Obituary of Sally Aldrich-Molwitz

Sally Aldrich-Molwitz (1940–2025)

Sally Aldrich-Molwitz of Katonah, NY, passed away peacefully at home on November 15, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old.

She is survived by her husband, Harry Molwitz, her son, Scott Aldrich and his wife, Christina Stankard of Westerly, RI, her daughter, Gillian Aldrich of Katonah, and Gillian’s 2 children..

Sally was raised in Chappaqua to Eleanor Scott, an artist, and Cecil Scott, the Editor-in-Chief of Macmillan Publishing. She attended Connecticut College in the early 1960s and lived in New York City, where she married her first husband, and they moved to Katonah in 1968. Following the end of that marriage in 1972, Sally remained in Katonah, showing great strength and resilience as she raised her two children on her own while building her career as a teacher and an artist.

In 1991, she married Harry Molwitz. They enjoyed 34 happy years of marriage, spending most of that time in Ridgefield, CT.

Sally’s professional life was largely defined by her dedication to students. She was a beloved art teacher at Pleasantville High School in the 1970s and 80s, where she helped create E.C.H.O. (Encouraging Children to Help Others), a program recognized by the Governor for teaching students the value of community service. During this era she was also a Siddha Yoga devotee and opened her house as a meditation center on Thursday nights.

Retirement was a creative renaissance for Sally. She was an active exhibitor and involved in many artist groups throughout Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield Counties, including the Katonah Museum Artists Association and the Clay Art Center of Port Chester. She continued to teach art classes at the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club for the sheer joy of it, but her painting, sculpture and pottery flourished over the last thirty years of her life.

Above all, Sally was a devoted matriarch who cherished community. She loved nothing more than gathering family and friends at her home and creating a warm space where everyone felt welcome.

Sally was an inspiring teacher, a gifted artist, a loving grandmother, and loyal friend who touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit. She will be sorely missed.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at Ridgebury Congregational Church on November 29 at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life at her house in Katonah afterwards.