Sally Jane O’Loughlin OBITUARY

Sally Jane O’Loughlin OBITUARY

Sally Jane O’Loughlin (November 1943 – December 22, 2025)

Sally Jane O’Loughlin, a loving wife, devoted mother, businesswoman, and community volunteer, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL at the age of 82 surrounded by her family.

Born in November of 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, Sally was the daughter of the late Gilbert Emanuel and Geneva Gerard. In 1966, following the passing of her father, Sally moved with her mother and siblings to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a community that would become the backdrop for much of her vibrant life.

Sally’s life changed forever in 1972 when she met Richard O’Loughlin on a blind date in Fort Lauderdale. Richard was an enterprising bachelor, and Sally, new to town, was looking for a partner to build a life with; they found exactly that in one another. In 1973, they were married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where she stayed involved throughout her life.

Marriage was quickly followed by the birth of their two sons, Thomas and Timothy. Sally also embraced Richard’s son, Patrick, whom she adopted and loved with all her heart. Her unconditional love for her sons and later her nine grandchildren was the cornerstone of her life.

Sally was a lifelong learner, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin and later a Master of Education from Florida Atlantic University. Her early career was rooted in service, working as a social worker with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

While her early career was rooted in social work, Sally found a second professional calling working alongside Richard, at his company, Hirol. At a critical phase of the company’s growth, Sally helped expand the company’s business with their biggest customer, Motorola. She balanced a successful career, while parenting three boys.

A true outdoor enthusiast, Sally’s energy was boundless. She and Richard traveled the world on their bicycles, exploring the landscapes of New Zealand, France, Italy, and Spain. She was a fixture at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, where she frequented ladies’ fitness classes often impressing the younger members with her athleticism and great attitude.

During their retirement years, she could be found in the Vail Valley of Colorado hiking through mountain meadows or practicing yoga. Though she claimed to enjoy golf at the Country Club of the Rockies, she only did it to spend one-on-one time with Richard. Sally also spent many winters in Colorado. She loved chasing her grandchildren down the slopes. A milestone in her skiing life was tackling her first black diamond run, ‘Fool’s Gold’—the very same run her grandchildren would later conquer as their own first black diamond.

Sally’s commitment to her community was equally passionate. She was a founding board member of both the Bonnet House Alliance and the Paul Newman Round Up River Ranch (a camp for seriously ill children). She served on the board of directors of Funding Arts Broward and was an active member of the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale, Jack and Jill Center, and the Florida Atlantic University Dean’s Advisory Board and Osher Lifelong Learning Advisory Board.

Sally lived a bright and brilliant life full of love and joy. She will be loved and remembered always.

Sally is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Richard O’Loughlin, of Fort Lauderdale; her three sons, Patrick O’Loughlin and his wife Courtney, Thomas O’Loughlin and his wife Amanda, and Timothy O’Loughlin and his wife Christine; and her nine cherished grandchildren, Addison, Caroline, Charlotte, Christopher, Hayley, Kelsey, Lauren, Mackenzie, and Timmy. She also leaves behind her sisters, Phyllis Salick, Susan Zlotecki, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gigi Hubbard, and her brother, Gilbert.

A private family service will occur then a celebration of Sally’s life will be held at a later date in Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute (SBTI) part of the Sylvester Cancer Institute Miami at this link: miami.edu/sallyo