Sara Lee Dornacker, 68, died Sunday, February 8, 2015 in Chicago, following a brief illness. Sara had a 45 year career with United Airlines from 1967 to 2013. Sara was the daughter of the late Col. Charles H. and the late Elizabeth Dornacker of Edina, Mn. She is survived by sisters Susan Molumphy (Michael Creed) of Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va., Heidi Reidell of Eastport, Me., Amy (Jeffery) Hill, of Edina, Mn., brother Donald Dornacker of St. Paul, Mn., nieces Jessica Reidell, Lisa Dornacker (Anthony Untiedt), Katie Hill, Julia Hill , nephews Evan Reidell (Sara Pruchnicki) and Michael Dornacker, grand nephew Carson and beloved by many friends. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 1pm on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1301 North LaSalle Drive, Chicago. A Celebration of Sara’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquestte Ave., Minneapolis, Mn. with private interment at a later date. Donations in Sara’s name to the TC Young Foundation, American Kidney Fund , Soong Ching Ling Foundation or First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated.
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To Sara’s family and friends,
I had the pleasure of knowing Sara from Washington, DC times…. and what great times they were.
This news stunned me and it will take sometime to absorb it all. My thoughts and prayers are with
all of you. My life was better for having know this wonderful woman. My heart is heavy tonight.
Carol Boysen
Richmond, VA
Dear Family of Sara Dornacker:
To understand this terrible news is indeed overwhelmingly sad. Sara was one of the kindest, most generous persons who ever walked the halls of United Airlines Headquarters. The consumate professional, her words could melt even the most hardened of disgruntled customers, employees who needed a shoulder to lean on, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. She dedicated her life to promoting and preserving the good name of United Airlines around the world. You have my deepest sympathy, I know that she would want us to celebrate her life. Best regards, Armando Valdez
It is so sad to see this. Sara was a good friend of mine and always supportive. It must have been a very brief illness and we are sorry not to have known until tonight. I will have more tomorrow
Sara was such a delightful friend! We met at United Airlines and both had jobs in Cleveland at the same time, when we became friends. She was such a warm and generous person and brought great joy to so many people. I was so sorry to hear of her death and know all of you will miss her terribly.
I had the opportunity of knowing and working with Sara while at United Airlines. She was the consummate professional and an even better person. Kind, considerate, caring and genuine in all her dealings. The world was a better place with Sara’s presence. My heartfelt condolences.
To Sara’s Family,
I was honored to work with Sara on various occasions at the Elk Grove Headquarters. Sara was the nicest and kindest person I have ever had the privilege to know. Sara always was upbeat, positive and had a ready smile. Sara was the embodiment of United and was the ambassador for many officers through her extraordinary writing skills. United was a better company and so lucky to have her. Sara will be missed by all who knew her.
To the family of “Sara D”,
Please know that “Sara D” was infamous at United, it was truly an honor to have known and worked with her. Because of Sara’s professionalism and passion for United, her legacy will continue.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. Sara was a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with her. May she rest in peace.
I met Sara at United Airlines when we worked together at the 1984 LA Olympics and shall greatly miss her friendship and wonderful sense of humor. Sara was an amazingly erudite , well-read and cultured person with a near photographic memory–in addition to knowing every actor and film director, and what year who won what award, she could recall details from every museum exhibition we visited as well as what we had for dinner in Budapest in 1986!
What a wonderful friend we have lost. Knowing Sara made a difference…we will miss her.
Deborah Dunham, we’ve wondered where you were! Heidi and Sue.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of dear Sara. I worked with Sara at headquarters for 4 years. There was no one like her. I see her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes as she gives you her full attention. She had the unique ability of making everyone she was with feel special. Sara was such a valuable employee and United’s greatest advocate. I always thought that she was leading a glamorous life and that her life story would be a best seller. What a writer she was. When I retired from UA she wrote an amazing ‘re-cap’ of my life that I still have till this day.
