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Sally Murphy McDermott

Sally Murphy McDermott of Palm Beach, Florida, and Essex died peacefully on July 16, 2024, surrounded by her family after a long illness. Her husband, David Michael McDermott, died just 18 hours later after a brave battle with cancer. Sally was born May 11, 1941, in New Haven to Dorothy and Thomas Murphy. She is survived by her beloved brother, Thomas N. Murphy Jr., Esq. of Gulf Stream, Florida. Sally was the loving and proud mother to Kerry Holmes, Kimberly Esty, and Kaitlin McDermott, each of Madison.

Sally lived to enjoy the beauty of each day in her garden, tending to orchids and managing her homes. She entertained beautifully and generously and always had room for more at her table. Holidays and special occasions were of particular delight to her, hosting over 60 years of them. Sally grew up in Pine Orchard and spent her early life enjoying the shoreline, sailing, and reading extensively. Bright and talented, she graduated from Prospect Hill Day School and went to Vassar College, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of its Daisy Chain, the latter of which was an endearing family memory and the source of great amusement. Just a month after graduating, she married the love of her life, David McDermott, and they went about building a life of love, adventure, and great happiness. Whether they were skiing with family and friends at Stratton Mountain, enjoying time at their Florida pool, or cruising the Florida and New England coastlines, Sally exemplified beauty, grace, and hospitality. She made everything look effortless.

Sally was a great wife and mother but also an accomplished skier, tennis player, golfer, and boater. She could tell you the next high tide, the direction of the wind, the long-term weather forecast, and the best time to travel on I-95 to make it to an airport on time. Sally was a devoted volunteer at The Williams School in New London and a happy member of both the Essex Garden Club and her book club with friends. She was a devoted friend to everyone in her world and was generous in her mission to care for others, particularly friends in need or ill health. Known as “Mimi,” Sally followed the doings of her family, particularly her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, rejoiced in their successes, and encouraged them in their endeavors. Her mission in life was to create comfortable and happy “nests” for her family and friends to enjoy, and she made every occasion a special, memorable time.

Sally and David’s marriage and lifelong love affair were central to each of them. They loved to dance, do crossword puzzles together, go on worldwide adventures, and entertain their friends. Life was best shared with those they loved, but they radiated a special kind of love for one another that guided their days.

Sally is survived by her children, Kerry and Matt Holmes of Madison, Kimberly and Miles Esty of Madison, and Kaitlin McDermott of Madison. Mimi will forever be remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Hilary, Brian, Peyton, and Parker Mezzi of Clinton; Frasier and Kylie Esty of Brooklyn, New York; Spencer, Mary, and Pierce Esty of Washington, D.C.; Heather Holmes of Philadelphia; David Strupp of New York; Haley Holmes and her fiancé, George Liddy of Boston; and Chase Strupp of New York.

The family wishes to honor the work of Alberta Owusu, Sally and David’s companion and caregiver. She attended to them patiently and tirelessly and ministered from her heart. “Alby” was trusted and loved by our whole family. Additionally, Sally was cared for magnificently by The Connecticut Hospice at her home for the last months of her life.

Visitation hours from 4 to 8 p.m. will take place Thursday, Sept. 12, at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. A celebration of Sally and David’s lives will take place at 11 a.m. the following day, Friday, Sept. 13, at the Madison Beach Club, Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.