Obituary of Sally M.R. Jordan

Sally Murphy Rodgers Jordan peacefully passed from this life into eternal life on Monday September 21, 2015 at Ellis Hospital. She was born on October 8, 1924 in Newark, NJ, the daughter of the late John J. and Mary Healy Murphy. She was predeceased by her first husband, Howard J. Rodgers, second husband Thomas J. Jordan, sister Helen Murphy and brother John J. Murphy Jr., whom she loved dearly. Sally was a graduate of West Side High School in Newark and attended Seton Hall University before beginning her career with the FBI in Newark and the Waterfront Commission in NYC. In July 1955, Sally married Howard J. Rodgers and continued living and working in NYC. In 1959 they moved to Albany and enjoyed happy years together with their three daughters, Nancy, Patrice, and Jeanine, until Howard’s sudden death on February 12, 1971. In 1975, Sally married Thomas J. Jordan, a widower with five children, Alane, Robert, Mark, Bruce, and Diane, and moved to Ballston Lake. Sally and Tom were married for 39 wonderful years, ending with Tom’s death in October 2014. Their life together included travel, dining with friends, playing bridge, and winters at their Florida home in Summerfield. Sally possessed a strong Catholic faith which helped her through some difficult times in her life. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Edward’s Church in Clifton Park. She was always proud of her Irish heritage, loved sports and politics and gave generously to causes dear to her heart – especially those involving children in need. Sally possessed grace and determination in all aspects of her life. She is survived by her devoted daughters Nancy Rodgers (Rudy) Paulsen, Patrice Rodgers, and Jeanine Rodgers (Marty) Caruso, step-children, Alane (Robert) Starko, Robert, Mark, Bruce (Carol) Jordan and Diane Jordan. Her grandchildren were the joy in her life and include Lauren Paulsen (Robert) Ciallella, Michael Paulsen, Kaitlyn and Kevin Wilson, and Jonathan and Justin Caruso; great-granddaughter, Carly Rose Ciallella. Sally is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, with a funeral Mass on Friday at 9 a.m. at St. Edward’s Church in Clifton Park. Burial will follow in Saratoga National Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the St. Edward the Confessor Building Fund, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.