Sally C. Dorn

Niskayuna -Sally C. Dorn, 86, died in the comfort of her home on Saturday March 04, 2023. Sally Dorn or our Grandma Sal, GSal for short, will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, step-mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

GSal was born Sally Cannon on April 24, 1936 to J. Howard and Margaret Riely Cannon. She was the youngest and last surviving of seven children (brothers Jack, Joe, Father Bill, and Paul, and sisters Joan O’Hearn and Sister Sara Ann, CSJ). She was also predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Janet, Olga and Beverly Cannon, and her brother-in-law, Bill O'Hearn.

While the constants of her life rarely changed - a fan of the Mets, a communicant of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, and a proud retired legal secretary from the New York State Police department - the stories of her day always featured lunch dates with her friends, working in the Niskayuna school district, and updates on her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (who lovingly call her GGSal).

When she talked to us about writing this, it was most important to her to emphasize her love for our grandfather. The “greatest day of my life” was when she and Roger Dorn were married on November 28, 1981. Her great love left too soon, as Roger died October 2, 1992.

GSal was survived by step- children Mary Ann Benson (Brendan), Lynn Gigante, John R. Dorn (Peggy), and Betsy Ambrose (Chris); her grandchildren, Meghan Spitzer (Gabe), Paul Gigante (Jess), Meredith Finn (Kevin), Steven Gigante, Nicholas Ambrose, Melissa Crounse (Nate), Grace Gowdy, and Kate Verret (Daniel); her great grandchildren, Jack Spitzer, Mark Crounse, Emmett Gowdy, Bee Spitzer, Hunter Crounse, Liam Finn, Leo Gigante and Nellie Finn, as well as 17 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Our Grandma showed us all how to live life exactly how you want it, without permission or apology. To celebrate her life, feel free to mix up a cocktail, eat some ice cream for dinner, or just get up and get a tissue if you’re going to sniff like that.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sally’s family on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 9:00 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 2216 Rosa Rd. Schenectady. Sally will be interred alongside her beloved Roger at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

At Sally’s request, please consider memorial contributions to Sisters of St. Joseph, 369 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or City Mission of Schenectady, PO Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com