Williamsburg, VA

Sarah Whetsel Blackburn, affectionately known as Sally, departed this world peacefully on February 26, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 85. Born November 11, 1939, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Sally touched many lives with her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to her passions and community.

Sally was a distinguished special education teacher, whose career was marked by her steadfast commitment to nurturing and empowering her students. Her life's work was an embodiment of compassion and educational excellence.

A woman of varied interests, Sally's pursuits were as vibrant and diverse as the gardens she tended with loving care. As a master gardener, she found joy and tranquility amongst the blooms, particularly cherishing her walks with the Larkspur Walkers. Her competitive spirit shone in her involvement with the Holy Rollers bocce team of San Rafael. She was also frequently involved with The Cedars, a facility that supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

Her faith and commitment to community service were evident in her active participation in the Community Congregational Church of Tiburon, the Marin Interfaith Council, and the San Rafael Canal Ministry. Sally's life was a testament to her belief in the power of community and interfaith collaboration.

Educationally accomplished, Sally was an alumna of Westfield Senior High School. She pursued higher education with a Bachelor's degree from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and aMaster's degree from San Francisco State College in California.

Sally is preceded in death by her loving parents, James Whetsel Blackburn and Emily Rockwell Blackburn. She leaves behind a devoted family, including her sister Carlota Anne Schone (Harlan) of Williamsburg, Virginia, and her brother William Rockwell Blackburn (Maggie) of Blaine, Washington, along with his daughter Emily Blackburn and her daughter Ella Blackburn. Her legacy continues through her nieces and nephews: Eric M. Schone (Barbara), Mark E. Schone (Alice Rubin), Gail S. McCarthy (Patrick), and Frank R. Clark (Gail Bittinger). Her other grandnieces and grandnephews include — Grayson McCarthy, Connor Schone, Phoebe McCarthy, Aidan McCarthy, and Dinah Schone — carry forward her spirited zest for life.

Plans for memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Sally's memory with a donation to the charity ofyour choice.