SALLY PALMER CORDELL
1953-2018
On February 11th, 2018, Sally Palmer Cordell, 64, passed away peacefully and with grace at the home of her son and former husband in Houston, Texas. She is survived by many who loved her – her beloved and cherished son Grant Swick, her loving mother and best friend Norma Cordell Loveland, her sisters Leslie, Susan, Ann, Amy, her brother John, her former husband Dean Swick, and a multitude of lifetime friends.
Sally was born in White Plains, New York and grew up in Mexico City. She attended the University of Arizona and the University of Texas at Austin. She joined her mother and father at the Cordell Travel Agency, working side by side with them, and continued to run the business upon their retirement. Sally took great pleasure and pride in her work. At the end of her life she found enormous comfort in the love and support of her family, friends, neighbors, clients, and colleagues at Frosch Travel.
The greatest joy of her life was being Grant’s mother, and nothing made her happier than the fact that he has her sense of humor and compassion for others. For the last twenty-five years, Sally was like a second mother to Amy, Samantha, and Reid Sinclair, the children of her deceased sister Mary. Her generosity extended well beyond friends and family – she volunteered as a translator for fifteen years at Texas Children’s Hospital, using her fluency in Spanish to help patients and families communicate with their doctors and nurses, and counseling them through their difficult journeys.
Sally was diagnosed with a brain tumor six months ago. Her intellect, kindness and delightful sense of humor remained intact until her very last breath.
A celebration of Sally’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 South Main, Houston, Texas, on Wednesday February 21st at 11:00am, with reception immediately following the service.
Flowers may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Memorial donations can be made to Texas Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.