Obituary of Sarah Ward Stoltze O’Brien

Sarah “Sallie” Ward Stoltze O’Brien A lifelong adventurer, artist and athlete. Born February 19, 1930, Sallie died suddenly in an accident on July 9th while hiking on the North Shore of Lake Superior at the age of 85. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Daniel William O’Brien, her parents John Robert Stoltze and Grace Bulkley Stoltze, her sister Elizabeth Bigelow Guthrie, brother Robert Bulkley Stoltze, and sister Louise “Lesser” Stoltze. She is survived by her sister Carolyn Stoltze Benepe, her children Bridget O’Brien (Mark Nelson), D. William “Bill” O’Brien (Julie Smendzuik O’Brien), Kevin Charles “KC” O’Brien (Mary O’Brien), Timothy John O’Brien, and daughter in-law Christine Anning. Known as Waggie to her five beloved grandchildren, Peter and Katy Nelson, Stephanie O’Brien, and Maureen and Connor O’Brien, Sallie leaves a great void with her passing. Growing up in Afton Minnesota she attended Summit School (‘46) in Saint Paul, later Smith College and the University of Minnesota, graduating in physical therapy. Sallie moved to Saint Paul with her husband and later to White Bear Lake, wintering in Green Valley, Arizona. Sallie and Dan loved to travel, visiting all seven continents, often with the YPO and WPO organizations. They enjoyed camping, canoeing and hiking, taking their children on annual trips across the lower 48 states. Later they backpacked out West together. They started a tradition of travel with their grandchildren, taking the extended family on trips to Arizona, Mexico, Costa Rica and Lake Powell. Sallie was very fond the North Shore of Lake Superior; as a member of Encampment Forest Association she walked the beaches and hiking trails till the end. Sallie was an exceptional singles and doubles tennis player, scuba diver, horseback rider and skier. She practiced fitness throughout her life, along with Tai Chi and Transcendental Meditation. She was seen zip-lining in Costa Rica at age 85. Known by many in the local arts community, Sallie was a potter whose wares and ceramic pieces can be found around the country. She graciously invited local artists to work in her home studio space, earning them the affectionate nickname “Crazy Ladies in the Basement”. She generously donated her works for fundraising events. Her artistic eye extended to nature, where she avidly collected agates, driftwood and distinctive rocks to create sculptures, natural fences and pathways. She enjoyed choral music, singing with the Bach Society of Minnesota for many years and, more recently, the Saint Paul Academy alumni choir. She enjoyed and supported local arts organizations, including Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Schubert Club, Minnesota Orchestra and Minneapolis Institute of Arts. With interests from anthropology and indigenous art to geology and natural history, she actively supported the Science Museum of Minnesota and Minnesota Historical Society. She was a longstanding member of the New Century Club, and also enjoyed participating in Great Decisions and many other opportunities for lifelong learning. She served on the board of her family companies, F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber and Maple Island Inc. Sallie touched a great many lives, connecting us with her gentle and vibrant love and generosity. A short memorial music program will be followed by a reception on Sunday, September 13, 2015, 2:00 pm, at the University Club of Saint Paul, 420 Summit Avenue, St. Paul MN 55102. Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra or Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.