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Obituary: Sarah Elizabeth Wright

On October 12, 2017, Sarah Elizabeth Wright said her goodbyes and peacefully transitioned from our world to the next following a brief illness. With her usual sense of humor and a bit of impatience, some of her last words were, “what is taking so long? I am ready.”

Sarah was born on May 9, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois the only child of Charles A. and Sarah H. Wright. She grew up in Highland Park and attended Briarcliff Junior College (’43) Bouve’ Boston School of Physical Therapy (’47), and Northwestern (’48) for an MA. Sarah coached the Women’s Bowling team and chaperoned many a ski trip for young women while teaching at Northwestern. While her teaching career was short lived, she became a very astute businesswoman. Coming to Door County in the early 50’s with friends, she purchased a shop that became known as the Mexican Door and also the Country Store in her adopted and beloved Ephraim, “the pearl of the peninsula”. Sarah traveled to find items for her stores and it is a puzzlement as to her choice to sell kitchen items when Sarah, a self professed non-cook, preferred not to set foot in a kitchen unless it was to have a cup of tea.

Sarah was a sports enthusiast, played college field hockey, a devoted Cubs fan (she proudly wore her Cubs cap over her neatly coiffed hair) and loyal Packers fan, loved to play and watch golf, ski, traveled extensively, and did daily crossword puzzles. She, and her two best friends Mary ‘Bibs’ McAghon, and Marge Binder were Peninsula Music Festival patrons for many years and Marge and Sarah were honored last year for their years of service to PMF. It was Sarah’s lament when she had to give up going to the concerts this last year.

She loved her collections, and only sold her vintage Ford convertible a few years ago. Sarah also loved animals, especially her Scotties, Cindy and Robert, and her Westies, all named Fidget.

Sarah was a quiet philanthropist who gave not only to many charities, but found ways to support and help individuals with her resources. She helped support educational pursuits for women locally, and if she knew of a need, she would fill it.

Sarah moved to the Scandia Village campus several years ago, volunteering there as well. She moved to Scandia’s assisted living almost 2 years ago, while still enjoying many activities until recent health issues evolved. Sarah, Bibs and Marge were three amigos, self professed ‘unclaimed treasures’, who lived long lives and enjoyed their adventures together with gusto. They loved entertaining and being social with young and old alike. Sarah had a great smile and laugh and loved a good joke.

Sarah is survived by many friends and a community to which she was very closely tied. Bibs preceded her in death and Marge still lives at the Scandia Village Care Center. Memorial donations may be made to Scandia Village’s Capital Campaign, the Peninsula Music Festival, or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A service of remembrance will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay, WI on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1 pm.

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