This indeed is a sad time for all of us. Rest In Peace beautiful lady. I will never forget you.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of dear Sara. I worked with Sara at headquarters for 4 years. There was no one like her. I see her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes as she gives you her full attention. She had the unique ability of making everyone she was with feel special. Sara was such a valuable employee and United’s greatest advocate. I always thought that she was leading a glamorous life and that her life story would be a best seller. What a writer she was. When I retired from UA she wrote an amazing ‘re-cap’ of my life that I still have till this day.
This indeed is a sad time for all of us. Rest In Peace beautiful lady. I will never forget you.
I didn’t meet Sara at United -although we worked just down the hall from each other. I did, however, meet her at social events – and what fun she was. I looked forward to chatting with her, laughing about some of the absurdities of life – and I learned how calmly and kindly she dealt with them. What grace she had.
My Dearest Sara,
There are very few people you meet you’ll meet as you travel on this journey called life that will leave a memory so sweet, so joyful and so life changing. Thank you for sharing your wonderful spirit with all of us for so many years. God and his angels will welcome you with open arms. So, take your place among the SATRS, you’ve earned it.
Sara was a very dedicated and loyal employee of United. She had the same attitude toward her work colleagues and friends. I was grateful to be one of them. Her kindness and commitment to her job were well known. In addition, she had a great sense of humor and creative spirit. She was always focused on the implications of decision-making for the Company, employees and customers. Bless her as she flies away to her eternal rest.
Sara was my first boss at United when she was the manager of the CLE inflight base in 1979. She was an absolutely wonderful boss and I’ve enjoyed her friendship over these 36 years. She was the premier ambassador of United Airlines and I am privileged to have known her and be her friend.
My deepest condolences to the family of Sarah.
My personal connection with Sarah was through my working association with her at United Airlines. Sarah and I both share the affliction of type one Diabetes. Her professionalism, dedication and warm hearted social, and personal skills, were unmatched in our Customer Relations experiences together.
Her personal caring for her fellow coworkers and everyday personal contacts will be sorely missed. May the sad sweet memories of her earthly life stay with her family and us forever.
Good Bless her and her family, and may she rest in peace.
Sara was an ANGEL and a daily inspiration to us. I am blessed to have known this lovely woman.
Her fantastic demeanor, glowing bright contagious smile, her laughter, he kind spirit, her lovely stories, her positively fabulous good nature made every day a blessing to work at United.
Sara was a genuine person with a flare for making you feel happy and blessed when you saw her.
She will truly be missed, however her spirit will live on forever!
Thank you Sara for just being wonderful!
Cathy – Chicago
Dear family and friends of Sara,
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sara was a bright star in the office at United.
She touched so many of our lives as well as our customers.
May this saddened time be but a fleeting moment, and we shall be forever thankful for her time with us.
United Airlines was so fortunate to employ Sara. She was definitely an asset to United Airlines and a great person too.
My sincerest condolences to Sara’s family. I had the privilege of working with Sara in United’s NYC regional office in the 1970s and later interacted with her after I relocated to LAX and she to EXO. A wonderful, engaging, talented, and professional lady with a terrific personality who was an outstanding representative of United. God bless her.
Sara was a fascinating and wonderful lady. I’m stunned! Sara rarely ever ‘grumbled,’ but if she did, it was always with that wonderful humor and wry wit she used in such thoughtful and expressive ways. She once graciously offered some wisdom while we discussed a major written project at United Airlines. She commented that the creative process is not a democratic one. I still remember those words and how she influenced my successful approach to the project. As others have already expressed – Sara was the embodiment and ambassador of United Airlines. My condolences to Sara’s family.
Many beautiful things have already been said about the unconquerable Sara D! What i loved most about Sara was the impact she had on everyone (including me) that she ever met. You could not interact with her without feeling the warm of a truly kind and gentle soul. I had the privilege of working with Sara D for 2 years and I am a better person for it. Having heard the news this morning, I jotted down the following thoughts about Sara’s transition from here to her new home….
We see the beautiful white glow of the masthead light on a ship. It provides direction and warmth to all that can see it. The sails catch the wind and the ship slowly picks up speed. It is sailing away from us, so over time the light becomes harder to see…until at one point we can see it no more. Yet me know that the light still shines, only now it shines for others in a far more glorious place….
