Sally Limanen

Sally Limanen, age 82, of Faribault, MN, formerly of Perham, MN, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from dementia. She is survived by her sister Rae Giovannelli (Sterling) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other close relatives who will miss her dearly. Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Limanen in 2005; her father, Walter Sterling; mother, Maxine Sterling; and sisters, Jean Mahler (Sterling) and Carol Beaupre (Sterling).

Sally was born on July 3, 1942, in Faribault, MN and graduated from Faribault High School in 1960. On a double date in the twin cities, she met her soon-to-be husband, Robert Limanen (only he was not her date at the time!) They were married in 1963 and moved to Marquette, Michigan when Bob joined the Air Force. Bob then served a tour in Viet Nam and following his discharge from the service and a short stay in Minneapolis, he moved with Sally to Perham to be near lakes and his Finnish family. There they lived for many years until Bob died at an early age due to complications brought on from agent orange connected with his time in Viet Nam. Sally's sister, Rae, soon thereafter moved to Perham and the pair were almost inseparable, being active with friends, family, and church. The bond between sisters grew even deeper as Rae cared for Sally through all stages of her dementia, and it was so evident especially when Sal recognized Rae, even in her last days, with a loving smile.

Sally truly loved family, fishing, feeding the birds and her flower garden. She was a great woman of faith and character, always with a smile on her face and up for a laugh and a good game of cards. Although a rare disease prevented her from having children of her own, her love for her dogs was unmatched and she adored each of her many nieces and nephews as well as all her extended family members. Sally was like a second mom to many, affectionately known as "Grandma Sal" to her great-nieces and nephews. She was grateful to live near some of her family who brought constant joy and invaluable support to both her and Rae, especially as Sally's disease progressed.

Sally was known in the small town of Perham as the "Butterfly Lady" as she loved butterflies and always had jewelry or clothing with butterflies; and her flamingo yard collection was legendary. Sally devoted years of service at White Drug store and volunteer work at St. Henry's Catholic Church.

Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham, MN. Burial will follow the service at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery; 15550 Hwy 115 Little Falls, MN 56345 at 3:00 p.m.

The Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, monetary gifts can be made to St. Henry's Area School in Perham.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com