Sarah "Sally" Lucille Derrico

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Sarah (Sally) L Derrico passed away at Howard County General Hospital.  Sally was born on March 22, 1959 in Wilmington, Delaware to parents June and Robert Cameron.  She was the third of three sisters and spent her early years in Houston, Texas, later moving to Columbia, Maryland where she attended Oakland Mills High School.  She completed her college degree at the University of Maryland.  Sally raised her two sons, Philip and Sam London in Howard County, Maryland.  Being their mom was one of her great joys and she was so proud of them.  She was admired and beloved by her two sisters, Carrie Carmen and Stephie Duncan.  Her sister Carrie passed away just a month ago, adding to the profound grief her loving family is experiencing.

Although she was always musical, playing the piano by ear from a young age, as an adult it was discovered that she had an operatic singing voice.  At St John’s Church where she was a member, she became an integral part of the choir encouraging the congregation and glorifying God with her beautiful choir singing.  She was also an accomplished soloist, performing at many notable events.

When Sally was 53 she met and married Jack, the love of her life, and they had 8 wonderful years together.  They loved doing adventurous trips, seeing films and eating good food and just hanging out in their beautiful home.  They loved hosting the extended family’s annual Christmas party helping to keep our family close to each other.

Sally loved her entire family. Her son Philip and his fianceé Michelle, were so special to her and she was thrilled as she planned an upcoming trip to Colorado for their wedding. Her youngest son Sam and his wife, Melissa, were also so special to her and their daughter, Aliza, had completely captured her heart.  During COVID, Sally considered it the greatest privilege to watch Aliza, and they spent many fun (and educational) days together, doing activities that Sally had planned in advance.

She also loved her nieces and nephews Maddie, Jamie, Kay and Cally, as well as their spouses Pete, Laura, Kris and Dave.(She treasured her nine great nieces and nephews too.) She was so generous with her time, coming to every event she was invited to and making each guest feel loved, encouraged, and appreciated.  

Sally spent many years working for a rape crisis center as a counselor instrumental in helping families cope during a time of great trauma and suffering.  She had unmatched empathy that paired with her infectious smile and savvy good sense of humor. Sally was very creative, loved cooking and reading.  

We will all miss Sally tremendously, but rejoice that her hope was in our loving Savior!! 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2020 at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

A private Funeral service will be held at St John’s Church @ 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Please note that you will be able to view this service online starting at 11:00 AM  https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4QUphPuhiRHxPZqZZGWruA?view_as=subscriber

In lieu of flowers, Donations in Memory of Sally may be made to the St John’s Church Music Ministry – 9120 Frederick Rd Ellicott City, MD 21042

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