Obituary
Sara Mae Slayton
Sara M. Slayton, teacher, writer, artist, storyteller, and most loving friend to all who know her, died on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Family and friends were with her at that time, and we greatly appreciate the expressed love she inspired and deserved.
Please feel welcome to share thoughts and express feelings about this most thoughtful, witty, kind and loving, caring and generous, beautiful person who leaves us with a wonderful example of a positive life well-lived. We love her and miss her. My best friend and wife, Sara Mae.
Sara was the sister my parents never gave me. We spent so much time together talking, laughing, sharing, and sometimes crying; we knew each other so well. Sara was the nicest, kindest person I have ever known. With the festival or the Boomers, if we had to tell someone something unpleasant, Sara always did it and they accepted what she said with a smile. Few could do that. She touched so many lives–preschoolers and college students she taught, storytelling audiences, people from all walks of life who took her storytelling classes, and the many people she met though all the things she was involved with. She had a group of ‘old men’ who she met at the Country Kitchen while having coffee. They met weekly and all kept in touch even when the restaurant closed. That is just how she was. She made friends with everyone because she everyone was her friend. We are all so blessed to have known her. I love you, Sara….always will.
Sara was my sister and I adored her. My dad called her “the Mighty Mite” and she certainly lived up to that. She was a natural born storyteller in the most wonderful ways possible. I always loved reminiscing with her. I was hypnotized by the way she could make stories and memories come alive with sights, sounds, scents even textures. I will be forever grateful that I got to share much of my story with hers.
I have thought about Sara so much recently. I can hardly buy butter without thinking about her exploits and “butter runs” when she was younger. Best story ever. But aside from the wonderful stories, Sara was such an inspiration to many people, myself included. She was one of those people who always had something good to say about everyone, and when things were least positive, she could find some silver lining. She told me once that you feel better inside when you say something good about something or someone bad. I remember that daily – twice daily – more than that. If ever there was a gift to have left to us, it’s the power of using the spoken word in a way you never expected. Just a remarkable woman, through and through.
Kay …. thankyou for this memory….. I’ve been thinking about Sarah a lot in the last few weeks…..(Erin)
I think about Sara almost every day… I can’t believe it has been three months since she left us. She was such a gentle and wise soul, for sure. Her positivity was admirable, and I always learned something when I was around her. I miss her. I miss her very much… Peace to her, and to those who loved her. Thinking of all the people she touched and blessed with her friendship. <3
I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet Sara, to hear her tell stories, and to learn from her how to be a better person by following her example. She is dearly, dearly missed.
Loved Sara through our bond of storytelling and send most heartfelt condolences at your loss.
Sara was someone who could keep you in stitches while making your brain work over time trying to keep up. She was fast in thought, funny in demeanor, and could slyly slip into a story before you knew what was happening. Her heart was solid gold, and her warmth genuine. Her smile encompassed all in her view, and will long be remembered. I will always feel blessed for having known her. We have lost someone special, but she will forever be remembered.
Remembering Sarah as a wonderful teacher and champion of children. Always so positive and up beat. May her star always shine brightly upon us.
I had quite a few occasions to work with, chat with, and joke with Sara over the years. The most recent was participating in a story workshop where she shared activities for pre-schoolers. She encouraged laughter, love, and respect…for us and the little ones. When I think of her, I’ll always remember those three qualities.
My heart is with everyone who lost this lovely person from their lives. She was a wonderful role model when I first joined UWL.
I knew Sara through the Northlands Storytelling Network as a fine storyteller and a very friendly person. My condolences to her husband, family and friends for her loss. Storytellers like Sara make the art of storytelling come alive for listeners in schools, libraries, nursing homes, and festivals or wherever folks gather to be entertained or learn age-old wisdom.
I first met Sara as one of the “Three Boomer Broads” and what joy she brought into my life! The stories she told, phrases she used, her gestures – all just stuck in my brain on the way to my heart. Over the years I learned Sara was witty and smart, kind and graceful.
Sara is one of the bravest people I have ever know.
She is sadly missed but always will be remembered.
All I can remember about Sara is her contagious smile, kind eyes and beautiful, big heart! Oh, and yes–her storytelling was FABULOUS! I am so very sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences to you! The sun will shine again…
Travel well, Sister…
In Spirit, Debra
Sara. I can’t say her name without smiling. She brought sunshine everywhere she went. I’m so grateful for the love she shared. I like to imagine that she is somewhere shouting “yee-haw” as the Oleo gang rides together again. Thank you Gordon, for bringing such a beautiful person into our lives.