Adding my condolences to Sara’s family…
We met through a mutual friend as Sara was celebrating her 40th birthday. How could Sara’s warmth and personality not translate into instant friendship? Over the years we shared some hilarious laughs, discussions of esoteric foreign films, and fondness for the Diplomat Pudding at the Forum Hotel in Budapest. Those whose spirit she touched are better for having known her. Eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
Sara will be missed!my deepest sympathy to her family!
Reading the glowing tributes to Sara posted by others I’d say I’d second every one of them. We worked together in CLE when she managed the flight attendant domicile and later when she joined the media relations staff at EXO. She was the consummate professional but also personally a joy to be around. Always upbeat and positive. Always had a good word to say that would lift everyone’s spirits. I share the loss of her with all of her family, co-workers and friends.
Sara was just a wonderful person to know and to be around. I worked with her at United, enjoyed her company at social events and was always amazed at the new projects she undertook throughout her life. She had such a wide variety of interests and always followed up to ensure her projects at work and in life were complete. She will be so missed but we were blessed to have had her in our lives. My sympathies to the family who she loved very dearly. Charlotte
To Sara’s family –
I worked with Sara for 11 years at United.
She was a most special spirit. She lit up any room with her smile, often made me laugh, and always had the customers top of mind.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Diane Bergan
My condolences go out to members of Sara Dornacker’s family. It was a priviledge to know Sara and to work on some serious historical projects with her. Around a decade ago Sara and I compiled and launched a history of 12 eras of Flight Attendant history on the United Airlines website. Sara and I were stewardesses and then flight attendants for around 10 of the eras of the history we wrote. The history we wrote was well coordinated with United Airlines combined with many historical references that we had researched for various written pieces and media events. After retiring from long, challenging and quite happy careers as Flight Attendants Sara and I kept in touch with each other. Most recently, Sara attended the celebration of The Civil Rights Act @ 50: The Pioneering Role of Flight Attendants in Fighting Sex Discrimination. Sara was a person who worked to improve the life of workers from many approaches. During retirement Sara was among the first Flight Attendant retirees to join the Retiree Association of Flight Attendants.
I am grieving over the loss of my friend Sara and at the same time my sadness is balanced by the upbeat and talents that Sara shared with me. I am receiving comments about Sara from the United Airlines
Historical Foundation Board members and from the UAHF Alliance Coalition of Presidents and Designees. I intend to share with some of the quotes from the many friends that were devoted to Sara.
My heartfelt sympathy to Sara’s family. She was such a pleasure to work with on projects at United. Sara had to be even more delightful to have as a family member. I had the privilege of working with Sara in many situations over our equally long careers at United. On every occasion, she was professional, positive, creative and a joy to work with. She was passionate about everything on and off the job. She will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to all of Sara’s family, friends, and the United Community at large for your loss from all of us at SFO Museum. We fondly recall her generous participation in educational programs at SFO in years past where she readily shared her expertise and passion about UAL, the calling of air service, and social justice. We will remember her as a friend and continue our efforts to honor the accomplishments that she was such a big part of in the advancement of the profession.
so very sad to hear of Sara’s passing. She was the epitome of those who took great pride in a job well done, a different time and different era. I was pleased to know her during her time in both DCASW and CLESW.
My thoughts and prayers to Sara’s family. We all loved her so much, and, she was a consummate professional, always positive and a dear colleague and friend. I was so privileged to know her and have her guidance and wisdom. She was a very special person and will be dearly missed.
To the family of Ms. Sara Dornacker…I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sara was a lady true and true, beautiful inside and out. I knew Sara from our days in DCA when she was the Appearance Counselor…always kind, always fair. She served United Airlines well and will missed. May Sara rest in peace and may the family find comfort in knowing that so many people loved and respected her.
I was so sorry to read of Sara’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Sara for several years at United. She was always a pleasure to work with, with a great smile and positive attitude. She was quick to understand issues that were often difficult to explain in order to be able to communicate them to others.
My sincere condolences to all her family.
Pat Lilly
To the family & friends of Sara,
My deepest condolences to you at this difficult . I didn’t know Sara on a personal level but she was loved & respected by many. May the memories of her bring comfort to you now & always.
