Sally C. Ragone

Sally C. Ragone, 84, died peacefully after a long illness on July 23, 2026 in Albany, NY. Sally was known by her family and friends for her helpfulness, always lending a hand in so many ways, often behind the scenes; her matter-of-fact outlook and direct delivery, which her kids often found too much when they were younger but quickly embraced it for its beauty and hilarity; her generosity, where she was always willing to offer her time and skills to assist; and her artistry, where she was an accomplished and award-winning quilter, but also deeply involved in knitting, crochet, tie dying, and soap making. Sally was the person who brought people together, for a joint craft project or making jams and jellies together, managing all the details, and teaching so many. Sally quietly and consistently overcame all of life’s challenges with an understanding that forward was the only way.

Sally was born, Sally Elizabeth Carlson on May 30, 1942, in West Hartford, CT, to Carl and Violet Carlson. Both her parents were Swedish immigrants. Sally attended Hartford College for Women before moving to New Jersey to complete a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Upsala College in East Orange, NJ and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University. Sally worked for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind from 1965 until she retired in 2006. At the Commission for the Blind, Sally worked teaching adults who had lost their vision to navigate everyday life. Later in her career, Sally supported children and young adults with profound support needs that included visual impairment at many locations around the State of New Jersey, ensuring that they and their families were receiving the supports that they needed.

Sally was committed to her family, modeling hard work, perseverance, and candor, but not necessarily diplomacy. Sally was practical, well-organized, and dedicated to raising hard working sons. They have fond memories of her ability to make just about anything, from elaborate Halloween costumes from scratch and baking Italian bread, to spending time together as a family blueberry picking, swimming, or going to the local amusement park while staying at their summer cottage in Pennsylvania. Especially after the loss of her husband when her children were 16, 14, and 10, Sally spent many nights helping with homework, driving them to a practice or school events, helping them navigate college applications or finding a job. She encouraged her sons to follow their passions through education and beyond. Sally was also very forgiving when her sons damaged and, more than once, totaled her cars.

Sally enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends that she made through work and various activities such as her involvement with the Brownstone Quilters where she held positions coordinating fundraising and supporting many events. Sally also loved to exercise in the pool and had a group of friends with whom she would have coffee after her Sunday exercise classes.

Sally is survived by her children, Alex, Daniel, and Andrew, their spouses, Vicky, Grethe, and Tingting; her beloved grand-children, Elly, Evan, Milo, Ingrid, Vendela, Evelyn, and Ethan; siblings, Philip (Miki) Carlson of Glastonbury, CT, Maris (Frank) Cornell of Lebanon, CT, and Rik (Barbara) Carlson, of Burlington, VT. She is predeceased by her husband, Philip Anthony Ragone of Lyndhurst, NJ, who she married in 1972.

The family will receive visitors at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 from 11:00 to 1:00pm concluding with remarks from the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , www.donorservices.alz.org/.