Not a storyteller, myself, I have enjoyed dozens of stories at La Crosse Storytelling Festival and at meetings for the Festival. Few have stuck with me – most of them were Sara’s. The first caused me to ban my dogs from the house, leave the shower curtain pulled back, and to question why anyone let her tell Not Only Dogs Lick BEFORE intermission at Tales of the Creepy and Scary. The second caused restless nights and makes me hold tightly to my kids while keeping an excessive distance from our frozen ponds during family walks in the Winter. The third caused me to cut apples in half the horizontal way this morning to remind my kids how every apple has a star inside. Sara was a great storyteller and a great person – the only one I’ve known to get angry yet be able to flash a big, genuine smile because “this, too, shall pass.” Be free and fly, Sara. You more than earned your wings.
Sara was a wonderful teacher, storyteller and mentor. The sparkle in her eye, her kindness and gentle support of others was always front and center. We are all lucky to have known her and shared travels along life’s roads with her. We join you in mourning her loss and celebrating her profound influence on so many lives.
The first time I met Sara, she felt like an old friend. I felt totally accepted and loved. She was authentic, courageous, smart, funny and kind.
Her stories are forever etched in my heart.
I am so sorry for your great loss.
Our hearts are aching as we have just learned this news. Wishing peace to her and her family and her galaxy of friends.
Sara was my favorite college instructor (beside her hilarious husband Paul) because she genuinely believed in me . She was a true advocate for children and made a huge impact in the education field. I feel so fortunate to have known her. I hope she knows how much she is loved and how much she has impacted my life. Sara, I will miss you dearly. My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
I have been thinking a lot of Sara lately. when I moved to Wisconsin 10 years ago and went to my first storytelling gathering, Sara was there with what I later referred to as her twin sister Terry !!
Sarah had a sparkle in her, eye a open armed welcoming nature to someone new like me… And I loved listening to her stories…..
As it turned out every festival or conference or Wisconsin storytelling gathering from that moment forward Sara was there with that same smile and always welcoming the new person…. Her energy behind the scenes and on the stage seemed endless….. I was always very grateful to see her and Terry at every gathering….. She was ever ready with help and advice and stories about the storytelling world…
I did not know her in the way a close friend knows someone but she reached into my heart by her shining presence at every gathering I attended….. I am so grateful to have known her and I cannot imagine how difficult it is to have such a brilliant shining energetic woman leave your life….. But I am sure that her memories and love will hold and hug your family …. My condolences and heartfelt prayers as you heal from this loss….
“That which we do for ourselves dies with us, that which do for others remains.” Sara, so much good remains with us, thanks to knowing you. You lived your life to the fullest, and taught and inspired so many others to do the same. I’m so glad for the many fun times we spent together, and thank you so much for every one of those times. So many places and things I wouldn’t have seen or done if not for you. Thanks, and love, and peace to you, my friend and extra sister.
Gordon: So sorry to hear about Sara. Hope to get back to you. Wenzel
Although I only knew Sara for a few years, I feel deeply the void that she has left. She came into my life when I needed her the most. She was a very special person who was kind, selfless and nonjudgmental. Always a smile – never a harsh word. Thank you, Sara, for blessing this world.
In every one of the few short times I have spent with her, Sara was always smart, positive, energetic; a role model even to an old man like me. And yet, I know her best for her effect on my brother, and I know her effect will be with us always. Thank you, lovely Sara.
I had the good fortune to have Sara as a teacher for a course on integrating the arts in the elementary classroom at UWL. She was a model of creativity, positiveness, acceptance, humor, and a million more admirable traits. Her influence and kindness will be long remembered by many friends, students, colleagues, audience members, and more. Gone from this old Earth, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, dear Sara. But if you want to keep sending stories to us, do that too.
Such a wonderful person; I will remember her–and think of you, Paul–with love and respect.
A beautiful soul has left us and we are all poorer for the loss.
My condolences to all who knew Sara.
I had Sara as an Early Childhood Ed instructor at UWL. She had such a wonderful, respectful manner and was one of the best instructors I had. When I was doubting my choice of major and career, her class showed me how wonderful it could be, and that I was on the right track. My condolences to her family and friends and all who were touched by her.
Sara often introduced me as her oldest friend. Yes, this is Beth Droessler Satory. We met in the early 70’s and became best friends instantly. I always said we grew up together. I admired so many of her qualities, like the stamina to play sheepshead all day and night, and the skill to win at foosball until bar time, and her kind intelligent wit that enabled us to meet and instantly befriend anyone and everyone. I loved her adventurous spirit that led to countless rides through beautiful country sides never knowing where the ride would end all the while laughing incessantly. Thank you, Sara, for blessing me with your friendship. It will live with me forever.