Heidi and I are very surprise to hear of her passing. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Sara’s family and friends. I met Sara in NYC in the mid seventies and subsequently worked with her at the Cleveland Flight Attendant domicile and at United’s Headquarters in Chicago. We had some terrific times together in Cleveland and our domicile spearheaded many new ways to engage our employees. She was always very caring and kind. We shared many conversations over the years and United was her love of life. Her pen was a mighty sword and many executives were relieved when Sara put out their fires with great customer responses. We’ll
keep Sara as a special memory.
Sara was a lovely and caring woman who will be sorely missed by many of us. God keep her and her spirit.
Sincerest condolences to Sara’s family.
Our paths crossed many times during our careers. Sara was always a delight to work with. She was one of those rare people who understood the importance of empathy, understanding and respect in dealing with others. She used both her head and heart.
United Airlines was lucky to hire and hold onto her for 45 years. All who worked with her were very fortunate indeed. She will forever leave a lasting imprint on many.
Sara worked for me as the appearance counsellor at DCASW before she went on to do more wonderful things for United Airlines. We always remaind friends. She was such a grand women with so many talents. I am sad that after 45 years she didn’t get to really enjoy retirement. My prayers go out to her family. She touched so many lives. She will be truly missed. Bless, Alice
We will now see another shining star in the sky! Over my 43 years with United, working on numerous training projects it was always my pleasure to have the input and support of the lady that I always referred to as the “real” Ms. United Airlines. I know of no one else, who put more of their heart and soul into her advocacy of making the United Flight attendant profession the best in the aviation industry. A true professional in all that she did!
My condolences and sympathy to her family and her wonderful “fan club” of friends. She will be missed by so many. She now has her new set of wings! Rest in peace dear Sara.
Wow! Just now reading this. What a beautiful tribute. Thank You on behalf of the family,
❤️
We are deeply saddened to hear of Sara’s death. We had the pleasure of working with Sara over the years and although she was a colleague, she was more importantly a friend. Sara attended our wedding in 1987 and we always enjoyed her warm smile and kind disposition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sara’s family and friends. She will be missed.
To Sara’s family, I send my sincere condolences. Sara and I met at “EXO” and I always marveled at her finesse. I saw Sara a over a year ago at an annual cookie bake and she spoke of trips to Minnesota while caring for her father and the family homestead. However, it was apparent that she was ready to embrace retirement. She talked about her church and her beloved choir, books, and the 1Ks that still called her! She served on boards and was especially involved with at risk children here in Chicago. May our memories of Sara give you some comfort and peace during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
To all of Sara’s family – I am so sorry for your loss and know how sad you all must be. Sara was one of my “Cookie Bake Sisters” and will be missed by us all at that annual gathering. I hope, knowing others will miss her too, will let you know how important she was to many.
My deepest condolences to all of Sara’s family. This is truly a sad day for all who knew Sara.
I had the privilege to have worked with Sara on Corporate Recognition initiatives. We shared many good memories and adventures together. Sara was unwavering in her commitment to making United Airlines and its employees top in the industry.
We were blessed and honored to call her friend.
Please correct the link for the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Sara was Director for the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation. That link is http://www.ssclf.net/Online.aspx
Dear Family of Sara:
She spoke of you often. I followed stories about you all. I had the pleasure of working with her at United Airlines (my five years vs. her 45!!), attending First St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Chicago with her, and hearing her sing in the FSP choir most Sundays. We also have been attending some of the excellent discussions together. She was always dressed to the nines in some colorful silk shift she had made in Shanghai, coordinating shoes, colorful reading glasses. We joked that I would go with her to have similar amazing silk outfits made, knowing all the time that I was still working while she was retired and also had a board meeting to attend Shanghai. She attended and supported Lutheran Child and Family Services events and supported many young people in our church both financially and with friendship.
What a full life our Sara lived and what a colorful entrance and delightful song she has brought to heaven! I will miss her and hope my grandma is teaching her to play pinochle right now at the foot of our Lord (I presume they play cards…).
