Sarah C. Ketchum

Sarah “Sally” Cook Ketchum, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn surrounded by her loving family. Sally was born December 27th, 1939 in Albany, NY to the late Daniel Hedges Cook, Jr. and Edith (O’Neill) Cook.

Sally grew up in Albany and spent her summers at Altamont Orchards. In the late 1800’s, the Orchards were owned and planted by her grandfather, Dr. Daniel H. Cook. Upon his death, her father took over the farm and it remained in her family until his death in 1952.

She attended Albany Academy for Girls and Russell Sage College in Albany.

She enjoyed a long fulfilling career as a 5th grade teacher at Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District.

Sally was very athletic. As a freshman at Albany Academy, she was captain of the varsity basketball team. She loved horses and participated in barrel racing and other equestrian events. She also pitched in an adult softball league. The team’s name was “Ketchum If You Can.” We loved watching her, as our Mom always won. As children we would go to BKW and watch her play Donkey Basketball. The teachers usually beat the varsity team. She excelled at that game. Yes, it is what it sounds like, you are on a donkey while playing basketball.

Sally was an iconic figure at Ketchum’s Service in Altamont, NY. She could be found there on a daily basis, many times well into the night. She met many new friends and neighbors there. She enjoyed helping people. Sally and Tom also owned stores in Princetown, Country Convenience and Ketchum’s General Store in Westerlo. She was well known in the Altamont community.

Sally enjoyed spending time with her family. She hosted regular holiday dinners at her home and cookouts at the family camp on Mariaville Lake. Many gatherings took place at camp, including: holiday cookouts, Mother’s Day celebrations, after-prom parties, wedding receptions and baby and bridal showers. Many family memories were made there. It brought her great joy to have everyone together. Sally’s loving spirit and memory will be felt there for many years to come. She also loved animals and had many cats, dogs and horses as pets over the years.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Ketchum, Jr., her children; Judith Jacobson Reed (Terry), Janice Jacobson, Daniel Jacobson (Carrie), and Michael Jacobson (Michele), all of Altamont, NY, and her stepson, Daniel Ketchum and his partner, Susan of Rotterdam. Also survived are her 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Daniel Cook (the late Ann Sheila Bayly) of Jacksonville, FL.

In keeping with Sally’s wishes, funeral services will be held privately for the family.