Sally Schell Whittemore, 54, died Wednesday, January 7, at her home, surrounded by the people she loved, including her husband Michael Whittemore, with whom she shared a passion for antiques and antiques shows.
Sally was the longtime owner of Cottontail Country Antiques in Peoria Heights, Ill. After Sally and Michael were married, on October 10, 2003, they worked together from home and traveled widely attending antiques shows. They were members of the New Hampshire Antique Dealers Association.
Sally was born in Peoria, Ill., on May 17, 1954, to Justin and Pat (Rhodes) Wolstenholm. She is survived by her husband, parents and one daughter, Caitlin Schell, living at home in Washington, and one stepdaughter, Meghann Whittemore of Connecticut. Also surviving are three brothers, Ron Wolstenholm of Bloomingdale, Ill., Carey Wolstenholm of Naperville, Ill., and Gene Wolstenholm of Peoria.
Sally enjoyed traveling around the country, but really loved New England and buying and selling early American antiques. She enjoyed using her extraordinary talent to help decorate many of her loyal customers’ homes. She especially loved seashell hunting off the shores of Punta Gorda, Fla., where she and her husband also shared a home.
Longtime friend and associate Tom Deupree wrote about her: “Sally Schell Whittemore died from complications resulting from her long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by friends and family and, in the weeks before, she hosted a grand holiday get-together in her inimitable, classy style.
“Sally was known in the business as a top dealer in vintage holiday and early American antiques, her reputation for integrity on paint, surface and form was unquestioned. Extremely knowledgeable and forthright in her opinions, Sally helped many collectors appreciate the nuances of the market and the material.
“Sally was always about the other person, never about herself. She made all of us welcome in her life. While we will miss her sharp wit and cheery disposition, her dignity and selflessness will always be a part of us who knew her.”
No services are scheduled at this time; a private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Whittemore requested donations be sent to Methodist Medical Center Hospice, 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria IL 61636.
