ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in remembrance of our Sarah, wife/partner, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, who was taken too soon, but who gave so much while with us. She will be greatly missed, but our memories of her hospitality, humor, kindness, caring for others (people or pets), and especially the children with critical medical needs, will be with us always.

"Supporter, Protector and Friend of Children, Felines and Canines"

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C. in Sarah's name. 

In Memory of Sarah Ellen Kamininski - From the Children's National Donation Page 
Sarah's family and I started this fundraising effort to honor Sarah's passion for helping children with critical medical needs.  Please join me in making a donation in memory of Sarah.  Your gift will address the special needs of patients and families at Children's National Hospital, continuing the important work to which Sarah dedicated 30 years of her life.

http://giving.childrensnational.org/goto/SarahKami...


You can also donate to a local Animal Shelter or Rescue Agency in her name.

The notice below was posted in the Washington Post on 8-14-20.

Sarah Ellen Kaminski passed away peacefully on August 8, 2020 at the Capital Care Hospice in Greenbelt, Md., after having spent 4 weeks in hospice at her home in Cheverly, MD. She died as a result of an incurable brain tumor. She was 73.
Sarah is survived by her husband of 39 years, Thaddeus Kaminski of Cheverly, Maryland and by her two brothers Tom (Ruth) Williams of McKinney, Texas and David (Debby) Williams of Downers Grove, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas O. Williams and Alice J. Cavanaugh Williams. Sarah also leaves behind a large supporting extended family and special friends in Scotland, Portugal and the Cape Verde Islands.
Sarah was born in Battle Creek, Michigan but lived most of her life in Upstate New York predominantly in Marcellus, New York where she graduated from Marcellus High School. Sarah went on to get an RN Certification from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and a BS Degree in Nursing from University of Dubuque, Iowa. Along her time as a nurse she added to this training by earning several certificates in advanced and pediatric nursing. She received a Distinguished Service Award from St. John’s Child Development Center in Washington, DC. In her retirement Sarah enjoyed having lunch out and traveling to visit family and friends. She also liked doing window shopping; especially on the Eastern Shore.
Sarah worked at several Children’s Hospitals in the country to include the University of Wisconsin-Madison as Coordinator of the Cerebral Palsy Clinic (at the time she was Sarah Reed) and at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC where she worked for over 30 years. Her colleagues remember her as a person who was a an expert organizer of children’s care in multidisciplinary clinics to include ensuring that each and every child that needed one; would see a doctor, nurse or get an x-ray, test, surgery or other treatment or equipment, regardless the demand that existed at the time. Sarah was also a dedicated and fond lover of rescued cats and dogs.
In the early ‘80s after learning Portuguese at the Foreign Service Institute, Sarah accompanied her husband on a foreign service assignment to the Cape Verde Islands, West Africa. There she immediately established herself as the first American Embassy nurse ever in this newly emerging democracy of a nation. Her claim to fame was to be able to give a shot in the behind to the First American Ambassador ever to serve there. While in the Islands, Sarah treated numerous local residents and their families who remember her till this day. They still mention how she took care of their children.
There were few places that Sarah could go in the DC area where someone did not remember her as the person who “took care of my children”. We will miss her enormously. May she rest in peace.

December 30, 2023
December 30, 2023
We miss you during the Christmas holiday season and especially on your birthday. You were a prolific gift giver and enjoyed it very much. I still have several special items that you gave me and when I see them, lots of memories come back. They'll stay with me always.
December 30, 2023
December 30, 2023
Thinking of you, Sally, on your birthday (and every day). We all missed you so much when we gathered in Holland Patent this summer and shared lots of wonderful stories, and quite a few glasses of wine, in your memory. You positively impacted so many. Love, Beth
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
It's been three years and I can still hear Sarah's voice so clearly, with a friendly "Hey girl!" when she walked into Sapphire's for lunch. She had good positive energy that brightened up the room and was kind to everyone. I'd play some Motown and we'd sing along to our favorites. She'd always lend an ear and genuinely cared about people. I miss her and feel so blessed to have been a part of her life.
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
I can’t believe it has been 3 years since Sal left us. My memories of her are filled with laughter, adventure and kindness. I am really looking forward to being with the family in a few weeks, to share some tears and hugs…along with the fondest of memories. We miss you and love you Sal!
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
It seems hard to believe its been 3 years since you physically left us, but as noted by Tom & Ed, you are constantly on our minds for what you meant to us as we grew up together and later in life the impact you had on our families. Your caring nature, thoughtfulness and generosity are always with us and we are grateful for who you are and what you continue to bring to us. 