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Sara. Sara and I became friends when she went through training. We remained friends through our retirement.
She was the most professional person I ever had the opportunity to work with a United Airlines, and I am honored to have called her friend.
I know her star will be shining always in our “Friendly Skies”.
Rest in peace my friend.
All of the warm and glowing testimonials on this site truly capture what a beautiful person Sara was. She will be missed by many, but her legacy will live on for many years to come.
My sincerest condolences to all who loved and cherished her.
I was so sorry to hear about Sara. She was a wonderful person and I greatly enjoyed knowing her through Clipped Wings.
My sympathy to Sara’s friends and family. She was a good friend ready to share a sense of joy with others, particularly when they needed it most. I am grateful to have known her.
I was privileged to work with Sara D. for many years in Onboard Service. Her patience with the most ornery customers was legendary. Truly, she could soothe the most disgruntled customer and secure their lifelong commitment to flying United. She forged relationships with many of these folks and regularly checked in with the them to ensure their satisfaction with UA. Sara was also a repository of information on all things United and whenever anyone needed the historical perspective on an issue, we went to Sara. More importantly, as a friend, Sara was unfailingly kind and always treated others with respect. She was fun and always embraced life and every situation with a childlike enthusiasm that was contagious. To her family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I was privileged to work with Sara D. for many years in Onboard Service. Her patience with the most ornery customers was legendary. Truly, she could soothe the most disgruntled customer and secure their lifelong commitment to flying United. She forged relationships with many of these folks and regularly checked in with them to ensure their satisfaction with UA. Sara was also a repository of information on all things United and whenever anyone needed the historical perspective on an issue, we went to Sara. More importantly, as a friend, Sara was unfailingly kind and always treated others with respect. She was fun and embraced life and every situation with a childlike enthusiasm that was contagious. To her family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
A wonderful person, an amazing human being. I will always remember her kindness. My prayers with her family.
RIP Sara, was proud to serve with you on the UAHF Board, and was proud to call you Friend. Keep the Sun on your back and the wind in your wires. Good By My Friend
RIP Sara, I was Proud to know you and to serve with you on the UAHF Board, I was more Proud to call you Friend. Say “Hi to Don At the Big Airport in the clouds.” Keep the Sun on your back and the wind in your wires.
To Sara’s family..
I first met Sara in the early 1980’s when I was on AFA’s Safety Committee and Sara was my counterpart at UAL EXO.. I respected Sara’s input to the many projects that were presented to us. We recently reconnected at the ORD Chapter Clipped Wings meetings and gatherings and it was ALWAYS a pleasure to sit and chat with her. I was truly sadden to hear of her passing. She was one of the most kindest persons I have ever met and she will be missed. My sincere condolences to the her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you… RIP Sweet Lady….
I did not get to know Sara very long as she moved into the reservation office just prior her retirement and I was working the Chicago PW, but she was very warm, kind and so helpful to a new customer relations agent. She was so Knowledgeable and had some great lifetime stories. She has been missed around the office.
With deepest Sympathies, and heartfelt condolences to her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. She was a wonderful colleague to work with.
The many condolences written here barely scratch the surface of the woman we memorialize. It is evident Sara made each of us feel a unique relationship with her. We, her friends, honor her memory and the impact she had on us. We grieve with her family.
Sara was most certainly an ANGEL on earth and I was shocked to learn of her passing. We had just spent time together in September and it seemed to be she was SHINING with the spirit of Love. Every life she touched she blessed, from the lucky ones that interacted with her at United Airlines, to all of us here at Airline Ambassadors we were blessed to know her. Deep condolences to her family – and I would like to offer one of our Humanitarian Missions in her honor. Please contact me at nancy@airlineamb.org to discuss.
As we mourn the passing of a very special lady, the celestial bodies have opened up those pearly gates to welcome their angel to her forever home, where she can fly those even friendlier skies. Thanks for all the great memories, Sara! Perpetual peace and love.
I am so very sorry to hear this. Sara was an extraordinary person, her kindnesses given to all. My condolences to her family.
