Sallie Cartwright, 80, passed away on March 15, 2021, following a decline in health.
She was born to parents Philip and Viola Newton on Aug. 10, 1940, in Massachusetts, where she spent her childhood. In adulthood, she further resided in Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maryland and most recently Rio Rancho, N.M.
Sallie had a great love for music; she was a graduate of Boston University, where she studied music at the School of Fine and Applied Arts and was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. After graduate studies, she went on to work as a church music director, choir director and organist for more than 50 years at multiple churches (in each state where she lived) and as an elementary school music teacher for more than a decade.
She received the Irl Allison Medal, Paderewski Gold Medal and two MacDowell awards — among several other recognitions. In her many church, school and community roles, Sallie produced, directed and performed in multiple concert and cantata events.
She and her husband, Richard, were particularly known and beloved for their gorgeous piano and organ duets. In addition to music, Sallie enjoyed travel, public service through Zonta, genealogy, PEO and spending time with family and friends.
Sallie and Dr. Richard Cartwright were married on June 18, 1966. Together they were loving parents to their daughter, Merrie.
Richard preceded Sallie in death in 2016. Sallie is survived by Dr. Merrie Cartwright, daughter; David Barron, son-in-law; Aurora Barron, granddaughter; Dr. David Newton, brother; Margaret Newton, sister-in-law; and many cousins.
An online memorial service was held in April of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities: World Wildlife Fund (https://support.worldwildlife.org), Save the Music (https://donate.savethemusic.org) … or your local church’s music program.