Sarah Colwell Sarracino's Obituary
Sarah Colwell Sarracino (née Varney) departed from this life on January 18, 2024, at the age of 62 in Fort Myers, FL. Born in October 1961, in Roanoke, VA, Sarah will be remembered as a devoted mother, wife, and cherished friend whose love for nature and wildlife was woven into the very fabric of her being. Her elegance and style were reflected in the care she invested in the landscapes that surrounded her.
From her early years in Roanoke, Va, Sarah knew her love of nature would play a major role in the woman she would become.
A graduate of Virginia Tech, she earned her degree in Horticulture and dedicated a lifetime to applying what she learned to everyday life. She added beauty, grace, style, and dignity to everything she touched.
Her career spanned a range of specialties, including: caring for and designing interior plant installations, being a critical member of the team that designed and planted the Smithsonian Institution's Haupt Garden in Washington, D.C., to later stints as the administrative specialist at Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, culminating in serving as a teacher's aide at Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers.
She was also a dedicated volunteer who committed countless hours to her community, creating the most memorable Vacation Bible School experiences a child could have. Her kindness extended to helping many friends and family with projects, tasks and simply being there for them.
Her sense of humor was legendary, from her dry wit and love of British humor, to being a wonderfully silly person to be with, she kept her friends and family in stitches, and never failed to make any encounter with her fun.
Her love of family knew no bounds. She dedicated her life to educating her sons, Peter and Joe, to ensuring they experienced every adventure the outdoors had to offer. Winter camping with scouts, summer camping with family, bike rides, hikes and visits to local parks -- she was the embodiment of sacrifice and great family leadership.
A devout and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, her spiritual journey led her to embody what it means to be a Christian. Her generosity, kindness, and love for her family and friends was all-encompassing. It manifested itself in her appreciation of the beauty in the mundane. From something as simple as acknowledging the joy of a beautiful flower, to walking along the beaches of Southwest Florida in a search for treasured seashells. It was as if God's creations welcomed her with open arms wherever she went.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond Sarracino, sons Peter and Joseph Sarracino, sisters Karen Varney and Laura Kitts, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Jeryl and Betty Lou Varney, and brothers Roger and Richard Varney. She was loved by all who knew her.
The Sarracino family invites loved ones to gather in remembrance of Sarah's life on Saturday, February 17, at 11 a.m. at Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church, 11381 Gateway Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida. This service will honor her memory and celebrate the profound impact she had on those fortunate enough to have known her. (A luncheon will follow the service.)
To honor Sarah's passion for nature and commitment to nurturing life, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to ECHO Hope Against Hunger. Donations in her memory may be made to: 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917, or online at www.echonet.org.
Sarah's grace, kindness, and the joy she brought to life will be sorely missed and forever treasured in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her beautiful spirit. She left the world better than she found it.
Her personal philosophy may be summed up by her favorite bible verse: 1 JOHN, 3:1 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"
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