Rockport, MA - Sally (Olson) Budrow, a lifelong resident of Rockport and a woman whose heart was as big as her love for animals, passed away peacefully at the home she built and loved.

Born on the 4th of July, 1955, in Groton, Connecticut, Sally was the daughter of the late Thor "Dewey" Olson and Jean (McLean) Olson. Though born elsewhere, Sally was a Rockport girl through and through. A proud graduate of the Rockport High School Class of 1973, she served as class treasurer and a spirited cheerleader. In her younger years, she was a celebrated staple of the town's Fourth of July Parade, eventually being named Miss Rockport.

Sally's legendary love for animals began at age seven, when she would walk to Charlie Lane's Farm to "muck stalls" just for the chance to ride a horse. By age 12, her father bought her first horse, which she kept in a small barn in the backyard on Summit Avenue, taking the place of her brother's beloved basketball hoop (he forgave her, eventually). This passion led her to UMass Amherst to study Animal Science, eventually landing her a dream job at Stone Zoo. There, she proudly worked her way up from cleaning facilities to serving as a zookeeper.

In 1976, she married her soulmate, Tom. Proving he knew the way to her heart, he gave her a horse as an engagement gift. Together, they established the "Hardscrabble Farm", building the barn before the house. As her family grew, Sally transitioned from the zoo to dog grooming, operating a small facility out of that very barn to be closer to her children.

Family was Sally's true love, passion, and purpose. She spent 25 years as a dedicated school monitor and "lunch lady" for the Rockport schools, a career chosen specifically to ensure she was always there for her daughters. Her home was the heart of the neighborhood, a place where nieces, nephews, and friends always found a warm meal and a "second mother" in Sally.

In retirement, Sally found her greatest joy in the quiet beauty of her home and the company of her cherished grandchildren - the light of her life.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Tom Budrow; her daughter Amy Rose and husband Tim, and their children Sadie and Jack; her daughter, Sara Turunen and husband Nick, and their children Noah and Caroline. She also leaves behind her siblings, Thor Olson, Jack Olson and wife Mary Jane; Rick Olson and wife Nancy, Sue Waddell, Kathy Taylor and husband Steve; sister-in-law, Rebecca Olson; brothers-in-law, Tim Budrow, and Brian Budrow; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Rob Olson, and brother-in-law, Bill Waddell.

Sally's warmth and unwavering dedication to those she loved, both two-legged and four, will be deeply missed by the community she called home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Joachim Church, Rockport, MA on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held in Beech Grove Cemetery, Rockport. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, or the ALS Association, The ALS Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037.

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.

For online condolences please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com