VIRGINIA LOIS “SALLY” COLO OBIT
Virginia Lois Urquhart, known by most as Sally, was born in Detroit Michigan on the 11th of September 1929 to Daniel George and Hildrich “Hattie” (Meissner) Urguhart. Sally died peacefully on the 2nd of May 2018, age 88 in Hendersonville, N. C.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Rudy Colo, her father and mother, by a brother Ward Urquhart, a sister Flora Urquhart, and a niece Linda “Susie” Urquhart Cowley. Sally is survived by Nick Esposito, her faithful loving soulmate, many nieces and nephews, and multiple friends.
Sally grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan and graduated from Lakeview High School. She worked in Detroit at Hudsons Department store in the perfume and cosmetic department before and after she married Rudy Colo in 1948. She and her friend Mary in St. Clair Shores spent their summers swimming in Lake St. Clair. They were a lot like the “Little Rascals”, putting on plays and shows in their neighborhood.
She and Rudy moved to Tampa, Florida around 1952, and later to Clearwater, Dunedin, and then to Crystal River. Sally and Rudy’s home in Dunedin was always a center of activities. Sally loved to paint, do ceramics, knitting, sew, and collect antiques. She and Rudy were partners in construction of new homes with Sally even doing some roofing. They also owned and operated the Old Homestead Antique Store in Dunedin. They owned a home in Hendersonville, N.C. where they spent summers. Sally and Rudy liked to search for gem stones around Hendersonville where they had purchased the property they called “Bunny Run”. She was very much appreciated by family for taking care of her father-in-law, Frank Colo in their Dunedin home. She also cared for her sister, Flo in both their Dunedin and North Carolina homes. In addition, she helped raise several children, never complaining. For ten years prior to their deaths two days apart, she cared for Rudy and her brother-in-law, Flavio, both having dementia.
After Rudy’s death in August of 2010, Sally moved to a retirement community in Hendersonville, N. C. She fed the many birds and squirrels behind her cottage. She enjoyed outings with Lori West and others. Sally made friends wherever she went and loved talking to people. At the retirement community she had a new neighbor, Mary, who invited her to play cards several nights a week and join her group for some evening meals. She was a part time hostess at St. Paul’s Vineyard that is owned by her good friend Alan Ward. She lovingly planted and cared for the rose bushes at the ends of the rows of grapes. Many of her friends brought their dogs along, for which she always had treats. She loved flowers, birds, and animals.
Sally met a wonderful loving soulmate in Nick Esposito. They were able to travel and enjoy musicals together. They went to New Orleans, Branson, and Dollywood They shared so much in common, both caring for their spouses, and both couples married for over sixty years. They were also able to comfort each other in their losses and enjoy life again.
During the last ten months of Sally’s life, she fought hard to regain her health. For part of that time, Lori West, a “ray of sunshine”, became her care giver and was a wonderful blessing. The last ten months Nick was faithfully at her side every day, encouraging and comforting her at the hospitals and nursing home.
Sally was a fine lady and was loved and will be missed by many.
Burial was at Sylvan Abbey Cemetery, Clearwater, Florida next to her beloved husband, Rudy.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Condolences to the family. She is with her loved ones now and in Peace.
Sally was my dear friend and “girlfriend”. We would sit out on her porch and sip wine while we giggled about the many silly things there are in life. We both love birds and the sun, so we would sit in the sunshine and listen to the birds while admiring the flowers. Sally was so sociable–her job as a greeter at the St. Paul’s Mountain Winery was a role she treasured. She wore her name badge with pride! She tended to the roses as much as she tended to the “new friends” she met there every day. She was my “partner-in-crime” as we schemed about all the details of a surprise 90th birthday party for her long time friend and companion, Nick Esposito. I remember the grin on her face when she saw the look of surprise on Nick’s face. I loved that grin so much!
In her final days it was my honor and privilege to advocate for the very best health care we could attain for her. As part of “team Sally” all those who loved her worked tirelessly to assure that she was comfortable and surrounded by love. I will miss my girlfriend so much but I know she is home with God and all the angels. I love you Sally. Love always, Eileen
I was so blessed to know Sally, or as we called her, Grandma Sally. She brought so much joy back to my Grandfather Nick and so quickly became a part of our family. We were so incredibly lucky to have her for the time we did, and I will always be grateful for the love she shared with us. She was such a genuinely sweet and caring person who loved animals and will be missed so much. We love and miss you Grandma Sally!!