Sara Nichole Nesbitt, 50, of Ventura, CA, formerly of Fort Collins, CO and La Crosse, WI, passed away from cancer on December 12 in Ventura. Sara was born in La Crosse, WI to Bonnie and Jim Nesbitt on April 2, 1973. She graduated from Central High School in 1991. She completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN in 1995 and more recently a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of WI-Milwaukee online. She worked as a reporter in various locations in Colorado for several years, and then as a librarian at Poudre Valley Library District in Fort Collins and most recently at Clearview Library in Windsor, CO. Her illness forced her to leave her “dream job.” She loved travel, music, creative cooking in her little kitchen, hiking in CO, beach sits in CA, craft beers, the Packers, the Cubs, special pens and paper, journaling, and anything about books and information access for all. She volunteered at a women’s shelter and for a time had an extra “fun job” at Sephora. Highlights of her life included a medical mission trip to Nepal, with her “mum” and going to special music concerts with her brother, “dude.” She shared a strong sense of humor with her dad, “padrey.”

Sara is survived by her parents of Ventura, CA, formerly of La Crosse, WI, and her brother, Mike, also of Ventura, her sister-in-law Keri, nephew Miles (6), and niece Olivia (3). During her illness she was also surrounded by love from her aunts:  Marge, Jane (Kraig), Kathy, Sally, Rosanne, and Mary (Gary). In addition, she was blessed to have wonderful and very close cousins: Leah, Maureen (Matt), Maria (Randy), Sara, Jenny, Tania (Brad), Toni (Curt), and Tim (Kathy) and other extended family members. Finally she is survived by many treasured friends in La Crosse, Fort Collins, and afar.

Sara was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunt and uncles (Judy, Wayne, and Jim “J.J.”), cousins Annette, Gary, Tyler, and Andrew, as well as a lifelong friend Ethan.

The family is most grateful for the wonderful support received from friends, family, and the caring health professionals that helped Sara on her 19-month journey.

Her celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Sara’s celebration service will be livestreamed via the Zoom App.  Click here to watch.

To view her Tribute video click here