Sara Jane Spaulding
July 24, 1944 - October 21, 2019
Sara Jane Spaulding of Newark, DE, passed away at home on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the age of 75.
Born in Norfolk, VA on July 24, 1944, Sara Jane grew up in Newtown Square, PA before heading off to Antioch College, where she met Len (Tuck), whom she married 55 years ago. A Jill-of-all-trades, Sara Jane was dedicated to helping others and worked as a community organizer, teacher, grant writer, and fund developer for non-profit organizations like Sojourner’s Place, Delaware Greenways, Society of Women Engineers, and the Girl Scouts.
Sara Jane used her many talents and considerable brain power to improve the lives of people in her community. She worked tirelessly to support the Newark Free Library and Delaware Libraries and Newark Senior Center, to uplift women and girls with the Newark branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and to comfort people in need with her quilts and scarves.
Sara Jane is survived by her loving husband, Len Spaulding; daughter, Kate Spaulding (Zach Mangan); and siblings, Jack Mullin (Beth Tracy), Roberta Bonanto (Paul), Bill Mullin (Sue), and Isabel Pupis (Joe). She was a daughter of the late John and Leila (Carson) Mullin.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 2:30 until 5:00 on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Newark Senior Center, 200 Whitechapel Dr, Newark, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sara Jane’s memory to the Friends of the Newark Free Library or the Newark Senior Center. Please also consider donating blood to the Delmarva Blood Bank or your local donation site, and make sure you’re registered to vote (and exercise that right!).
Joe and Isabel Pupis
Sending Love and prayers to Tuck and Kate as we remember Sara Jane. We are so sorry for your loss and the sadness you have right now and are thinking of you lovingly. One beautiful memory we have of Sara Jane is how wonderfully she made costumes for the ballet and was so incredibly supportive of Kate’s endeavors. What happy times we experienced together watching Kate dance. So many family gatherings over the years and celebrating Christmas together. I will miss my “big sister”. We love you, Isabel and Joe
Diane Hair
Sara Jane was the smartest person I knew. A very caring friend. We shall miss her.
May she RIP
Fondly,
Diane Hair
Vernon V Tabb
My condolences to the family of a Marple Newtown SHS co-graduate of the class of 1962.
Alan Allgeier
My sincere condolences to Len. You are a special guy and while I did not know Sara, I’m sure she must have been just as special. May you find comfort with family and friends. – Alan Allgeier
James & Sarah White
Len, please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. We knew Sara only briefly but it was easy to regard her as very special and very caring. We do cherish the short time we had to know her. We also hope that we can continue our friendship with you even though the distances make it difficult. Know that you are always welcome in our home. All the best to you and family.
Jon and Karin
Kate and Tuck, we are so very sorry for your loss. The love you’ve all shared is a beautiful thing and will always remain a part of you. We are sending light and love across the miles and keeping you in our thoughts. May you feel Sara Jane’s presence with you and carry your precious memories close to your hearts. Love, Jon & Karin
Kate, your relationship with your mom is so special and such an inspiration to me. Keeping you especially close to my heart. Love, Karin
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
– By Mary Elizabeth Frye
Dorothy and Gail Shoup
We knew Sara Jane through our dear friends, her sister, Robbie, and brother-in-law Paul. We know she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to all of her family, particularly Tuck and Kate.