Sally E. Dillner

In the early morning hours of March 15, Sally (Claude) Dillner, 70, peacefully danced her way into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her loving family.

Sally was a warrior all the way until the end, when inevitably, she succumbed to complications from her nearly 40 years of being confined to a wheelchair.

Sally wore many hats—an artist, a special education teacher, friend, sister and daughter, but the one that she most proudly wore, was that of mother and grandmother. To those who knew Sally, she would light up like no other in the presence of her son, John Dillner, daughter, Karin (Dillner) Mahoney, and their families. She was a gift to those who knew her, and we are all lucky to have loved someone as beautiful as she was.

Sally’s nearly 40 years of living in her chair would not have been possible without the tireless love and support of the many caregivers, nursing staff and care managers. To each and every one of them, her children sincerely owe you a debt of gratitude. You all have done so much to help keep her happy, healthy, and thriving throughout her entire journey. An extra special thank you to her final home health care agency staff that fought fiercely for her—Kathi Papa, Wilma, Sue and Ruth.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Karin (Dillner) Mahoney, son-in-law, Christian (CJ) Mahoney, grandbabies, Joey, Harrison and Maggie Mahoney; son John Dillner and daughter-in-law, Colleen (Wall) Dillner, grandbabies, Camryn, Mikayla and Leah Dillner. She is further survived by siblings John (Francis) Claude, David (Cheryl) Claude, Katie (Tom) Doucette, Danny (Lynne) Claude, Martha (Jerry) Annis, and Mary (Claude) McLay. And from those siblings, an incredible amount of amazing nieces and nephews and their families.

Her heavenly welcome crew includes parents, Dr. John and Mary Claude, and spouse(s), Claus Dillner and Harry Keast.

A Celebation of Sally's Life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, Hartland.  Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home directly from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  A reception will follow, where we welcome friends and loved ones to share the mic and tell stories about Sally.

In lieu of flowers, please dance freely in her honor, or should you feel so inclined, donate to a community that meant so much to her—Oakwood Community Church (Oakwood Community Church Pledge Link)