the sally lanagan
memorial scholarship fund

This Scholarship Fund was established by Sally’s family and friends to commemorate her enthusiasm and commitment to the Concord Community, the School System, and other organizations. Her devotion, positive attitude, kindness, and thoughtful nature were a source of inspiration to many of her friends and those who knew her and worked with her.


Sally with her strong sense of community was devoted to the Concord Community.  She poured her limitless energy, persistence, optimism, and kindness into supporting an array of causes. She generously gave her time, efforts and vision to the Concord schools, co-chairing the Community Educational Symposium for Concord Schools, serving as class mother multiple times, hosting French exchange students, developing the Middle School Store, acting as Cub Scout Den Mother, serving on Parents Association Boards, and in countless other ways. Friends who worked with Sally through the years on an abundance of community projects had high praise for the quality and spirit she brought to everything she did.  Many of those who worked on projects with Sally found it a pleasurable experience because she combined her sense of purpose with kindness, laughter, and respect.

Sally was an active member and leader of The Garden Club of Concord from 1993 on, where she served as chair of Membership, was a member of the Executive Board, and chaired Community Projects/Grants and Programs.  Sally also dedicated well over 20 years to actively supporting the Concord Museum in multiple capacities including as a Trustee.  Sally found special joy in decorating trees for the Museum’s annual Family Trees exhibit that supports their children’s programs. Over the years, Sally gave her time and energy to St. Bernard’s / Holy Family Parish, Princeton University, and twice co-chaired "Tastes of Our Towns" for Concord Family Service.

Sally pursued her passion for art and design by earning a Certificate of Decorative Arts at the Boston Architectural College and was the first graduate of the Certificate of Historic Preservation, Period Interiors program. She later applied her knowledge and talents in formal design founding her business, Porta Design, designing a room for the Lyman Estate’s holiday open house, and serving for many years on the Town of Concord Historic Districts Commission. 

Family and friends were the most important part of Sally’s life.  She had an innate ability to bring people together, and to reach out in quiet but profoundly effective ways to support her many friends with remarkable loyalty, energy, and generosity of spirit. Although she developed a broad community reach, she was centered by and found her greatest pleasure in her family..