Sarah “Sally” Katharine Hodges
November 10, 1937 – April 7, 2025
Sarah “Sally” Katharine Hodges (nee Smith), 87, of Omaha, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Sally was born in Omaha to Marguerite (nee Hagerman) and Roger Smith on November 10, 1937. She was a proud Omaha Central High graduate, staying connected to her close group of girlfriends throughout her long life. She attended Colorado College and later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she met her husband Bob Hodges who she married on March 21, 1959.
Sally explored several different careers while raising her family, including a bank teller, teacher, and social worker. Not one to be idle, Sally went back to school and got her Masters in Music in 1997 from the University of South Dakota, when she then embarked on a 30 year career as a piano teacher and church organist, which she happily continued until her death. Her love of music lives on in the hearts of her many students, including her grandchildren.
Sally was also a skilled quilter and knitter, creating many beautiful pieces not only for her family but also for charitable organizations in the area. She loved attending the Omaha Symphony, travelling to visit family around the country, and spending time with her beloved corgis. She enjoyed her time with friends, family, and her church community most of all, and was never left wanting for a dinner invitation. Sally was a woman of high virtue, a leader in her family and community. She inspired all who met her with her faith, optimism, fortitude, and generous spirit. She will be greatly missed at every Sunday dinner, holiday celebration, card game and Husker game day.
Sally is survived by her children: Katie (Steve) Swanson, Sarah (Mark) Fredrickson, and Roger (Kim) Hodges; her grandchildren: Rob (Kelly) Swanson, Blake (Sarah) Fredrickson, Steven (Tessa) Swanson, Grant (Kennedy) Fredrickson, Morgan Hodges, Emily Hodges, and Grace Hodges; great-grandchildren whom she was very proud to meet, Parker Swanson and Callum Swanson; siblings, Sam (Joyce) Smith and Cindy (Ed) Rogers; many special nieces and nephews including: Karen Olson, Nancy Olson and David Olson. She is greeted in eternal life by her husband, Bob; her parents; and grandson, Sam Fredrickson.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 9302 Blondo Street, Omaha, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church or to the Omaha Guild of Organists Scholarship Fund
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
3 Comments
Along with all the well-said and beautiful tributes to Sally, you must add “Fun” and “Interesting to be with”. She was always good company. And Sally was “generous”, sharing her talent of music but also her talent of sewing, some items of which I use daily. We will miss her for all our special times together.
I am so sorry for your loss, I share in your loss for she was such a wonderful friend. Wee shared so many things, our music, teaching, our faith and our family stories as well as our love for our pets. She was my beloved friend and I shall miss her so much
I shall miss Sally so very much. We shared so much – our love of our families, our friends, our music and of course our pets. I shall always remember our great lunch conversations, our love of the symphony and our shared faith. There is a large hole in my life without you, but my wonderful memories will be with me always.
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