Sally Louise May Alderdice

Sally Louise May Alderdice, 92, passed away on November 5, 2026, at Pine Haven Home, embraced in prayer with her Pastor, Darienne Gagne.

She was born January 19, 1934, in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of the late Maurice Fisher and Lucretia Frances (Sanford) May.

Sally was raised in Schenectady, where she met her high school sweetheart, John Thomas Alderdice, while attending Mont Pleasant High School. She continued her education at Simmons College, earning a Master's degree in Library Science.

She married John Thomas Alderdice on July 28, 1956, and together they raised three sons in Rockville Centre, NY, until moving to Columbia County in 1977.

For over thirty years, Sally enjoyed serving her community as the librarian at the Claverack Free Library. This work was truly her passion, and she shared her love of reading with all who visited the library, both young and old.

Sally’s pleasure in nurturing her houseplants led to a part-time job at Chatham Flowers and Gifts, where a lovely, caring relationship blossomed with the shop owner, Kathleen Rohlfs. That friendship lasted to this day.

One of Sally’s greatest loves was her cats. She provided a loving home to many throughout her lifetime, including family favorites Bubba and Goober. Sally will be eternally grateful to Susannah White for adopting her precious Saddie and George.

When Sally wasn’t reading, she was knitting. She created delicate baby sweaters so detailed that she won ribbons at the Chatham Fair, making many close friends in her knitting circle at The Warm Ewe, including Donna Rich.

Sally was a faithful member of The North Chatham United Methodist Church. Her friendship with Pastor Darienne Gagne, Ed and Maureen Gardner, and the entire congregation was a true blessing to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Alderdice; her siblings; and her niece, Leanne Wyman.

Sally’s memory will be carried forward with love by her sons: Andrew (Gina) Alderdice, Patrick (Kathryn) Alderdice, and Thomas (Ellen) Alderdice. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kirsten, Kyle, Sean (Lilit Balagyozyan), and Ryan Alderdice, who remain part of the living legacy of her family; her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Alderdice Martin and Susan (Howard) Alderdice Wyman; and her nieces, Kimberly Powell (and Debra Foley) and Suzanne Powell.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring of 2027.

Care services have been entrusted to French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home in Chatham, NY.