Sarah Tawney O’Connor, 61, a loving wife, mother and generous soul.
Sarah Tawney O’Connor, 61, of Wilmot, NH, died peacefully in her home on July 1, 2023. Sarah, who never smoked, fought ALK Positive lung cancer for five years. Born October 27, 1961, Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in Psychology and played varsity field hockey and lacrosse. She then earned a Master of Social Work from Smith College.
Sarah was a loving mother and a generous, kind person who was committed to her family, her friends, her community, and to living a full life. Always thinking of how she could help others, over the decades she volunteered at many organizations, including the Wilmot Community Center’s beach program and community breakfasts, the Wilmot Public Library, Kearsarge School District, New London Historical Society art shows, an
d the Kearsarge Food Pantry. Most recently, she co-founded and co-ran a writing support group for people diagnosed with ALK Positive Lung Cancer. Sarah served on several nonprofit boards including the New London Outing Club and KAT Company.
Professionally as well as personally, the common denominator in Sarah’s life was her focus on helping and supporting others. She worked at New England College as a therapist and adjunct professor, Proctor Academy as a woman’s lacrosse coach, Lutheran Social Services working with refugees in Concord, the Manchester School District as an extended learning opportunity coordinator, the Connecticut Valley VNA and Hospice, and Alice Peck Day Hospital as a case manager.
Sarah loved her family and was a devoted mother. She would do anything for her children and was committed to their growth and success. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Sarah enjoyed gardening, music, traveling, playing tennis & pickle-ball, knitting, and scuba diving. She was an outstanding cook who loved to lavish her skills on her family and those fortunate enough to be her friends.
Sarah was predeceased by her parents Robert “Bob” and Joyce Tawney. She is survived by her husband of forty years, John; her children, Rebecca O’Connor, Ian O’Connor, Charlie O’Connor; Rebecca’s spouse Chris Duncan; her granddaughter Maconda Joyce Duncan; her siblings Mark Tawney, Peter Tawney, Martha Toth, and Robert Tawney and their spouses.
The family offers very special thanks to her oncologist Dr. Dagogo-Jack and the team at Mass General Hospital and the help she received from the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice.
A service celebrating her life will be held at The First Baptist Church in New London on Monday, July 24 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please give to ALK Positive (www.alkpositive.org) supporting research into curing this form of cancer.
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