We are looking forward to memorializing you in a few weeks in Holland Patent along with Joan and Pete. We miss you dearly. Love - Dave
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
It has been 3 years since we lost Sal. It seems like yesterday and forever at the same time. We miss her and regret the good times we didn't get to have together. But we're grateful for the memories of the good times we did have.
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
Yes, I do miss Sal with great regularity. I have travel experiences and food experiences and encounters with various people known and unknow to her that I miss telling her about. I always miss her laugh but it is always in my memory. Love Always, ED
December 30, 2022
December 30, 2022
Sal would have been 76 today and we might have been together with her and Ted getting ready for New Years. The memories of all the tasty, glass tipping, fun times we got to have never go away. We'll raise a glass later today but here's to you on your birthday, kid. We love and miss you. Lechyd da!
December 30, 2022
December 30, 2022
Dear Sally - Another birthday without you, so hard to believe. I am finally remembering after all these years. I know that you weren't happy with your date when you were younger, as it didn't get the hoopla it deserved being so close after Christmas.

We had the whole gang in for Christmas, so it was a little crazy at times, but a lot of fun. Becky will be with us for two weeks which is great, but know she really misses her buddy and the good times you had together. Wish you could have been with us physically, but you were definitely there in spirit as we celebrate your 76th birthday. I am so glad that we were together for your and Ted's 70th at the Flight Wine Bar in D.C. 

Love & Miss You. Dave
August 9, 2022
August 9, 2022
Dear Sally,

It was so heartwarming to read Dave’s tribute and to see how the amazing circle of life continues. I think of you most days, and the unusual butterfly that appeared the day of your death has returned once again this August and even landed on my arm this year. I hope that you, Joan, Mom and Pete are sharing some wonderful memories. You are very missed. Love, Beth
August 8, 2022
August 8, 2022
Dear Sally - it's hard to believe this is the 2nd anniversary of your physically leaving us, but still being among us in spirit and memories. I am constantly reminded of you from the pictures here, and the wonderful times we spent together (maybe me more than you), cut so suddenly short.

You now have 1 niece and 6 nephews on our branch of the tree, three of whom you never got to meet, Cole (March 2022) - Tim & Katie, and Doug (November 2020) & Ben (March 2022) -Sarah & Paul. 

We still look back at the last time we were together with you at Sarah and Paul's wedding in September, 2019, and how wonderful it was that you could celebrate with us. Tim & Katie were married in Charlevoix, MI this past Memorial Day week-end, and of course you were in our thoughts and toasts. 

