Sidney C. “Sally” Mott, 88, of St. Charles, IL peacefully passed away December 25, 2020.
Sidney Carolyn Joyce was born on November 8th 1932 in Evanston Illinois. The oldest of three. She grew up in Wilmette. She attended New Trier High School and graduated from University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Business. Soon after graduation Sally became a flight attendant for TWA. She also taught fourth grade for a few years. On December 28th 1955 she married the love of her life, Richard Mott.
In 1963, Sally and Dick built their dream home in St. Charles for their young family of four. Sally worked hard to raise her children. She taught them her Catholic faith. She supported their activities, driving to hockey games and swim meets. Sally taught her children to love the outdoors. The farm in Wisconsin and the cottage in Minnesota gave them priceless family time. They took time to hike, picnic, explore nature, work outside, play charades and learn to find entertainment.
Sally loved the arts, lectures, education and the community. She shared her love of art with children as a “Picture Lady”. She was active in The Pottawatomie Garden Club, Playmakers Community Theater, The League of Women Voters, Delnor Women’s Hospital Auxilary, Norris Cultural Arts Center, and she volunteered in fund raising for WTTW. Village Investors was a favorite group. She loved learning and thrived when investing. Sally played bridge regularly. She loved the strategy of the game. As a member of the The St. Charles Country Club and the Geneva Golf Club, Sally enjoyed tennis and golf. Morning coffee was spent with The Wall Street Journal evenings included a bourbon and ginger ale with Brett Baier and Martha Maccullem of Fox News.
Sally had a wonderful sense of style, timeless and classy. Her home was her sanctuary. She thoughtfully created a warm, beautiful space with cherished unique family heirlooms.
Sally spent a lot of time at her desk, where she managed family and business finances, her stocks and investments and her work as a financial planner. Sally loved her lists and yellow post-its, they were everywhere!! This included, a less than popular, Saturday chore lists for the kids.
Sally loved to entertain, whether it was a dinner party, family gathering or a weekend at the farm. It was planned out and executed with ALL things considered. Most special occasions were accompanied by a group song/poem, written and directed by Sally. Traditions were important. June birthdays on the porch, 4th of July at the farm with 3 families and 1 bathroom, Thanksgiving at the farm with cousins. Christmas caroling around Sally playing the piano. New Year’s Eve playing tennis until midnight. Later paddle tennis became the fun social gathering with wonderful friends.
Sally and Dick were the perfect mix. They loved adventure, athletics, each other and made family time fun. They had high expectations and standards for each other and those they loved. Correct grammar, table manners, thank you notes, punctuality were all important. Together they created a strong force in the community and in their family.
She is survived by her children Christopher (Marcie) Mott, Jennifer (Tom) Mott-Mueller, grandchildren Madeline (Trevor) Fink, Michael and Mary Mueller, Adam Mott, sister Betsy (Richard) Bauernschmidt, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Richard, and her brother Michael Joyce.
Sally will be remembered for her stately example of virtue and perseverance. Her leadership inspired those around her to be their best self.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 400 Cedar Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois.
Contributions in Sally’s memory may be made to The Cradle Foundation, Attn: Rachel Solomon, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60202. Please make write Sidney “Sally’s” name in the memo line of the check.
Share
Email
Condolences
Simone Sallé from Diemen, The Netherlands, AK
"Daar Jennifer and family, I wish you a lot of strength with the loss of your mother."
Tim from St Charles, IL
"Chris,I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I still remember being at your house on/near Indian Mound when your parents hosted a party for your friends! They were so cordial and welcoming.Best to you, Tim Hughes Class of 1974"
Jeanne ODonnell from North Aurora, IL
"My heart goes out to everyone in the family for the loss of beautiful Sally"
Marilyn and Frank Woidat from Elmhurst, , IL
"Frank and Marilyn Woidat send our condolence and loving thoughts and prayers to all of you at this sad time in your lives. Your parents were wonderful neighbors and we still miss Wildrose, after leaving 4 years ago to return to Elmhurst, where we began our family in the early 60's. God bless you all, Marilyn"
Peggy Erday from Geneva, IL
"Jennifer,I am so sorry your mother passed away. She sounded like a passionate, active, involved woman. My prayers are with you and the family. May you find peace and strength during this sad time.Peggy Erday"
Ward Joyce from Montpelier, VT
"Having grown up in Minnesota as the Mott's cousin I spent my entire life with periodic visits to the farm in Wisconsin and to the cottage in Northern Minnesota, which belong to Sal's mom, Fedelia.. And what I most recall was how close my parents were with Sally and Dick, as my dad was Sally's first cousin. My dad traveled to Europe with Sally when they were both 22, when my dad met my mom on the boat. So Sally was central in my Dad's life forever and that really matters. Sorry to see her go."
Christina Fasano from Batavia, AK
"So sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. I enjoyed working with her so very much. She was such a vibrant strong woman!"