What can I say that others have not said before me. Heaven has gained another angel. Sara and I was at a wedding in Hawaii together. That’s when I realize what gift she was given by our almighty god. She was a very special lady and will be missed by so many she touched.
When I joined United in 1985, Sara Dornacker was already a legend, known and loved by everyone. We lived in the same condo building in Chicago and became instant friends. We shared many happy times and our friendship continued over the years, even after we retired. She had such a kind heart, quick wit and insatiable interest in the world and in helping others. And oh the stories she could tell! My husband and I were honored to call her our very good friend. May she rest in peace, knowing she make a difference in all of our lives.
There are so many good things that could be said about Sara. I am sure most of which you know. I would like to sum my experience with her from 1 John 2:6 “…Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” I pray these word comfort you and fill your hearts with joy.
My dear friend Sara I miss you so much as each day passes. I’ve been leaving messages with the Lord to give to you since your spirit returned to God. What truly keeps me going is knowing I’ll see you again. I will always love and cherish your friendship. You helped me grow as a person in so many ways. You were so loving and peaceful. What a wonderful kind spirit and full of life, I will never forget your warm smile and comforting hugs. You are with the Lord now. I love you and will see you again one day. I pray for comfort and healing for Sara’s family, friends, and all that loved her.
Sara was a highly respected mentor at work and also one of my best friends. Sara was an international person, very knowledgeable and most of all a caring person.
For many years Sara had served as Director of Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a well-known foundation named by Soong Ching Ling, the wife of Sun Yat-sen, leader of the 1911 revolution to overthrow the last Chinese Federalism, Qin Dynasty and establish the Republic of China. The foundation is dedecated to carry out its namesake’s life-long cause of improving the lives of the underprivileged women and children of China. Sara traveled tirelessly to Shanghai, Beijing, Hongkong and other cities every year to attend board meetings, meet and talk to people and help the organization with the projects of children’s education, health and charity.
From Sara We learned not only her professionalism at United, but also her passion for making the world a better place to live.
I am privileged to have known Sara. She will be truly missed!
I met Sara more than 25 years ago through Franklin Young, who introduced her as “The most quoted person at United”, and over the years found her to be among the most interesting and delightful people I’ve ever met. Among my first thoughts upon hearing of her passing was “The world is a slightly less interesting place”. I always enjoyed time with her, and will miss her. My condolences to all the rest of Sara’s friends and family — I know we all are richer for having known her.
To Sara’s beloved family, friends and colleagues,
Our sweet Sara was a powerhouse of talent. She had a brilliant mind, eloquent writing skills and was a mezmorizing speaker. But her charming personality, quick wit and compassionate heart are the qualities that captivated our hearts.
Sara was devoted to her family, fiercely proud to work for United Airlines and a woman of deep faith. Her illustrious 45 year career with United Airlines catapulted her to icon status. She was a remarkable colleague, mentor and deeply committed to taking exceptional care of our customers.
Sara had a passion for life that was unparrelled, complimented by a sophiscation and style uniquely her own.
Sara has left an indelible imprint on all our hearts. We were all blessed to have had her graceful presence in our lives. She leaves a remarkable legacy.
My Deepest Sympathy to Susan, Heidi, Amy, and Donald. The memorial service by Pastor Johnson, eulogy by Jeff and rememberances by Evan and Jessica magnificently captured Sara’s sweet spirit. She now dances in heaven and is the brightest star in the sky shining down on everyone she loved.
My Dear Friend Forever!
Two words come instantly to my mind in thinking of Sara – kind heart. I was a colleague of hers at United and a fellow annual cookie baker. She was always thoughtful and generous. My sympathy to those who shared what made her so very special.
What to say about Sara D? Fun, beautiful, liberal, amazing. I’m proud to have been her friend and colleague.
heaven has gained a beautiful and talented angel! Sara will be missed here on earth but what a fantastic addition to Heaven! My deepest sympathy to all of Sara’s family.
Sara was a mentor and friend. She had the ability to see what others couldn’t or wouldn’t see inside others. She would go above and beyond to bring out the best in those whose lives she touched. She would always do her best for those she loved, for friends and strangers alike. My thoughts and prayers are with Sara’s family. My heart aches for their loss. Sara will be profoundly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to Sara’s family. Sara was indeed wonderful and witty and will be missed. We were lucky to know her as a co-worker and friend. May she rest in peace.
