Hurlbut, Sally

Sally Hurlbut passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on August 16, 2024, at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband of 66 years Robert Lee Hurlbut, children Holly Hogrefe (North Carolina), Karen Cook, (Maryland) and Robert Douglas Hurlbut (Fairport, New York), 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 

Sally was the beloved daughter of Albert and Etta Walker from Rochester, New York. As a child she excelled in academics and music, playing both the piano and cello, and continuing the latter throughout her lifetime. In the summers, her family enjoyed camping and annual visits to her Aunt Marjorie’s home in Kansas. Sally attended William Smith College (Geneva, NY) from 1952-1956, and graduated with a BA degree in Music. She married her husband Robert on May 3, 1958, and the couple settled in the Rochester area, residing in Penfield and then Fairport from 1968 until present. As a stay-at-home mother, Sally took pride in her childrens’ development and accomplishments, her beautifully decorated home and fragrant English garden. 

As her children grew older, Sally took a position in the Fairport High School library, where could keep a watchful eye on her son Robert. After retirement, Sally continued her active lifestyle by singing in church choirs, and playing cello in the Genesee Valley Orchestra and community quartet. Sally was also a beloved member of the PEO Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to community works, including sponsoring young women to attend Cottey Women’s College in Missouri. Through her recommendation, her granddaughter Hannah Cook attended the college, and Sally carefully followed her years there with bursting pride. Sally also kept in close contact with her extended relatives, and cared diligently for her elderly mother Etta until she passed away at age 103. 

Sally enjoyed traveling, touring England and Italy with the GVO rchestra, and visiting her daughters in California, North Carolina, and Maryland. She looked forward to visits from her children and grandchildren, and felt especially blessed when her son Robert came to live in Fairport with his daughter Isidora. Finally as a grandparent, she could be present for all the school honors, piano recitals, sporting events and holiday celebrations! 

Sally loved animals, and was an ardent supporter of Lollypop Farm (Humane Society of Greater Rochester). She adopted several cats and dogs over the years, and sadly left behind her precious Pomapoo Maiblue (“Bloochie”), and ornery cats Bennie, Nollie, and Pip. Sally was also a dedicated supporter of WXXI public television/radio. 

Over the years, we viewed our mother Sally through childrens’ eyes. During her final days, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support by so many that knew and adored our mom. Filled with love for those around her and the courage to persevere, this exceptional woman will live on in our cherished memories. Sally will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and especially by her children and grandchildren listed below: 

Holly’s children – Nick Hogrefe (Hannah) and daughter Theodora, and Heather Keffala-Gerhard (Will) and children Oliver Yeager and Charley Keffala-Gerhard. 

Robert’s daughter – Isidora Hurlbut 

Karen’s children – step son Robert Jr. and grandson Robert Jr. Cook; step son Michael Cook (Leah) and granddaughter Temperance; step daughter Marica Sweeney (Bryan) and granddaughters Emmalyn, Lillianna, Scarlett and Madeline; son James Cook, daughter Etta Cook, daughter Hannah Cook, son Jonathan Cook, daughter Abigail Cook, son Josiah Cook, and daughter Emma Cook. 

Calling Hours Friday August 23, 2024 5-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Service Saturday August 24, 2024 11AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 77 Country Corner Lane, Fairport.

In Sally’s loving memory, donations can be made to Lollypop Farm, Fairport and Shepherd’s Home, Penfield, New York.