Sally Jean Poirier
Sally Jean Poirier passed away peacefully with family by her side on New Year’s Day, 2025. Born on April 10, 1934, in Tupper Lake, the first of 11 children to Ralph ‘Bud’ and Julia Miller Russell. Sally dedicated her life to family, teaching, cooking and traveling. A graduate of Tupper Lake schools and Potsdam State, Sally led a full career building lifelong relationships with her fellow teachers, students and colleagues.
She met her life partner James Woodrow ‘Woody’ Poirier and wed on Oct. 14, 1957 in Tupper Lake. Sally and Woody were stationed in Germany before settling down in Tupper Lake on Hosley Ave.
Sally was a proud mother to her son, Glenn, a devoted grandmother to her two grandchildren, Caitlin (Russell) and Patrick (Lindsay) and most of all, she loved her six great-grandchildren more than anything: Addison, Amelia, Alex, Callan, Scout and Wynn. She had a special bond with them, enjoying summer days when she could be with all of them together. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved celebrating every milestone in their lives. She cherished family reunions with the large Russell family and was proud of her siblings, nieces and nephew’s accomplishments.
After retirement, Sally traveled the world on trips to Australia, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma and Ireland, and she enjoyed winters around her family in Beaufort, South Carolina. In Tupper Lake, she enjoyed daily stops with her friends at Shaheens IGA, making apple sauce and baked goods for everyone to enjoy and visiting with her neighbors.
The matriarch of the family is predeceased by her husband Woody and her siblings John Russell, Irene Russell, Grace Grammo, Ralph Russell and Bill Russell. She is survived by her son Glenn (Nancie) Poirier, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her siblings Nance Green, Helen ‘Peg’ Cole, Robert ‘Tom’ Russell (Veronica), Michael Russell, Sioux Collier (Bob), brother-in-law Rey Grammo, dear friend Peggy Poirier, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Sally Poirier will be fondly remembered for her steadfast commitment to family and her spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of all she knew throughout her life.
Calling hours for Sally will be held on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Frary Funeral Home and Funeral. Mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.