Sally A. (Derr) McCloskey

Sally A. (Derr) McCloskey, 88, formerly of Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully at home in Ponte Vedra, Fla with her loving family by her side on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Born on December 19, 1933, in Bloomsburg, Sally was the oldest of five, predeceased by her parents Arthur Derr and Pearl (Quick) Derr, and brother, Arthur Jr.

After graduating from Bloomsburg High School, Sally chose to continue her education at Geisinger Nursing School. She spent many years caring for others, often working in underserved communities. At one point in her career, Sally cared for ex-President Eisenhower in his home. Years later, she went back to school and earned her B.S. in Nursing and her Master of Science in education from Penn State. A true believer in the power of education, Sally spent 20 years teaching Medical Assisting at Columbia Montour Vocational Technical School.

In 1954, Sally married the love of her life, Isaiah L. “Ike” McCloskey, who preceded her in death on July 20, 2017. During their 63 years together, she and Ike had many adventures; moving more times than they could count, hosting family celebrations, traveling, and playing countless rounds of golf all over the country. She was a former member of Frosty Valley, Caloosa, and Renaissance Country Clubs. An avid reader, lover of country music, and frequent theatergoer, Sally supported the local performing arts.

Sally was a loving mother of four children, grandmother to ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren with a 13^th on the way. As much as she loved her children, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and stayed in touch with each of them through social media. She especially cherished family vacations in Emerald Isle, NC. Ike and Sally created a long-standing tradition to bring the entire McCloskey clan together for a beach week, full of laughs and memories, for over 30 years. She taught us the importance of kindness and thoughtfulness through example, never missing an opportunity to recognize and celebrate her loved ones. Her gentle wit and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her beloved children: son, Norbert and his wife Anne, Ithaca, NY; daughter, Lisa, wife of Charles Hagemeyer, Jacksonville, FL; son, Kevin and his wife Valerie, Allentown; and daughter, Kathy, wife of John Balsis, Dunedin, FL.; grandchildren, Jennifer Pierce (Kevin), Katie Moses (Brian), Laura McCloskey (Isidro Urtiaga), Sara Boyce (Brian), Jackie Mracek (Curtis), Michael McCloskey, Casey McCloskey (Sheila), Maggie McCloskey, James McCloskey, and Anthony Difebo; great grandchildren, Jake, Cole, Sage, Meadow, Evan, Liam, Curtis III, Dane, McClain, Bianca, Brandon, and Daniel, step grandchildren; Jay Ulshafer (Fanar), Sara Andress (Jay); step great grandchildren, Wyatt, Jonas, Warren Guy, Jacob, Logan and Riley; sister; Betty Gensemer; brothers; Ed Derr and Steve Derr along with many loved nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Sally’s life will be held Monday, April 18, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service: 325 Market St., Bloomsburg with Rev. Dr. L. Lee Barnhardt officiating. Entombment in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. Family and friends are invited to call 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Rd., Bloomsburg or Bloomsburg Public Library, 225 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815. A special thank you to the Community Hospice of Ponte Vedra, Fla.