1922
2013
Sally Delano Wightman, 90, died peacefully at her home in Chatham, on March 11, 2013, surrounded by her children.
Born on October 1, 1922, Sally grew up in Waban, MA, the middle daughter of her beloved parents, Merrill Potter and Hazel (Holmes) Delano. She attended Newton public schools and went on to graduate from Bradford Junior College where she was active in student government.
While working in her father's stores, Delano's, she met and married her wonderful husband, William H. Wightman. Her future mother-in-law, Hazel Wightman, CBE, known as "The Queen Mother of Tennis", introduced them. Sally herself was an avid sportswoman and voted "Best Athlete" in her graduating class at Newton High School. All who knew her admired her skill, grace and sportsmanship on the ski slopes, the tennis court and the golf course.
Raising her family in Wayland, MA, Sally was a popular volunteer and public servant. She served on the Wayland Parks and Recreation Commission and was awarded the "Friends of Youth Award." That she was one of the few female Little League baseball coaches at the time was not a big deal to her. She told a reporter from the Wayland Town Crier, "I grew up playing baseball in a time long before the question of girls playing with boys became an issue."
In later life Sally retired with her husband, Bill, to Chatham on Cape Cod. Together they spent many afternoons happily in pursuit of bluefish and stripers. After Bill died, Sally lived for twenty more years hosting family and friends in the beautiful setting of her home on Pleasant Bay. She loved watching the birds and wildlife in the cove. She led an active life; volunteering at the Chatham Library and playing paddle tennis and golf right through into her eighties. She was even senior club champ at Eastward Ho. Sally will be dearly missed but we take great comfort in knowing that she lived the life she wanted.
Sally is survived by her sister, Merrilyn Delano Marsh of Wellesley, her son, George Hotchkiss Wightman and wife, Jennifer H. of Boxford, MA, her daughter, Baysie Wightman and husband, Cleveland Cogswell of Newton, MA, and her grandchildren Brendan Wightman, Alex Wightman, Elizabeth Wightman and step-grandchildren James Cogswell and Joshua Cogswell.
A memorial service will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home 87 Crowell Rd., Chatham MA 02633 on Sat. Mar. 16th at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the www.americancancerfund.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 30, 2014
Robin Culver
Dear family of Mrs. Wightman. My name is Robin and I had the pleasure of meeting your loved one Sally 24 yrs ago at Terri's Hair Affair Hair salon in Harwich. Your mom made such a difference in my life. I could bore you with so many stories mostly funny about my visits with your mom. I had the pleasure of styling her hair every Friday in the late afternoon. For nearly 12 years I heard such wonderful family stories of all of you. Her children and the birth of Sally's grandchildren. I loved every moment spent with your mom. I know I never truly met any of you but through stories I feel so blessed to have known you all. Today I thought of your mom and googled her name and today I learn of her journey to Heaven. Today I cried and I smile. Bless you all! ??????
April 12, 2013
Dear Baysie and George,
Chris and I are only now hearing and seeing the beautiful photos that you all shared for your Mom's service. We are now in Bedford MA> and soon to move to Hingham, to Linden Ponds....we are great grandparents of 5 Jen and Bill have 3 and Betsy just now another to make two grandchildren...we are all well and trying to get through a move which is really difficult for Chris to leave his tennis buds, Karl Geiger, John Beard, and a few that you would not know. Please ... Bay, respond with your address for Bets. Doris Crowell, [email protected]
March 21, 2013
Nelson Graves
George and Baysie - Your mother was the picture of grace. Our thoughts go out to you. She was a wonderful woman and enriched all of our lives. Nelson Graves
March 18, 2013
Dear Baysie and George, I am so sorry you have lost Sally..She was my tennis Hero! I fondly remember all those hours and years on the tennis court, as partner or teammate. SHe always brought one's game up a notch. SAlly's nature was thoughtful and quiet...I will remember her beautiful and welcoming smile. I send my sympathy and love to you, Baysie and George. PAt. JOnesi
March 17, 2013
Dear Bays and George, I am so sorry your mom is gone. She was such a pillar of life in Chatham...I thought she would go on forever - she had that much energy! I love to think of her playing tennis at the CB &TC with kids of all ages. What a great life she had. She will be missed - love to your whole family. With great memories, Gay-gay
March 15, 2013
Bruce Bernstein
My condolences to Baysie and George and the whole family. Mrs. Wightman was a wonderful hostess to all the rambunctious teenagers who gravitated to that house in Chatham; I have many fond memories.
March 14, 2013
S Lerer
The staff of American Cancer Fund™ at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Sally's passing. We are receiving memorial donations in her name and our sincere condolences go out to her family.
March 13, 2013
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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