Sally Porter Citrini

Sally Porter Citrini died peacefully in her sleep Monday, January 13, 2025. Born in New London, CT in 1936, Sally traveled across various states through the latter half of the 1930's and mid 1940's- due to her father's work as a US submarine captain. During her high school years, Sally and her parents eventually settled in St. Petersburg, FL.

Sally majored in nursing at Miami's Barry College and began her career in New York City's Columbia University Hospital - working as a surgical assistant. Sally's next professional stop was at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC., and shortly afterwards, she began her masters in nursing studies at UNC-CH.

Sally first saw the love of her life, Richard Citrini in 1960, as he helped to take up the collection during Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham. They met one another at a Knights of Columbus reception after Mass. Sally enjoyed recalling that - after dating a relatively short period of time, she was the first one to say, "I love you" - and how Richard paused and responded, "You won't regret it" - and she never did.

After marrying in 1961, Sally and Richard enjoyed raising their four children: Susan, Christine, Carol, and Michael. In addition to the various responsibilities of being a homemaker, Sally also provided invaluable support to her brother-in-law, Robert, who had special needs.

Sally was selected as Mrs. North Carolina in 1966 and competed in the Mrs. America pageant in San Diego, CA that year. Through the years, she also enjoyed being active as a leader in Girl Scouts and Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed serving on the bereavement committee at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and also worked for the NC Blood Mobile in the 1990's. In addition, Sally served as a Eucharistic Minister for Duke Hospital patients for a period of time. 

The friendships she developed through her tennis and bridge interests were very dear to her. She also treasured the relationships she made on her hallway at Croasdaile Village during daily 'meet & greet sessions' at 4 pm.

Sally loved her family, and her nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren were each a particular source of great pride. As in most families, there were occasional challenging situations and dynamics, but Sally's true self as a 'beloved child of God' (Matthew 3:17) always led with her heart. 

She was very thoughtful and extremely generous with her time, talents, and treasures. She also encouraged her children and grandchildren to explore their spiritual side - often inviting them to view the beauty of our natural world as an expression of God's love for us.

A relatively recent example of Sally's passion for connecting with others was her creation the past ten years of her 'Teddy Bear Ministry.' Sally would give out teddy bears to anyone/everyone she would come across - whether it was a resident or employee of Croasdaile Village where she lived; a random person she saw at the grocery store; or one of the 150 people she gave a bear to on the last cruise she took during Christmas 2023. 

At the airport coming back from that cruise, a child recognized Sally from the ship, ran up to her (with teddy bear in hand) and gave her a big hug. That exchange epitomizes what Sally most enjoyed in life - co-creating fun moments of joy.

Another source of happiness for Sally were animals - domestic or wild. She often said, "I pray every night for all of the animals of the world" - and she did. Some of the pets with whom she is now reuniting in heaven include: her cats Tubby, Sheeba, and Barney - and her beloved dog, Star. 

On the afternoon before she died, two pet therapists - one with a golden retriever and another with a samoyed visited Sally's room on separate occasions. Their kisses and pats were a source of great comfort, peace, and joy to her.

Sally was preceded in death by: her sister, Susan Carol Porter, her father, Rtd. Rear Admiral George Egbert Porter; her mother, Jane Murray Porter, her brother-in-law, Robert Anthony Citrini, and her husband, Richard Joseph Citrini. 

Sally is survived by her daughter Susan Furr (Shawn) of Indian Beach, NC; her daughter Christine Solomon (Patrick) of Marietta, GA; her daughter Carol Schenkel (Jeffrey) of Oakton, VA; her son Michael Citrini of Raleigh, NC; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Sally's family would like to thank all of the exceptional leaders and care givers of Croasdaile Village in Durham, NC for their limitless and professional support of their mother - particularly Megan Dungan (Navigator), Lisa Chavis (Certified Nursing Assistant), and all of the OT/PT therapists and nursing staff at Croasdaile Village's Health Center.

The Citrini Family invites you to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Sally at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, February 1st at 1 pm. Internment of ashes will follow at Maplewood Cemetery after Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Journeymen of the Triangle, a boys mentoring organization in Wake County of which Sally's son Michael is an advisor. 

https://journeymentriangle.org/how-you-can-help/