Mrs. Sally J. (Goodhines) Raab

UTICA – Mrs. Sally J. (Goodhines) Raab, age 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Abraham House of Rome, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Port Leyden on August 26, 1951, Sally was the daughter of the late Raymond H. and Ethel A. (Tuffey) Goodhines. She was raised and educated in the “North Country,” before eventually relocating to Utica, where she graduated from Utica Free Academy. On September 2, 1978, she united in marriage with John J. Raab, embarking on a union built on their deep love and mutual adoration for one another. Sally began working as a dietary aide at the Lutheran Home at the young age of 16 and remained there her whole career, eventually retiring from that position. She loved and formed many beautiful relationships with the residents there, and always treated them with respect and dignity. Patience and kindness were at the heart of Sally’s very being, thanks to her loving heart. She was quiet and unassuming, but no matter what, you could always feel her warm presence when you were around her. Sally loved the simple things in life, like time spent on her front porch with her husband watching the cars go by. She also cherished the peaceful camping trips they took to Brantingham Lake. Sally loved music. A few of her favorite artists were Rod Stewart, Elton John, The Eagles, and Stevie Wonder. Every Christmas, the family would listen to Sally's favorite song, John Lennon's Happy Xmas (War is Over). At one time, she was a parishioner of the former St. Agnes Church. Sally is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Melissa Raab, and Kristen Raab and her companion Fuad Becic; grandson, James Ruiz; and her siblings and their spouses, Joyce and Robert Jennings, Ellen Saramaha, Kenneth “Kenny” and Susan Goodhines, and Philip Goodhines. She fondly remembered her sisters and brothers-in-law who preceded her, Shirley and Russel E. Pettys, Phyllis L. Schmidt, Claire M. Goodhines, Barbara A. Goodhines, and James Raab. Her loss is also felt by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and brother-in-law, Donald Raab. The Raab family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Abraham House of Rome for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing will be shared at the conclusion of visitation at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Sally’s honor may be made to the Abraham House of Rome online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/ways-to-support/donate.

Mrs. Sally J. (Goodhines) Raab

August 25, 1951 - February 18, 2025