December 26 2017: WILLGING, Sarah

Sarah Sullivan Willging (Age 72)

Sarah Sullivan Willging (Age 72), of Silver Spring, MD, died suddenly of natural causes on Thursday, December 21, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.  Beloved wife of James Willging; mother of Melissa Fountain, Katie O’Neil, Jenny Gaymon, Maria Kennedy, Lucy Lattus, Margaret Lilly, Clare Hart, and Jimmy Willging; sister of Dan and Terry Sullivan; also survived by 11 grandchildren.

Born to Dorrance and Dorothy Sullivan in Dubuque, IA.  Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in English and Drama at Clarke College.  She moved to Washington, DC after marrying her husband, Jim, in 1967 where they started their family.  Sarah devoted most of her life to raising her children in Silver Spring, MD.  She obtained her Master’s degree in Theology from the Washington Theological Union while raising them.  When her youngest child started high school, she pursued her own career teaching theology at the Academy of the Holy Cross and Connelly School of the Holy Child until her retirement.

With her charismatic personality and boundless energy, Sarah made friends easily and was a devoted and loving friend.  She was a strong advocate for women’s involvement within the Catholic Church.  A gifted baker, Sarah enjoyed delivering baked goods to family and friends during the holidays and many of her children continue the tradition.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Thursday, December 28, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette’s Church, 72 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, December 29, at 10 a.m.  Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Sarah to Catholic Charities Foundation, Archdiocese of Washington, 924 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or at www.catholiccharitiesdc.org.

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