Sally Hedrick awarded Woman of the Year

Courtesy photo Sally Hedrick was presented the Byron Women’s Club Woman of the Year for 2015 by fellow member Wanda Cacciatore. Karen Virnoche-Brown, Kathy Johnson, President, Sally Hedrick, Judy Wiltfang and Wanda joined Sally and Brian Hedrick for tea at the Hedrick home for the presentation.

By Wanda Cacciatore
Byron Women’s Club

BYRON – Many years ago, the opening season for the Byron Women’s Club’s Luncheon/Program was a visit to the historical Stronghold Castle. Sally Hedrick read about the local landmark and the activities of the BWC and decided she not only wanted to go to the luncheon, but felt the club sounded like an organization she would be interested in being a part of. Immediately after joining, it was obvious she wanted to be actively involved. During her years as a member Sally served on the Membership and Courtesy Committee and was an active Board Member. She often brought a tray of gourmet coffee to share with fellow Board Members and was always available to help at the Luncheon/Program meetings and Fundraisers.

Her lifestyle had always included being active and involved. In high school she was an Honor Roll Member, Cheerleader and Life Guard at the Dixon swimming pool. She majored in Elementary Education at Northern Illinois University before deciding to attend Secretarial School in Chicago. She was Girl
Friday in a law firm and not only was responsible for correspondence and drafting legal documents, but also served papers and did collections.

During a trip to Europe, she liked it so well she found a job with UOP as a legal secretary and stayed two years. Returning home, she worked in the UOP Legal Department as a Contract Specialist until her retirement.

Sally has always been active in her church and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary’s in Byron. She was also interested and active in politics and served as an aide at the 1972 Republican Nomination Convention in Chicago. She worked on Ronald Reagan’s campaign and was an Ogle County Election
Judge.

Sally loved to entertain and hosted her extended family’s Easter Dinner complete with formal place settings and white tablecloths. She and Brian also hosted a more casual yearly St. Patrick’s Day Celebration luncheon for family and their many friends. With the help of her three sisters, she was Hostess for BWC’s March Luncheon/Programs with an Irish theme featuring her son’s Irish Band. Their array of tea sandwiches, delectable dessert and even homemade Irish Soda Bread was outstanding!

Sally spent many hours dedicated to BWC activities and meetings and always had the support of her husband. Her dedication and service to the club is remarkable and we are pleased to honor Sally Hedrick as the 2015 Byron Women’s Club Woman of the Year.