Sally D. Florkiewicz

Sally D. Florkiewicz passed away peacefully at age 81 on May 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 57 years to Tom; loving mother of TJ (Coleen) and Sally Anne (Scott); grandmother to Tommy, Charlie, and Miranda (Jordan); great grandmother to Cal; sister to Jay Dickinson (Nancy); aunt and great-aunt to many; daughter of the late Virginia and Jay Dickinson.

Sally was born on April 12, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio where she spent most of her childhood. She spent a lot of time at her family’s fine dining restaurant, Crosby’s, which was located at 105th and Carnegie. Later her family moved to Music Street in South Russell, and she graduated from West Geauga High School in 1962. She earned a degree from Ohio University where her life motto was established when Dwight Eisenhower was speaking. He looked right at her sitting in the front row and said, “Just remember everyday of your life - have fun.” After graduating, Sally was a Cleveland Public school teacher and sold Ohio Bell Yellow Page ads. She married Tom in 1968, and they settled in Chagrin Falls where she stayed home to raise her children while also starting her own figurine and collectible business, Sally’s of Chagrin. She also sold ads for the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sally’s passion was her service to the community. She was involved in her church, St. Joan of Arc, starting in 1974. Over the years she was President of the PTO, Chairwoman of the annual linen sale, on Parish Council, founded the Arc Education Commission, and was President of the Woman’s Guild. She became active in the Chagrin Valley Recreation Center in 1977. She was a Board member, President, and Chairwoman of the annual fundraiser at various times for 27 years. She was a member of the Chagrin Falls Booster Board, led several Booster Drives, and was PTO President. She was a Girl Scout leader, Salvation Army Soup Sister, Co-Chair of Books for Cleveland Kids, and Co-Chair of the “Taste of Ethnic Cleveland” cookbook. She was the Chairwoman/Co-Chair of the Republican party of Cuyahoga County for 23 years, Senator Grace Drake’s treasurer for 25 years, and was elected to the State Central Committee. She also led a Support the Troops Project which distributed long distance calling cards to active-duty military personnel around the world. In 1998 she was appointed by Governor Voinovich to Cleveland State Board of Trustees where she served for 14 years. She was also on the Board of Elections for Cuyahoga County, appointed to the Selective Service Board, and was a Founding Member of the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival.

Sally always made a difference, was a full force of creative ideas, and loved politics. Back in 1983 she started a petition to change the modern design of the new Chagrin Falls Post Office to the more traditional design that it is today. A good friend once said, “Sally has a thousand ideas each day and you have to pick out the pearl.” One pearl is the New Year’s Eve Popcorn Ball Drop in Chagrin Falls. She came up with the idea after watching a documentary, visualized dropping a popcorn ball in the village triangle, and it is now an annual tradition for 13 years. Her creative mind was the starting point for many campaigns. “GOP Sal” designed endless amounts of campaign literature, buttons, and covered her lawn with political signs. She was always outside the voting polls on election day expressing her support for her favorite candidate. She attended 8 Republican National Conventions and 5 Inaugural Balls.

Sally had a gift for getting things done and having a good time while doing it. Her positive spirit and love of life was infectious. “Mustang Sally’s” magnetic personality would always light up a room, and everyone loved working with her because it was a joy to be around her. Sally was a very thoughtful and caring person who always put others first. She loved throwing wedding and baby showers, dropping off homecooked meals for friends in need, making floral centerpieces for luncheons, and gathering items for silent auction fundraisers. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and always found the perfect card to send in the mail.

Sally’s true love was her family. Sally and Tom have lived in the same house for 54 years where family gatherings, barn, Christmas, and Blossomtime parade parties have been held. Annual summer vacations took place at Holden Beach with family and friends. Sally and Tom traveled the world on many of Tom’s work trips and she accompanied him on his quest to visit every U.S. National Park. They also spent winters in Venice, Florida. She was the best mother to TJ and Sally Anne. She was always so proud of them, supported them, and would share about their lives with everyone. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her grandsons Tommy and Charlie. She loved watching them play sports and having them stop by the house after school with friends for fresh cookies. Sally’s relationship with her brother, Jay, was also very special. She was more of a mother than sister to him.

Sally leaves behind a family who cherished her, friends who adored her, and a community that will be forever grateful of her. In every laugh shared, every election day that passes, and every Popcorn Ball Drop, Sally’s spirit will live on. There will never be another Sally Florkiewicz and the world is a better place because of her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Monday, June 9 from 2 P.M. – 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 496 East Washington St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 at 10 A.M. Burial to follow at Evergreen Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the St. Joan of Arc Woman’s Guild in memory of Sally.

Livestream link to Funeral Mass: https://boxcast.tv/view/sally-florkiewicz-funeral-kwyhupvl6p6gwgrxbb44