Longtime Orcas Island resident Sally Bennett passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of April 6, 2009 in Kirkland, Washington after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sally was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 16, 1945 to parents Sherman Paul Snamiska and Esther Martha (Miller) Snamiska. Sally Snamiska spent her childhood in Cudahy, Wisconsin with her brother, Sherm. Sally graduated from Cudahy High School in 1963. After high school, Sally worked as a teller for a local Savings and Loan Bank. During her tenure at the bank, Sally was subjected to an armed robbery.

Sally moved from Wisconsin to Southern California, where she worked for Mercedes Benz of Hollywood. Her job at the car dealership allowed her to meet and hob-knob with some of the rich and famous.

Sally moved to Orcas Island on February 28, 1978, where she would reside for the remainder of her life. Sally met her future husband, John Bennett, that December. John and Sally were married on July, 18, 1981. John and Sally spent the past 30 plus years together on Orcas living on the Northshore of the island. Sally particularly enjoyed her view towards Sucia, Matia and the Canadian Coastal mountains.

Sally worked for many local businesses over the years, including Ross Ryan Realty, Margaret Russell (Gift Shop), BC Sand and Gravel, San Juan Travel, Ray’s Pharmacy, Ace Hardware, and most recently, West Beach Resort.

Sally made numerous friends and acquaintances during her time on the island. She always had an upbeat, gregarious personality and a contagious laugh. She will be dearly missed by all who have come to know and love her. Sally never knew a stranger. She remembered everyone’s birthday and anniversaries.

Sally is survived by her loving husband, John Bennett, and her brother and sister-in-law, Sherm and Jean Snamiska.

In keeping with her low key, unassuming lifestyle, Sally has requested that no official memorial service be conducted. There will be a celebration of Sally’s life in June at the American Legion Hall.

Sally has requested that any remembrances be in the form of a donation in her memory to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Contributions, J5-200, P.O. Box 19024, Seattle WA 98109-1024.