Sarah "Sally" Conefrey

Sarah (Sally) Conefrey passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on January 19, 2026, just ten days after her 100th birthday. Born on January 9, 1926, in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo, Ireland, to Kathleen and John Deane, Sally was the eldest of six children. She was the devoted wife of John (Sean) Conefrey for 48 years, until his passing in September 2005.

Sally is survived by her loving children: Kathleen (Vincent) McEvoy; John (Maureen) Conefrey; and Colm (Patricia) Conefrey; and by her three cherished grandchildren: Kate (Billy) Gray, Colleen Conefrey, and Michael Conefrey. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Eleanor Rose Gray, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her second great-grandchild in early April. She is further survived by her dear sister, Grace Munnelly of Killala, Co. Mayo; her sister-in-law, Una Deane of Ballycastle, Co. Mayo; and many nieces and nephews in the United States, Ireland, England, and Europe. Sally was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved sisters and brothers; and her dear in-laws: Ann (Brendan) O’Keeffe, Mary (Martin) Pryal, Joey (Eileen) Deane, Noel Deane, Noel Munnelly, Seamus Conefrey, Anna-May (Johnny) Williams, Elizabeth (Fintan) Morris, Tommy (Peggy) Conefrey, Sister Ellen Mary Conefrey, and Charlie Conefrey.

Sally was a nursing graduate of Dr. Steevens’ Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital, both in Dublin, Ireland. Upon completion of her nurses training, she moved to Coventry, England, where she was employed by the Coven try Corporation as a public health and school nurse. It was in Coventry that she met her future husband at a local dance; Sean and Sally were married in Ballycastle on August 7, 1957. Shortly thereafter, they set sail aboard the RMS Mauretania II for their transatlantic crossing to the United States, followed by a train journey from New York to San Francisco, where they settled, found jobs, and started a family. As Mom tells it, the day after arriving in San Francisco she walked to the old Southern Pacific Hospital on Fell Street, just a few blocks from where they were staying. She applied for a job and started that very night. Sally worked there as a registered nurse on the night shift until its closure in 1974. She was unemployed for only a few days before learning that Shriners Hospital on 19th Avenue needed a night nurse. Sally applied, was hired, and worked there until its closure in 1993.

Mom was a great “Irish” mother and loved all things Irish. Green was her favorite color and St. Patrick’s Day was her favorite holiday. She brought us to Irish dance lessons, loved Irish music, taught us Irish songs and poems, had us play on Irish sports teams, and made the best Irish bread. She never missed a Feis or a game; she was always our biggest fan. She loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved gambling trips with the Irish and church communities, the stock market, a good joke or a funny story, she loved to laugh and most of all she loved us and her beautiful grandchildren.

Sally had a wonderful long life, and will be remembered for her keen sense of humor, her kindness and generosity, her sound advice, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her. She was a proud member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish for nearly 65 years and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. Her family would like to express their pro found gratitude to her kind caregiver and friend, Brenda Farro, to whom they owe their eternal thanks. They also extend their deepest appre ciation to the Kaiser Hospital staff, especially Dr. Dowray, her primary care physician for many years; Sarah Lee Chow, RN; and the entire Kaiser care team.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1555 39th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary from 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately at a later date. Sally respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to either the Holy Name of Jesus Church Maintenance Fund, 3240 Lawton Street, San Francisco, CA 94122, or the United Irish Cultural Center’s Annual Appeal Fund, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.

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