IFFT

SALLY ANN

Sally Ann Ifft (Ben Avon, formerly Avalon), born May 14, 1962, to Mary Helen and George Ifft, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 1st.

Everyone in Avalon knew Sally. She had a way of making you smile and laugh -- whether she was reaching for a cookie or ordering food at the Wagon Wheel without a nickel in her pocket, you only had to meet Sally once to love her. Her smile and her dance moves could light up any room, especially if the Blues Orphans were singing to her!

Sally was surrounded by countless friends and cousins throughout her life, but her most treasured playmates were her brothers, George and Kevin, and her beloved sister, Mary Ellen. Sally went everywhere with her siblings and never missed a party, a gathering, or a moment with her family. George shared with Sally a love of music that stayed with her throughout her entire life -- right up until her last day, she always had her favorite songs playing in the background. Mary Ellen, the energizer bunny of the family, took Sally everywhere -- from the casino to the pool, out to eat, and shopping. Along the way, Mary Ellen's countless friends became Sally's friends too. Sally was deeply loved near and far -- from Pittsburgh to Tampa, with a few special stops along the way... including Virginia. Kevin and Sally always had a special bond which only deepened when he became her primary caregiver. Kevin did everything for Sally and always smiled and laughed while taking care of her. From shopping to dances, dinner to playdates and everything in between, Kevin was who Our Gal Sal depended on most. Sally admired Kevin and we are all thankful for the love and care he was able to provide for her throughout her lifetime.

Her greatest admirer was her mother, Mary Helen -- later lovingly renamed "Giddy," because she was simply giddy with joy. Helen loved Sally deeply for 49 beautiful years. She could often be seen walking Sally up and down Lincoln Avenue -- to church, the bakery, or the grocery store. She adored taking care of and spoiling her -- whether it was late-night soda with pretzels and ranch or sneaking her a third helping at dinner. Giddy was not only Sally's mother, but her true best friend.

After the passing of her mother, Sally was embraced with even more love when she moved in with her brother Kevin, his wife Kim Colaizzi Ifft, and at the time, their four young children -- Madison (7), Abby (6), Kemmer Jane (4), and Alex (3). What followed was a beautiful and unforgettable chapter filled with laughter, chaos, and unconditional love. For almost 20 years Sally was one of the "Ifft 7"- and the Ifft 7 loved and laughed - a lot. It was a magical chapter for all of us.

The Ifft Kids and Aunt Sally were inseparable. They played day and night, snuck into each other's rooms, and were often found piled into Sally's bed. And every now and then, Sally would sneak up to the third-floor girls' rooms -- mostly in search of snacks, but also because she missed them. Having Sally in their home was a gift they never knew they needed, and she left an imprint on each of their hearts forever.

Sally taught everyone she met so much. She was patient, loving, funny, smart, and beautiful. She was the kind of person you wish everyone could have in their life.

Sally was born with Down syndrome and, later in life, became blind and lived with dementia for the past nine years. Yet, even through it all, her spirit remained strong and her light continued to shine -- only slowing in the final years. Sally loved everyone who showed her kindness, without hesitation or condition.

Among her many friendships, one stood above the rest -- her best friend, Terri. Sally and Terri were together as often as possible from childhood through 2025. We lost dear Terri last year, and while dementia took so much from Sally, one small comfort is that she never had to feel the loss of her best friend.

On April 1st -- her father's 102nd birthday -- Sally chose the perfect day to reunite with her mom, dad, and Terri in heaven. She left this world peacefully, just as she lived -- with quiet beauty.

The house feels different now -- quieter, not quite right -- but there is peace in knowing that Sally is exactly where she is meant to be. On Easter morning, we know she will be celebrating with those who went before her, and without a doubt, she'll be the one who finds the pink egg with the $100 inside.

Sally is survived by her loving siblings, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter because of her. If you met Our Gal Sal, even once, YOU are truly lucky too.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6th, from 2:00-7:00 PM at MILLER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 460 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7th at Regina Coeli Parish, Assumption Church, followed by burial and a celebration of Sally's life. She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please make your donation to the Avonworth - Lopes Lounge. Which serves as a learning experience for students in the Lifeskills Program. Please make checks payable to: Avonworth High School, Memo: Lopes Lounge/Sally Ifft, 304 St. Joseph's Lane, Pgh., PA 15237, Attn: Tiff White.