Sally and Chuck Meisenzahl were married for almost 62 years. Photo provided by Muffy Meisenzahl
Sally S. Meisenzahl, age 96, died peacefully Thursday, February 29, 2024.
She was born in Rochester, November 20, 1927, to Thomas and Helen Shipton. She is predeceased by her husband Chuck, her brother Tom and her son-in-law Ben Rowlinson, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Muffy Meisenzahl, her sister Mary Lou (the late Vick) Greibus, her nephews Glenn (Karen) Greibus, John (fiancé Carol), Tom (Elaine), Rick (JoAnne) and David (Sharon) Meisenzahl and Cass (Judy) Choppy, several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are “her kids,” her students from Honeoye Falls Central School and St. Agnes High School, and those who offered their prayers and comforting support.
She was raised in the City of Rochester. She graduated from St. Margaret Mary Grammar School in 1941 and went on to Nazareth Academy as a member of the Class of 1945. The College at Cortland was her choice for their Physical Education reputation, and it was here she met Chuck. They were engaged at Graduation and began their teaching careers in the Fall of 1949 at Honeoye Falls Central School. Sally was the first female girl’s Physical Education teacher.
As she achieved legal working age, she worked after school as a cashier at Loblaws, then as a life guard and swimming instructor at Rochester City Pools, the Knights of Columbus and summers at Camp Stella Maris. Swimming was her forte and she continued this work in the summer months throughout college. She was also part of the Pittsford Summer Recreation Staff for a few of those years.
Her full-time career began as “Miss Shipton” in Honeoye Falls, and then as “Mrs. Meisenzahl,” following her marriage to Chuck August 19, 1950. She took a break from teaching at the close of school in 1956, and resumed again in the Fall of 1960 at St. Agnes High School. She left full time teaching in 1964, but continued to substitute at HF for several years. Post-teaching, Sally pursued other interests: volunteer work with Girl Scouts and community organizations; and, with two businesses, one a store front on North Main Street in HF, and the other parallel with her interest in antiques.
Sally and Chuck were both independent people, yet truly an example of marriage where “two become one.” They were faithful Communicants and served St. Paul of the Cross Parish with many programs and activities. Their social life was full of friends and family. Gatherings at their home were special occasions for their guests. And, they were always ready for an adventure whether going for ice cream, a game of Bridge, a round of golf, or a couple’s competitive canoe race in an Alaskan river. Following Chuck’s retirement, they traveled within the U.S. during our winter months and across the globe with the Rotary International Exchange Program.
They were two weeks shy of their 62nd Wedding Anniversary when Chuck died in 2012. Sally’s world changed forever. Her health prompted her to leave her home of then 67 years, first to Laurelwood Assisted Living at Pittsford Highlands, then to Pinehurst Senior Living in Honeoye Falls, and then to The Friendly Home where she resided for almost two years. Her family is grateful for the caring staff at each leg of her journey.
Friends may call Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc., 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 7, 2024 at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 29 Monroe Street at 10 am. Interment follows at St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery, West Main Street, Honeoye Falls.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to: St. Paul of the Cross Rosary Women, 96 Prospect Street, Avon, NY 14414 or the FISH Combined Communities Food Closet, 153 East Street, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472.
