Sally Aubrey, an integral part of High Hopes for almost 50 years, was an avid horsewoman. Her love of horses included sharing it with young riders through Pony Club. She appreciated the therapeutic nature of riding and horsemanship, becoming part of High Hopes from its inception in 1974, a relationship that continued for the rest of her life.
Both Sally and her husband Stever were accomplished artists. Sally studied at the Art Students League in New York and at the Silvermine Guild of Artists in Connecticut. Her strong sense of design played an important role in the interior decor of the High Hopes building, and her whimsical watercolors hang on the office walls. Stever had a distinguished career in advertising, subsequently studying sculpture in retirement. In 1998 he established the Sally H. Aubrey Award in Sally’s honor. He created the beautiful bronze sculpture of a mare and foal that is displayed in our entrance way. Each year a smaller bronze casting of the sculpture is given to the award recipient, someone who the board and staff feel demonstrates commitment, dedication, and compassion.
Also, in 1998 Sally was named the NARHA (later PATH Intl.) National Volunteer of the Year, reflecting the depth of her participation in all aspects of High Hopes. Her many volunteer roles included side walker, horse leader, membership on the Board of Trustees, and in her later years volunteering at the front desk, with her little Cavalier King Charles spaniel curled up contentedly at her feet, the only dog allowed inside the building at the time.
In her understated but quietly influential way, she asked that on a daily basis High Hopes live up to its mission and maintain the highest possible quality of service.
Sally Aubrey died peacefully in her sleep on October 22, 2024.
There will be a celebration of Sally’s life at The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, December 4th at 11:00 AM.