I was truly saddened to learn of SARA’s death. I retired from United shortly before 9/11 but always considered Sara one of my buddys. I was called upon frequently to serve as spokesperson to supplement Sara and her associates–and I hated it–though she always was a supportive ally. I served as government affairs guy and she always was there to learn more. She was a great asset for UAL–a wonderful person–and had few –if any enemies. Rest in peace–good friend! You earned it!
My thoughts and prayers are for Sara’s family. She was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humor. She was fair in the working environment and fun at Clipped Wings.
Nita
UAL F/A – 1967 – 2005
I was very sadden to hear about the passing of Sara. She was always upbeat and we had many great conversations about UAL and some of her great vacations. Please know you have my deepest of Sympathy. Heaven has just gotten another Angel returned.
To Sara’s Family,
It was my privilege to know and work with Sara throughout the years at UAL. She was an extraordinary lady who I know will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to you and I do hope that wonderful memories will help you at this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know that Sara is up there flying with the angels.
Dear family of Sara,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Sara was a truly wonderful person and one of a kind. Her generosity of spirit and incredible patience and positive approach to life brought joy to all she touched. I knew her for her last ten years or so at United and could always count on her to be a voice of gentleness and kindness – solving whatever customer problem or listening to a co-worker.
May your hearts be filled with memories of her always smiling,
Alex
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sara. I worked with her for many years. Recently she reached out to me through LinkedIn and we promised to go out to dinner the next time I was in Chicago. She was the most positive person I have ever met on my life. Always a ray of sunshine. You immediately felt better just running into her in the hall. She always seemed to make every problem at work seem not too important. She had a great smile and a great laugh. She had such an incredible way to connect with people. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to all of her family. Larry De Shon
Dear, Dear Family,
My heart goes out to each one of you. When Amy called , I could hear the heartache, in her voice. I have been so blessed, to know each of you… Blessed beyond measure, to have such a wonderful friendship, that has endured for so many years. I have always felt a part of your loving family…..something I will treasure forever!! Sara was so kind & warm & so very, very loved! She could put you at ease, with that great smile. I love you all & will keep you close in my heart & my prayers. Always.
To Sara’s family,
As I told Sara’s sister, Heidi, I had the pleasure of meeting Sara only once. On Jan.2, 2015, Sara took an Amtrak train from Chicago to Omaha to attend my brother’s funeral (Bob McBride.) Sara arrived at midnight on Jan. 2 and I picked her up at her hotel the next morning. I was so impressed that Sara would take the time to come all the way from Chicago on a train just to honor my brother with her presence. That told me a lot about Sara. Bob was a frequent United Airlines passenger and for some years, Bob would see Sara in the United Club in Chicago whenever he flew through Chicago. In 2014, Sara flew to Omaha to see Bob and they spent a wonderful day together visiting cultural sights around Omaha. Sara was so interesting, and very bright. It is easy to see why Bob liked her so much. After Bob’s funeral, Sara and I agreed to stay in touch. I am sad that I have so quickly lost this lovely, new friend. I’m glad I knew Sara, if only for a short time.
As I look at this a few months later, I am amazed at some of the names that have offered their thoughts about Sara. Even after I left UAL, she always found time to talk to me at her work and after her work. She was a wonderful lady.
We shared thoughts about retiring with me and I told her there is a life after United and she did retire and move into things that she always wanted to do for mankind (and womankind)! She mentored some children and was into so many projects and she could spend full time on them plus time at her church.
She’s one of those bright stars up there, never to go away.
JIM
Just receiving the sad news of Sara’s passing. Sara was the domicile manager in Cleveland,
Ohio when I arrived at the Cleveland base as a United Airlines”new hire” in 1978. She was so supportive as she greeted us with a sincere and reassuring welcome. She created a family atmosphere in the base where the flight attendants and supervisors were truly UNITED. We could use her leadership today. You are missed.. RIP Sara…