GIBSON, Sarah "Sally" (nee SATTERTHWAITE) - 1946 - 2022 Died peacefully, on December 20, 2022, in Toronto with her loving daughters at her side.
Sally was born and raised in Short Hills, New Jersey, and graduated from Vassar College. She moved to Toronto in 1969, where she raised a family while earning a Master of Library Science and a Ph.D. in Urban Geography from the University of Toronto. Her first book, More than an Island: A History of the Toronto Island, was described by urban thinker, Jane Jacobs, as "city history at its very best."
Her second book, Inside Toronto: Urban Interiors 1880s to 1920s, was a finalist for the City of Toronto Book Award and won a Heritage Toronto Book Award of Excellence in 2007.
Her third book, Toronto's Distillery District: History by the Lake, evolved from her work as the Distillery District's site historian and won a Heritage Toronto Book Award of Merit in 2009.
Sally is survived by her daughters, Meg (Lauren Sergio) and Katie (Cindy Tan); grandchildren, Lindsay, Alistair, and Gus; brother, Franklin Satterthwaite Jr. (Martha Werenfels); and nephews, Peter and Toby. She is predeceased by her parents, Emily and Franklin Satterthwaite. Sally will be remembered for her unparalleled knowledge and love of Toronto and its heritage, and her Cabbagetown neighbourhood in particular.
She delighted in her grandchildren and was devoted to her samoyeds and rescue cats. She wore her progressive values on her sleeve and never shied away from a good protest or political debate. A proud Canadian, she also cherished her American ancestry reaching back to founding father, Benjamin Franklin.
The family expresses its gratitude to the St. Michael's Hospital team, notably Dr. Tina Trinkaus, and the staff in the palliative care unit at Bridgepoint Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Michael's Hospital (Hematology), Massawippi Foundation, or Toronto Humane Society would be welcome.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Toronto Necropolis Chapel. Attendees are kindly asked to wear masks.
{fastsocialshare