We miss you dearly, but you remain forever in our thoughts and hearts.
August 8, 2022
August 8, 2022
It has been 2 years and we still miss her. We felt her presence at the Michigan wedding in May and know she got joy from that service and family gathering.
December 30, 2021
December 30, 2021
Sally - In remembering this day, we celebrate the life you shared with us, but also think about those moments together we will never know. You make us realize how we must grab the moment we have with each other before they are gone. Love you forever and cherish the great times we had together. 
December 30, 2021
December 30, 2021
Thinking of you especially on your birthday. We honor your memory with a gift to Children's Hospital to help them carry on the work you were dedicated to.
Tom and Ruth Williams
December 30, 2021
December 30, 2021
Thinking of you Sal on your birthday. You are very much missed - and never forgotten. Every year on your birthday, I make a contribution to the American Brain Tumor Association - with the hopes that their research will help others in the future. 
August 9, 2021
August 9, 2021
Even though it's been a year I still see Sal's smiling face and hear her laugh. I do think of her with a smile on a regular basis. Still miss her, but also love her forever. ED
August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
I still can't quite fathom that a year has passed since Sally left us physically - but her caring spirit, love of life and beautiful smile are enduring memories that I will always remember about my dear cousin. While walking in my gardens today, the black butterfly (a rarity where I live) that appeared one year ago today, visited me once again. It warmed my heart but also brought tears to my eyes. Let us all live as Sally did - living each day to its fullest. Love, Beth
August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
It's hard to believe that it has been one year since Sal's journey ended. We miss her but still remember all the good times.
June 4, 2021
June 4, 2021
Was just going through old emails and saw Sarah’s name. Decided to google her to see what’s she’s up too. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Sarah took care of our family at Children’s Hospital in DC when our child was first diagnosed. She was the reassuring voice and caring woman that helped us navigate the beginnings of DMD. We will be forever grateful for her kindness. Thank you to Sarah! We miss you!
April 11, 2021
April 11, 2021
A little over a year ago, Becky took Sal to the ER for what would be the first leg of her final journey. We miss her and think of her often.
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020
Happy belated birthday, Sarah. 2021 won't be the same without you.
December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
Thinking of her on what would have been her 74th birthday. I'm starting a tradition of donating to Children's National on this day.
September 10, 2020
September 10, 2020
We reconnected in the 70's when Laurie & Amy were growing up. She loved children, and especially family children. When we were kids, I was probably an awful older brother but all was forgiven and forgotten. We grew into a friendship which expanded to include Ted, that led to lots of good times - Key West, Martha's Vineyard; Texas, upstate NY and Maryland family gatherings; Memphis for the International Blues Competition, Florida, Thousand Islands, Hawaii, plus many visits to Cheverly and the Eastern Shore. We were looking forward to many more but will be happy with the memories.
Sal was a giver, not a taker. When the time came for Mom & Dad to relocate to independent/assisted living, Sal & Ted won out but we got to participate in the move and drive them from Florida to Maryland. She and Ted looked after their needs and helped make those years comfortable and safe for them. Their oversight and care was the greatest gift to us. Thanks, Sal & Ted.
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
Our Aunt Sally was a true gem. When we were kids she would send us Christmas presents in these crazy gift bags. They never needed a tag, we always knew it was an "Aunt Sally present" and what was inside was always more crazy than the bag! The past few summers I have brought my three boys out to D.C. to visit my sister which always included time with Aunt Sally and Uncle Ted. She always planned fun adventures for us and found wild things for the boys to play with (an inflatable pirate ship pool takes the cake)! I loved the time talking with Aunt Sally. Our Aunt Sally was always thoughtful, fun, and full of love. She will always be loved and missed. 
August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020
Feeling blessed to have known you. You'll always be in my heart.

Lisa Meksa - Friend   Posted in Legacy.com
August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020
What a blessing it has been to know Sarah all of these years. Though in more recent years I did not have the opportunity to spend much time with Sarah (and Uncle Ted), I always enjoyed visiting. Sarah was the perfect hosted, tour guide, gift giver, and just a wonderful person to talk to. Her sense of humor and experience of Life made me wish I could spend more time with her. And, I am most grateful for the wonderful life she shared with my uncle. Her memory will live on in so many people.

Sheila Przesmicki Family from Legacy. com posted August 16
August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020
Our friendship with Sarah goes back over many years and meetings in different countries...Cape Verde, Egypt and the US. So many good stories and experiences together, both whilst Gene was a bachelor and then when Catherine and the kids came on the scene. Sarah was a truly wonderful friend to us all and no words can express how much we are going to miss her. Our trips to the US will never be the same again. Sarah will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Eugene Rauch and Catherine Lynch from Legacy.com
August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020
My dear Sarah how you will be missed, but always remembered. You were the buffer, referee & protector(?), between my brother Tom and I, with me being younger, smaller & disadvantaged (see a theme here). You were always accepting of me no matter what I did (after the anger was over), as hard as I made it for you. You & Ted provided "love island", whether in Cape Verde, Cheverly, Ocean Pines or wherever the RV was, for friends and family members (especially nieces) to go to and relax and enjoy. The needy canine or feline you took in, quickly realized they had won the cat/dog lottery. You were that wacky aunt that the kids loved, because they never knew what crazy adventure you were going to take them on. You and Ted unselfishly took care of our parents in their later years while doing wonderful things for them, such as planning birthday and anniversary events at Harding Farms or RV parties at beautiful nearby Patapsco State Park. You provided them and us with wonderful lasting memories of enjoying being together. We thank you for being you, for your hospitality, thoughtfulness, caring and dedication in serving those in need. Your loving brother (the younger) always.
August 20, 2020
August 20, 2020
Sarah was such a good neighbor and friend to animals. Matt and I will miss her. Our sincere condolences to Thad.
August 17, 2020
August 17, 2020
I'm so sorry that you've lost Sarah, such a wonderful person. My sincere condelences to you and your family.
August 16, 2020
August 16, 2020
They say in life you meet angels unaware by divine appointments that are meant to be. A family wedding event brought me face to face with the warmest, most genuine, welcoming member, whom I came to know as Sally. I felt an instant connection to her, and my only regret is that I didn't meet her sooner. Her smile was contagious, her spirit bright and her humor delightful. I left that time with family knowing I had made a solid friend. We texted during football games and I was looking forward to a get together with her in the future. All I can say is Heaven is so much grander with her presence there. Her beauty and kindness radiated from within. So glad we met- I miss you already Sally
August 15, 2020
August 15, 2020
I've known Thad and Sarah since 1990. And over the years I've truly gotten to know Sarah and appreciate her love /thirst and enjoyment of life. She loved to shop and her caring and giving was beyond imagination. Sarah was always sure we were in need of something..one day Thad would show up with plastic containters, the next time it was throw pillows, and always bottles of wine!!! One year, we were at a boat show in Ocean City, Maryland and Sarah pointed to a cat that was up for adoption and that is how we have our beautiful panje! Sarah was a beautiful soul and will be incredibly missed. I miss her always.





















