Sally Jean Bayer

Sally was born July 9, 1945 in Tacoma, Washington. She was a registered nurse, and a 1966 graduate of the Cabrini Hospital School of Nursing in Seattle. She died peacefully at home April 11, 2011, after a brave and determined 20 year struggle with primary progressive MS. She was surrounded by loving family her lifelong, and in her final days and hours. She deserved nothing less. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Charlie, daughters Ann Zbiegien (Jim) and Susan, sons CJ (Jen) and Jim (Amanda), seven grandchildren, Bella, Cathy, Nic, Tom, Gracie, Luc, and Mike, sister-in-law Suzi Cruz, sister Irene Kem of Blythe and brother Jack McMahon of Tampa. Early in their marriage, in addition to caring for her husband, their home, and four young children under the age of nine, she was the primary caregiver for her disabled father-in-law for more than five years. Before being overtaken by MS, Sally was a long-distance runner and mountain and canyon backpacker, as well working as part-time exercise instructor at a neighborhood health club, prior to returning to nursing. Sally is a true precious moment in the hearts, lives and memories of friends and family. Visitation, followed by the Rosary will be from 6:00-8:00pm, Thursday evening, April 14, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Friday, April 15, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell. Reception to follow nearby. Any donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, 85014