Sarah Jane “Sally” Van Arsdale-Bliss, 77, from Castile, died Friday, July 14, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 23, 1946 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of the late William Goinlock and Georgiana (White) Van Arsdale.
Sally was a graduate of Letchworth Central High School. She attended the University of Buffalo and Cornell University during her undergraduate years, and worked at the State University of New York at Geneseo and the Eastman School of Music after her graduation, where she earned a master’s degree in vocal performance. Her version of the “Queen of the Night” aria during the Eastman era was very intense. She founded the a cappella group Collage and continued to sing with her daughter for many years. She was always active in the local music scene, working with local shows and local children.
Together with her late husband, she owned and operated Elissac in Castile, which she took over after his untimely death in 1994.
Sally is an active member of the United Church of Christ of Castile, a member of the Presbyterian Church, past president of the Rotary Club of Perry, past president of the WNY Retail Lumber Association, and president of the Wyoming County Arts Council. also served. She is a member of the board of directors of the Castile Community Club and the Perry Garden Club.
Sally was a Renaissance woman who had a great love of music and the arts, which she shared with her family. She loved music, playing the piano, and creating paintings and sculptures. She loved working in her garden and playing bridge with her mother and friends. A skilled Lightning-class sailor since her youth, she piloted the spinnaker in any weather. She enjoyed downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and brisk walking. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends and she always genuinely cared about their well-being.
Surrey is survived by the children of Barbara Jane (William) Bliss of Rochester, William Robert (Pamela) Bliss of Castile, and Jeffrey Van Arsdale (Sarah) Bliss of Charlotte, North Carolina. Siblings: George Davis “Dave” (Elizabeth Osta) Van Arsdale of Fairport. Seven grandchildren: Moria (Jonathan) Bliss, Alexander & Julian Powell, Emily, Bradley, Jane & Douglas Bliss. Two great-grandchildren: Gabriel Castillo and Elia Castillo, niece: Lisa (Sarah) Van Arsdale, nephew: Michael (Jennifer) Van Arsdale, and many of the Van Arsdale and Bliss families and the Guinlok family. dear relatives of
Along with her parents, her husband, Douglas Franklin Bliss, died in 1994.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 4 Washington Street, Castile, followed by a celebration of Sally’s life at her parents’ home at 32 N. Main St., Castile. done.
Sally will be buried at Pike’s East Coy Cemetery
Memorial donations (instead of flowers) may be made to the Rotary Club of Perry, PO Box 103 Perry, NY 14530 or the Wyoming County Arts Council 31 S. Main St. Perry, NY 14530.
For more information, please call (585) 237-2626 or visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolences. Arrangements have been completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry NY 14530