1
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
Sarah was truly one of a kind. She had a great personality and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, always offering a helping hand when she thought it was needed. It was always a treat when she occasionally joined Thad and me during our weekly lunch get-togethers.
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
My dear cousin Sal ~ an incredible loving and kind person who was always there to take care of others and to cheer us on when life threw us curve balls. Her wit, grace, zest for life and caring spirit will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have Sal touch their lives. Heartfelt hugs and love to Ted, her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
Sarah was one of the kindest persons Austin and I have ever known. Our felines benefited from her care. Her advice to me (Sara) on arthritis was so welcome and spot on. We have many happy memories shared with she and Ted, our Cheverly neighbors.
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
She was so much fun and so very thoughtful.She had such aloving and caring spirit.Loved you much dear Sal.Your older cousin Joan
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
I've know her since my birth as Sally, my loving spirit cousin. Over our lives I was priviligded to have such a wonderful and loving cousin with similar interests and tastes. We have a long reaching love of eating blue crabs, the fresher the better. Window shopping and visiting historic and interesting new places has always gone with just hanging out. I do really miss her but know she's in a better place and is without suffering for eternity. Love Always, ED
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
I will always remember beautiful Sarah and how much the room lit up with good energy when she walked in. She always lifted our spirits and brought joy to those around her. To say she'll be missed is an understatement.

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Recent Tributes
December 30, 2023
December 30, 2023
We miss you during the Christmas holiday season and especially on your birthday. You were a prolific gift giver and enjoyed it very much. I still have several special items that you gave me and when I see them, lots of memories come back. They'll stay with me always.
December 30, 2023
December 30, 2023
Thinking of you, Sally, on your birthday (and every day). We all missed you so much when we gathered in Holland Patent this summer and shared lots of wonderful stories, and quite a few glasses of wine, in your memory. You positively impacted so many. Love, Beth
August 8, 2023
August 8, 2023
It's been three years and I can still hear Sarah's voice so clearly, with a friendly "Hey girl!" when she walked into Sapphire's for lunch. She had good positive energy that brightened up the room and was kind to everyone. I'd play some Motown and we'd sing along to our favorites. She'd always lend an ear and genuinely cared about people. I miss her and feel so blessed to have been a part of her life.
Recent stories

Letter from Sally to Aunt Ruth & Uncle Ed Hawley 4-29-1989

December 25, 2020
Sally letter to Aunt Ruth &Uncle Ed
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From Cousin Beth Hawley -                                                            12-23-20
I went digging in the basement in a box that I had shipped home from La Jolla, and lo and behold, there was an album inside that I had put together for mom and dad's 45th wedding anniversary.  Inside, there was an amazing 3-page letter to my parents from Sally....written in her perfect penmanship as well as her wry sense of humor.  
Beth

Attachments area

Tom the Turkey

November 24, 2020
We had a lot of fun gag gifting and poking fun at each other over football rivalries, cooking, and whatever. This is one of the most recent gifts from Sal that we bring out to remember her. We were fortunate to share many Thanksgivings together so I'm happy to wear the Tom the Turkey hat.

Beer Run

September 14, 2020
Back in the late 70's, there was no TSA at the airports and security mostly directed traffic. You had a paper ticket in hand and just went to your gate & got on the plane. At the end of one of her visits, we stopped for Mexican food on the way to the airport. Sal wanted to take Coors beer back for a friend at home who was nuts about it. At that time, Coors was a relatively small Colorado brand which had just started distribution in Texas & wasn't available in Wisconsin. We stopped at a store & she bought some Coors. Running late, we dropped her at the curb and the last view was Sal jogging into the airport with her carry-on bag, purse and 12 pack. She told us later that her seat neighbor kept eying her suspiciously.

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