to Clarence F. Caldwell and Helena L. Haywood Caldwell. She loved the outdoors, traveling, skating, swimming, reading, knitting and her family. Sally frequently recalled time spent skiing on Stearns Road as a child.

Sally graduated from Keene High School in 1947 and went on to earn her RN degree from Elliot Community Hospital in 1950. Sally worked at Elliot Community Hospital and Cheshire Medical Center as a pediatric nurse for her entire career, caring for hundreds of children including her own granddaughter. She later earned her certification as a pediatric nurse (RNC).

Sally’s commitment to her community started with her time in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager. She received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015 for her service in the Civil Air Patrol during WWII.

She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene and donated her time to the church as well as to St. James Thrift Shop, the DAR - Ashuelot Chapter, and the Autism Society of America - Capital District of New York.

Sally married Ray D. Stockwell Jr. on February 10, 1951. They were married for 48 years before Ray passed away in 1999. Ray and Sally had seven children who all survive her: James and wife Jayme, William and wife Lisa, Karen, Susan and husband Michael, Rebecca and husband Bruce, Andrea and husband Scott, and Allyson and husband Steve.

Sally cherished her 13 Grandchildren: Erica, Tucker, Abbey, Leslie, Andrew, Jennifer, Raymond, Ryley, Evelyn, Jonathan, Kayden, Michael and Dylan. In addition to her grandchildren, she also enjoyed 9 great-grandchildren and was excited to meet her twin great-grandchildren due in November. She is also survived by a sister Emalou Abbot (Caldwell) and by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who will also miss her dearly. Sally was predeceased by a granddaughter, Sophia; and a sister Cynthia Mahoney (Caldwell).

Sally will be remembered for her strength, courage, Sunday and holiday meals, and love for her family.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:00pm in the St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West Street, Keene. All are welcome. Burial will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation in her memory to St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West Street, Keene, NH 03431; the National Autism Society (autismsociety.org), 6110 Executive Boulevard Suite 305, Rockville, MD 20852; the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (www2.breakthrough1d.org), Breakthrough T1D, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281; or to one of your own favorite charities.