Sarah Ann Hollyfield's Obituary
Sally Ann Burns arrived in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, on July 4, 1933, born the Irish fair-complected, red-haired middle child of Anna (Hampson) Burns (1902-1980) and her husband, John “Jack” Burns (1900-1970). Along with her mother and father, Sally lived mostly in Squirrel Hill, PA, growing up with her older sister, Eileen (Laurence (1925-1983)) Fisher (1929-2020), and with her younger brother, James (Colleen) Burns (1935-2020).
During Sally’s school years at Sacred Heart Catholic School and her last year at Penn Hills High School, she excelled in art, winning numerous prizes throughout the Pittsburgh art community. Her art talent grew during her lifetime. Her favorite mediums ranged from oil, acrylic, pastel, ink; fabric, yarn; ceramic, clay. Many of her finished pieces have been shared with family, friends, and recipients of her custom artwork.
After graduating from high school, Sally joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict time period. She held the position of Stock Clerk in Brownsville, TX, supporting the troops and the war effort there. It was during this period that Sally met Dabney Martin III (1931-2012) who later became her husband and the father of their four daughters: Eileen Martin, Victoria (Gail) Furmanek, Kelly (Pat) Deegan, and Catherine Martin (1968-2004). The couple divorced and Sally independently raised her four young girls.
Sally’s daughter, Cathy, was born with both mental and physical disabilities. Soon after her birth,Sally was advised by doctors to place her daughter in a PA state institution. To Sally, this advice was abhorrent. Cathy thrived at home with her mom and sisters, always included in whatever family activity was going on. During this time, Sally put her energies into advocating for all people with disabilities and pioneering with other parents of children with disabilities towards the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. One of her partners in this effort was Ginny Thornburgh, a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities and the wife of Richard, governor of Pennsylvania from 1979-87.
Using her education benefits from the GI Bill, Sally returned to school, lastly attending the University of Pittsburgh. She studied art and social work. Sally was a natural when it came to creating “art therapy” programs for other parents of children with disabilities.
Sally married again. Her second husband was Oland “Joe” Hollyfield (1916-1989). Together they went into the coffee business, long before there was ever a Starbucks. As The Coffee Peddler, they roasted, flavored, and packaged their coffees at Bill Green’s Shopping Center, Pleasant Hills, PA, and also in the Patch in Large, PA. Their PA retail locations included Century III, Northway, and Indiana Malls. Featured in their stores was gourmet coffee sold by the bean, grounds, or cup.
Throughout her life, Sally was a force. A powerhouse in whatever she put her mind, talents, and energies toward. A beneficial role model in many respects for her girls.
Sally left us peacefully and comfortably on July 17, 2023, at her home surrounded by her three surviving daughters. Sally also leaves her grandson Richard (Chrissy) Sobeck, Jr., her great-grandson Richard Sobeck III, a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.
The family expresses their gratitude to all the members of Bridges Hospice who provided their professionalism, warmth, and kindness to them and to Sally.
Final arrangements are private and being handled by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home, Pleasant Hills, PA. No flowers are necessary. Donations in Sally’s honor can be made to the VERLAND Foundation, 212 Iris Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143, or to an organization of your choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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