Obituary of Sara Vaccaro

Sara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who was devoted to her family and enjoyed a loving marriage for over 75 years.

Sara was an excellent cook and baker.  As children we remember how she would bake a delicious assortment of holiday cookies to distribute at the Post Office, where our father worked.

Sara was a devout Catholic who was the president of the Rosarian’s society; she often helped to clean the church, launder and iron the linens and priest’s vestments. Much to our chagrin as kids, she would make sure that we went to Mass every Sunday and days of obligation, even when we were on vacation. Mom would make sure that she found a church for us to attend.

Sara also had an artistic flair. As a teen, she developed the love of drawing; she was especially interested in watercolor and fashion design.

As children, we heard stories of her dancing the Jitterbug and other dances of her era.    

Sara was always an avid lover of all musicals. Even during her challenges with dementia, she still loved to watch her favorite musicals repeatedly: The Sound of Music, An American in Pairs, Easter Parade, Singin’ in the Rain; we all developed an appreciation of the arts due to our mother’s influence. Rosemary developed a love of painting and is now a skillful artist.

She enjoyed singing while our father played the mandolin; after retirement, they joined the JCC orchestra and enjoyed playing for various nursing homes and other charitable events.

Sara was satisfied with the simple things in life; she loved animals, especially cats. She was never materialistic and we were taught to treat people as you would want to be treated. We never heard her say a harsh word about anyone. Her co-workers at the bank used to tease her, because of her inability to curse. The raciest words she would use were ‘Oh darn, or Heavens to Betsy”.   We learned by her example to value all people regardless of race, religion or economic status. She possessed a sensitive heart and would cry easily when watching a tear-jerker.

“Mom, you lived a full and meaningful life. We will miss you dearly!”

 Rest in peace! You are now with the lord and your beloved, “Tony’ in heaven.