Sarah “Sally” Hilda Brannen
August 31, 1940 - May 19, 2026
Sarah “Sally” Hilda Brannen, age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, after spending time with her family and many friends during her final week.
Sarah was born August 31, 1940, in Huntingdon, PA. She was the only child of the late Gerald Wayne and Hilda Hood Holland. After the family relocated to Newark, DE, she attended and graduated from Newark High School in 1959. After graduation, Sally worked at Rheem Plumbing Supply. During this time, she met her future husband, Jim. The couple was married in September 1962 and settled in Newark to start their family.
After Sarah’s two sons started school, Sarah returned to work as a school cafeteria worker within the Christina School District. Her most treasured work experience were the years spent working at the Delaware School for the Deaf, where she learned core ASL skills that allowed her to bond with the residents / students at the school.
Sarah and Jim are long-time supporters and season ticket holders for the University of Delaware Football and Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. They would often travel to away games with family, friends and the Delaware Touchdown Club.
Sarah is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Jim; sons, Gerald “Jerry” (Ellen) of Middletown, DE, and Steven Sr. (Raan) of Northeast, MD; four grandchildren, Sydney, Amanda (partner, Al-Gerald), Steven Jr (Malia) and Abigail; and two great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sarah’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.
Tiffany Goins
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Brannen family. May God’s peace surround you and give you strength, comfort, and healing during this difficult time.
Marilyn Higham Hardman
My sincere condolences to Jim and the family. They were wonderful neighbors for the past ten years (and Gizmo). Sarah was a treasure to have a a friend and neighbor.
Sterling Street
My sincere condolences to Jim and his family. May the peace of the Lord, comfort and sustain you.
Sterling and Mary Street
Barbara Tilton
I’m sorry for your loss. Sarah (Sally) was a loved member of the Senior Center pool and the Waterbabies. Although we haven’t seen her for a long time, many remember her and ask about her. I enjoyed our conversations and lunches together. I’m sorry to hear she was ill for a long time. I wish her and her family peace.
Barbara Tilton
Skip Keith
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sarah “Sally”. Sally was one of the folks at the senior center who helped me to feel comfortable at the center. Gone but not forgotten.
Skip
E M Saunders
Offering prayers of comfort as you mourn the passing of your loved one.
E M Saunders
Nancy Clevenger
May happy memories carry you & your family through this difficult time. Wishing you all strength and peace.
William & Rebecca Ricketts
Sarah will be deeply missed. She loved her garden and her dogs. We were neighbors to her and Jim for over 11 years at Steeple glenn. Now that corner has a
dull light which was once bright. Our condolences to the whole family.
Rick, Rebecca, Samad
Rest Easy Sarah 🙏🌹🌺
Fran Wilson
Sarah was a dear friend who loved her flowers and especially
her dogs. She will live forever in my heart and is now at Peace with her Lord. Although gone she isn’t forgotten, and is sorely missed by many.
Fran Wilson