Sarah J. Sadowski, 44, of Holden, passed away too soon from illness after a life well lived. Sarah’s greatest love and devotion was to her two wonderful daughters, Evangeline and Verena Welch. Sarah devoted her life spreading love and support to her family, friends and community. Sarah had a fulfilling career as a passionate educator and mentor to countless students.
Sarah considered her children the greatest gift of her life. No one fought harder to live with joie de vivre and pass on to her children the lessons of life such as being kind, community spirit, spiritual joy, to live every day to the fullest and to follow and work for your dreams. Every day was arranged to make sure that life was filled with love and support for her kids.
She taught them through spending time with them playing games that used their imagination and countless field trips including exploring cities, museums, beaches, Paris, Aruba, and discovering what fun can be had even in their own yard. Sarah taught her kids a thirst for education and learning. She encouraged their inquisitive minds, and mentored them to have a love of learning.
From an early age, Sarah excelled scholastically. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Women’s Studies from Davidson College and a Master of Arts in Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Sarah taught religion, ethics and philosophy at many high schools including Notre Dame Academy in Worcester.
She also taught at Quinsigamond Community College and Fitchburg State. She was an academic advisor at Fitchburg State in the Expanding Horizons Program. There she was able to coach and mentor many students which was a great joy for her.
Sarah’s love of learning translated into a lifelong commitment to be sure others received equal opportunity for an education that allowed them to have a better life. Through her overwhelmingly positive attitude and her commitment to the success of others, Sarah helped students learn not to fail themselves.
Sarah believed in supporting the community. She would be a welcoming face to new people in her neighborhood, school and work. Sarah participated tirelessly in multiple charity walks and causes. The organizations closets to her heart were the Livestrong program at the Y, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber, and programs dedicated to feeding the poor.
Sarah was a passionate New England sports fan, and was routinely seen in full Celtic’s gear most days. The Celtics were a lifelong passion of Sarah’s.
Sarah leaves the loves of her life, her children, Evangeline and Verena Welch; her mother and stepfather Cindy and John Spellane; her father and stepmother, Richard and Terry Sadowski; the love of her life, Tim Gannon (Timmy G); the father of her children and his wife, Brian Welch and Pam Mutascio; her sister, Stephanie Adams; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Christine Sadowski and Michael and Malisa Sadowski; and her six nieces and nephews, Taylor Adams, Chloe, Vivienne, Mason, Miles and Serena Sadowski. Sarah treasured her countless friends, past students, professors and colleagues.
Sarah and her family would like to thank the entire staff of Dana Farber, especially Dr. Matthew Yurgelun, Karen Sommer, NP and Jane Bausch LICSW, and also Dr. Claudio Salvin and Nancy Noonan RN for their support and exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, The Livestrong Program, c/o Greendale YMCA, 75 Shore Dr., Worcester, MA 01605 or the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
A memorial celebration of Sarah’s life will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.