Sara E. Wenner died on Dec. 29, 2024. She was 82.

Sara was born in Wilmington, Del. on August 3, 1942. From a young age, she had a love for all animals which at one point included a pet chicken.

She went to Juniata College (where she and Rolfe met) graduating cum laude in elementary education followed by a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University. She and Rolfe married in 1965 and lived in Delaware while she pursued a teaching career.

In 1967, a small lot on Martha’s Vineyard was purchased, which would eventually become their home where family was celebrated. In 2007, Martha’s Vineyard became their permanent home.

In 1970, they moved to Hamden, Conn. and then in 1978, they settled in Avon, Conn. During these years, Sara taught grades kindergarten to 5th grade with kindergarten being her favorite.

She was meant to be a teacher — her closet full of sweaters with matching earrings for every holiday always brought a smile to those around her, especially her students. She consistently went the extra mile with her students to make sure they were ready to move on to the next grade, but they never forgot her and many would come back to visit her because Mrs. Wenner was their favorite teacher.

In addition to teaching, she loved being a mom, grandmother, Christmas, traveling and shopping (she could find a bargain wherever she went). She was an avid reader, loved turtles and Martha’s Vineyard and Hawaii. She was a friend to all and would help anyone who needed it.

She couldn’t wait to be Grannie and instilled her love of traveling to her grandchildren by taking them on many trips.

After retiring, she volunteered at Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter and Windemere Convalescent Home (where she continued to wear her crazy sweaters).

She is survived by her husband, Rolfe Wenner, her daughter Jeanene Violante and her husband Dominick, her son Brent Wenner, grandson Alex Ryan and granddaughter Leah Violante and so many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank Alva and Trophenia Belle Colbourne, and her sister Janet Doyle.

There will be two celebrations of life: one on Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday, May 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sailing Camp, Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs, and one in Connecticut on Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road in Farmington, Conn. 06032.

Sara will be remembered by her salt and pepper hair, her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, her kindness and concern for others. More importantly, she will be missed and always loved by those who were near and dear to her and will remember her as a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice of Cape Cod, 25 Communications Way, Hyannis, MA 02601.