Sally A. Wise

Sally A. Wise, 62, of Lititz, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at her home.

She was born to the late Nevin K. and C. Ann (Oberholtzer) Brugger of Akron, PA, and was the wife of David Wise.

Sally graduated from Ephrata High School in 1979 and received her BA from Ursinus College. Sally traveled to Germany many times: a time living with the Lehmann family (who became a life-long connection), a college junior year abroad (University of Freiburg), 14 student exchanges and personal travel. Sally taught German at several areas schools before having children. She resumed teaching at Ephrata High School where she taught for more than 20 years.

Sally was tireless in service to her callings. She continued the excellence of the German language program at Ephrata HS through instruction (34 of 40 student earned medals in 2024 national testing), student exchanges with Eberbach (sister city in Germany), German NHS and more. Her guiding vision: international friendships build bridges of peace and understanding. Sally was a nurturer and advocate, particularly for young women and marginalized (immigrants, LGBTQ, parentless and other disadvantaged students). Son Peter observed that she was a “mother to all.”

Sally poured love and wisdom into her own children from stay-at-home mom years through adulthood. Peter and Annie were her crown jewels. Ever intentional, in her last year, she spoke and wrote her love, advice and reflections for family members. Sally was a matriarch and glue that held her wider families together, caring for her mother for 20+ years, and hosting countless extended family dinners. Nieces, nephews and their spouses felt Sally’s embrace and support. Sally was an excellent cook and assembled a two-volume cookbook of her best meals as a continuing gift for her family. Appreciation of art and art history extends from Sally’s mom Ann through Sally to daughter Annie, including many visits to galleries in the US and Europe. Sally enjoyed nature - birds, wildflowers, fishing - especially at Quimby Country in Vermont. Sally enjoyed a challenging hike and a great meal after, something she and Dave shared since 1978. In later years, out of love for her children, Sally pushed herself to hike in the Alps/Dolomites and backpack in Colorado’s wilderness areas - joyful memories for her family.

Sally participated in Akron Mennonite Church and Blossom Hill Mennonite Church and enjoyed friendships and small groups of each. A multi-decade book group of inquisitive women was a joy.

Sally’s self-chosen epitaph: loving wife, mother, sister, life-long learner, teacher, servant.

In addition to her husband, Sally is survived by a son, Peter Wise of Boulder, CO; a daughter, Annie Wise of Washington, DC; a brother, Steve, husband of Rebecca Brugger of Stevens; a sister, Julie, wife of Paul Finke of Davidson, NC and a sister-in-law, Trina Brugger of Denver.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jeffrey Brugger.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Akron Mennonite Church, 1311 Diamond Street, Akron. Receiving line 2:00-3:00, service 3:30.

Memorial contributions in Sally's memory may be made to Good Samaritan Services at https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/28931-sally-and-david-wise

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.