Sally Lou deGrouchy Clary McCaffrey, age 96, passed away on December 3, 2024, in Wilmington, DE, where she had lived since 2015. Born to Gertrude and William Jude deGrouchy in Philadelphia, PA, Sally stayed in the tri-state area for most of her life. A graduate of the Sacred Heart Academy, Sally worked for The Model Guild of Philadelphia, most often for Strawbridges & Clothier. Sally and John (Jack) T. Clary married in 1952. They raised a family in Rose Tree Media, PA. Later, after Jack’s death in 1986, Sally worked at the Media, PA courthouse in the Registry of Wills office. She married Hugh (Razzle) McCaffrey, a lifelong friend, in 1993. They shared 20 years together before his passing in 2013.
Sally’s life was defined by her deep love for family and friends. Sally was active in her children’s sports teams, the Rose Tree Media Schools’ PTAs, an avid bridge player, and a member of both St. Mary Magdalen and Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Churches for much of her life. As a resident of Society Hill Towers, she knit hats and blankets for the infants at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Sally was the consummate caregiver, providing exceptional care to loved ones as they aged, and during their illnesses. She was the person you wanted with you when a new baby came home from the hospital. Sally relished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing family beach vacations, and celebrating holidays. She enjoyed time with friends and neighbors, whether visiting Longwood Gardens, relaxing by the pool on Colt Road or sitting on the dock over Princeton Harbor.
Sally loved to travel and, with Razzle, spent two decades seeing cities all over the world. She enjoyed visiting historical sites, taking river cruises, and visiting exotic ports. But Stone Harbor and Avalon, New Jersey remained her favorite destinations.
In addition to her parents and spouses, Sally was pre-deceased by her brothers, Travis, Jack, and Richard deGrouchy. She is survived by her children, John T. Clary (Cindy), William J. Clary (Sue), Andrew B. Clary (Nancy), James A. Clary (Mary), Sarah (Sally) Clary Todorow (Walter Todorow), Brendan R. Clary (Elizabeth), Timothy P. Clary (Linda) and Donald Franklin; 25 grandchildren: Rosemary, John, Joseph, Andrew, Erika, Justin, Jude, Erin, Thomas, Tomika, Dan, Stephanie, Shannon, Andrea, Natalie, Rachel, James, Patrick A., Megan, Matthew, Kimberly, Nicholas, Ryan, Patrick J., and Mitchel. 28 great-grandchildren: Evelyn, William, Emilia, Vera, Louise, Agnes, Kiara, Elena, Penelope, Lucia, Ethan, William (Liam), Elizabeth, Rory, Erik, Mia, Avery, Leo, Isabella, Anna, Claire, Leah, Cecelia, Madelyn, Brynn, Henry, George, and John (Jack).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10th, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE. Friends may call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Calvary Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Ministry of Caring www.ministryofcaring.org
