Sally Marie Ursch

Dateline: Godfrey Sally Marie Ursch was born on June 12, 1958 in Alton, IL to Bernard J. Ursch and Peggy J. Ursch. She passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 7:20 AM at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL at the age of 67. Sally was the kindest person and had the biggest heart. She was the youngest of 4 children and she lived in Alton throughout her childhood and teenage years. As a child she loved sports, fishing, animals, plants and being outdoors. She attended St. Mary’s School and then later Alton High School, graduating in 1976. Sally attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for her Bachelor’s Degree as well as her Master’s, which she finished in 1990. It was at SIUE that she met the love of her life, Mollie J. Fedor. Mollie and Sally enjoyed travelling in their camper across the country, especially to places like Montana and Wyoming. They also enjoyed camping and fishing trips close to home. Their lives were filled with dogs, cats, gardening, and feeding and watching the birds and wildlife in their yard in Godfrey as well as cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. Sally worked the majority of her career in nursing homes in the Edwardsville area and took care of her residents as if they were her own family members, which she felt they were. Sally spent her days and many nights with residents, especially when they had no family of their own. She was a patient and calming presence that staff and residents alike came to rely on. Sally retired early in order to take care of her mother, and later her step-father Ralph Milford, who preceded her in death. She also cared for her partner Mollie as she battled cancer, passing away in October of 2024. Sally was also preceded in death by her brother Tom Ursch, her sister Ann Rowan, and her brother-in-law John Fitzgerald. She is survived by her sister and best friend Karen Fitzgerald and a brother-in-law Bill Rowan. Also left to cherish her memory are her favorite niece Jeanne (Steve Koopman) MacAinsh, 6 beloved nephews Pat (Jamie) Fitzgerald, Tom (Kristine) Fitzgerald, Mike (Julie) Fitzgerald, David (Emmett) Fitzgerald-Sullivan, Scott (Jill) Monroe, Chad Monroe and many great nieces and nephews, as well as her mother-in-law Betty Fedor and sisters-in-law Jean (Lori O’Bryan) Fedor and Anne Fedor. Sally also leaves behind her life-long friend Cheryl McLagan, friends and care-givers Debbie Martin, Goldie Clarke, and Kristy Burns as well as her helpful and generous friend “24 Hour” Bill Gottlob. Our sincere thanks to her family, friends and neighbors, all of whom have helped out as we navigated some very difficult times. A one hour visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IL. Father Don Robers will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL. Memorials may be made to 5A’s of Alton or Helping Hands Food Pantry of St. Peter and Paul Church in Alton. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Sally Marie Ursch

June 12, 1958 - November 9, 2025