Sally Krahn Obituary

Sally Ann Kernick Krahn, 74, of Alexandria, Va., died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, peacefully in Luxor, Egypt, while on vacation with her family and friends after a four-year battle with breast and ovarian cancer. She was the beloved wife of 42 years to Steven Lee Krahn and the daughter of the late William A. Kernick VMD and Phyllis T. Kernick. She is survived by her children, Daniel Roy Krahn (Kristen Sue Sefcik) and Elizabeth O'Leary Krahn (Brian John Gullekson); grandmother to Shane William Krahn Gullekson and Isla Clare Krahn Gullekson; she is also survived by her brothers, Thomas Winston (Susan) Kernick and Richard "Rock" O'Leary (Linda) Kernick; and sister Phyllis J. Kernick. Sally was a proud graduate of Penn Hills High School and earned a BA in History from Michigan State University in 1971. She worked in university housing administration at Iowa State and the University of Wisconsin (Madison, where she first met her husband-to-be). She moved to Virginia in 1978 to work for the Closeup Foundation until Dan was born. While being a mother was her most important job, her love of books led her to work part-time at several bookstores while Dan and Elizabeth were young. After they were in middle school, she was an executive assistant at ASIS International; the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association; and also managed the Ronald McDonald House at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. However, working to improve the community was Sally's passion. She served as aide to Alexandria Councilman Michael Jackson and Mayor Kerry Donley. She was a tireless fundraising volunteer at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, where she was awarded the Martin T. Quinn award for stewardship and more recently, was she very active in a number of ministries at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington. Sally traveled the world with her family and friends leaving her infectious laugh, optimism, and joyous smile with any new friends she made. She and Steve hosted countless exchange students from around the world: Scottish soccer boys, ballet girls, friends from Alexandria's sister city, Caen, and the beloved Naka Family from Kosovo. Sally made the "Yellow House on top of the Hill" home to so many people. The world is a better place for the light that Sally Ann brought into it. She will be long remembered for the generosity, hospitality, love, and joy she extended to others. A funeral service will take place at noon Saturday, Feb. 17, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church (2700 19th St. S., Arlington, VA 22204). Family and friends will be received following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, 3330 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302.