Saly was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1920. There she became known after publishing her first book of poetry at the age of just 16. She went on to receive her doctorate in philosophy from Pazmany Peter University in 1942. Two years later, she and her parents escaped from Hungary and settled in Paris, where she completed her post-doctoral studies in French Literature at the Sorbonne, while working at the Paris Peace Talks as a journalist.

In 1949 she married her childhood sweetheart George Saly after his escape from behind the Iron Curtain, and two years later the couple immigrated to Montreal.

After completing her second Ph.D. in Quebec Literature at the Université de Montréal, she found her way into the teaching profession. Saly taught French at the High School of Montreal and then at Westmount High School, where she later became head of the French Department. Several generations of students benefited from her teaching skills and her wisdom

But Saly really made headlines in Westmount in 1967 when she and her students wrote and published the book Old Westmount: The Story of Westmount in Pictures and Words. That endeavour led her to becoming heavily involved with the Westmount Historical Society.

Saly was an active member of the Hungarian social and religious community in Montreal throughout her life. A memorial serve was held for her Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the Foyer Hongrois where she and George had lived during their retirement.