Sally Giamalis

Sally Alexis Giamalis, of Alburtis, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, after a courageous recovery from multiple brain injuries in 2023 and a lifetime MS diagnosis. Sally leaves a legacy of love, courage, and compassion in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born to George James Giamalis and Florence Ann Giamalis (Annie), Sally embodied a deep sense of purpose, a sharp mind, and an unwavering dedication to family and community. Raised in a home full of love and strong values, she maintained an enduring connection to her mother's homeland of Brownville Junction, Maine. Childhood summers spent at Upper Lead Mountain Pond sparked a lifelong love of nature and serenity, culminating in a retirement dream realized.

A proud graduate of Emmaus High School, where she excelled as a field hockey player, Sally earned her Bachelor's in Business from Widener University. She built an exceptional career in information technology, beginning at Air Products, where she rose through the ranks from developer to CIO of their Healthcare business. She later brought her talents to Versum Materials, leading complex, large-scale IT projects before retiring in 2020.

Sally's commitment to service and community was profound. For over 20 years, she served as a dedicated member of the Blue Mountain Ski Patrol, always ready to help anytime. Her love for animals and therapy work led her to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs, where she brought comfort to many. She championed several local organizations, including the ULMP Road Association and the Annie Scholarship Fund, and was a Top 250 fundraiser for the MS Ride five years running-raising money even as she personally battled the disease with grace, grit, and a never-quit attitude.

Sally was a fierce competitor in every aspect of life-from game nights and gingerbread house making to her professional achievements. Her competitive spirit was never about ego; it was about striving to be her best, lifting others up along the way, and never backing down from a challenge.

A true outdoorswoman, Sally found joy and healing in skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, and her deep bond with her golden retrievers. She was a dedicated and loving fur momma to Zuni, Reno, Sioux, Cheyenne, Dakota, and Lolli - each one holding a special place in her heart. Her dogs were not just pets, but cherished companions who shared in her adventures and comforted her through every challenge.

She shared 34 years with her life partner, Keith Heller, with whom she built a life full of adventure, laughter, and unconditional love. They met at Air Products and enjoyed exploring trails, waters, and mountains together. Their combined sense of adventure brought them to take 'mystery trips' where their destination and itinerary was unknown adding to the excitement of the journey.

Sally was a fighter-determined, fearless, and full of life. She had an infectious love of life. Her quick wit, smile and laugh brought light to everyone she knew. She was a great listener, a straight shooter, loyal and trustworthy. She always showed up as her authentic self and was always present when it mattered most, ready to lend a hand or a kind word without hesitation. Her practical wisdom and emotional strength were a steady presence in the lives of so many.

In addition to Keith, Sally is deeply loved and survived by her extended family:

Dee Barebo (sister), wife of Chris and their children Daniel & Robyn; Alicia Eastwood (sister), wife of Justin and their children Evan & Ian; Jamie Giamalis (brother), husband of Jamie and their children Amanda, Sydney, & Christian; Kenny Heller; Karl & Jennifer Heller and their children Kyle & Kira; Kevin Heller; Kirk & Allison Heller and their children Austin, Annalise, Aliana & Aiden. Kathy & Jesse Buck and their children Ezra & Isaac.

She is also survived by countless other lifelong friends whose devotion and connection meant the world to her-and to whom she gave the same in return.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Her ashes will be lovingly spread in Maine, a place that held her heart. A celebration of her extraordinary life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Sally asked that donations be made to your local animal rescue, continuing her lifelong care for animals and those in need.

She lived fully, loved deeply, and left this world better than she found it. We will miss her every day and carry her legacy forward in our hearts and actions.