I also admired her many talents that she worked hard to develop and hone so she could give them as gifts to so many, like her beautiful, scary, funny stories, her hand-made gorgeous Christmas cards, her writing and thespian skills, and especially her knowledge and respect of young children and development. Your gifts will be appreciated forever, Sara, as the children you so loved and taught others to love and respect and help become strong independent adults, will help their children do the same.
Perhaps a best gift she generously gave me was her friends. I would come to La Crosse to visit and she and Gordon, aka Paul, would whisk me away to some exotic theater or standup comedy or music gig that had me in stitches or tears for the entire night, then she would introduce me to all the performers and they would become my friends, because she asked them to…
To all those friends and her family and Gordon, you have my very deepest sympathy for your loss. For she was the best friend and listener anyone could ever ask for. We shall not forget her. She will be in our stories, our songs, and hearts forever.
Beth Satory
Sara, what can you say about her but phenomenal. Such a smile. Such real caring for all. Such a story teller. And to think her Mom may have gone out with my Dad at one time in Cross Plains. She had such class and moving forward is what she would want us to do. To smile, see the goodness in everything. I am sure she is looking down, or maybe up?, on us still here and saying to keep the ball rolling. There are things to do, stories to tell, and ice cream to eat, so Gordon/Paul, let’s meet at The Pearl. I’m buying.
Although Sara and I weren’t close friends, I knew of her over the years. She started the UWL daycare center which my eldest daughter attended for a year. She was someone I saw perform over time and always admired. I knew she taught a storytelling class I always wanted to attend and indeed I was able to attend her last class. It was something I will never forget. I know at the time, she was struggling with the reoccurrence of cancer but her care and encouragement of us in that class was something remarkable. No one could tell stories better than Sara. I will always strive to be like her, she was such inspiration in so many ways. She was taken from us way too soon.
Sara has been on my mind today. I lived her smile and warmth- not to mention her stories. We rarely missed an opportunity to hear one of her stories. So much talent!!
What an amazingly delightful person Sara was. She showed such warmth and depth along with playfulness and openness of spirit. I feel so fortunate to have known her. She shared so much of her beautiful spirit with us through her stories and her many other talents, and by just being herself.
I miss her.
Sara is someone I’d known since we were both young and dumb and frequented places like Del’s Bar. Once we got into the things that our lives had taken us toward, we didn’t cross paths much until we both, from different directions, discovered the world of storytelling. I remember walking into her storytelling class and her response was….”WHAT are you doing here?” How else could I work on new material?
We told stories at meetings of the Bluff Country Talespinners, the very first La Crosse Storytelling Festival and here and there around the area. One of my favorite last memories was watching her tell her story about being a member of a gang, crossing the border to buy margarine. I’d heard that story many times, but this time, she was telling it at the Festival, and the other gang members….her aunts and I think her mother….were in the audience. It was a treat to watch the ladies’ reactions as she shared her wonderful memories of a life of crime with them. Sara, you are indeed missed, but the world is a better place for your time here.
What a blessing Sara has been to our community. She touched many lives with her joy, smile, love and humor. The legacy of her story telling continues in La Crosse. Many hold her memory dear.
May angels of comfort be with all who grieve.
I just ran across a photo of Sara on a horse and she has the biggest smile on her face! That’s how I’ll always remember her – laughing, smiling and making everyone around her feel special. Much love, Anne
Sara was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever known! She was always positive, encouraging, kind and thoughtful! I was blessed to know her and learn from her. Her example of peace and kindness, gentleness and generosity will live on in all the people she impacted in her life. Rest in peace Sara!
Love you and miss you!
We have been reorganizing our house and came upon pictures of Sara and Paul aka Gordon. Our four daughters spent summers in Innsbruck with these two phenomenal people. What a treasure that was. The best couple ever!!! What great memories. The Phillips family loves the two of you forever!!
While I am tempted to apologize for my slow response, I know that in the face of such tremendous loss, this is still a very early stage of grieving.
Several decades ago, I attended a lecture given by indigenous storyteller Terry Tafoya in which he described a Plateau Native American ritual of remembrance. Two years after the loved one has died, the the surviving spouse fully rejoins the community as if she or he is emerging from a cocoon. In the culture that Tafoya was describing, there is a creation story about a “Cocoon Man” who is lying for ions, floating on the surface of the water. And when he eventually emerges, the membrane of his cocoon becomes the earth on which he walks.
The depiction of a grieving person as a being encased in a cocoon has special pertinence during our present period of social and physical isolation. Deep grieving is such a gradual transformation; and when the survivor eventually emerges, it is not only to an entirely different world, but a world that’s grounded in the very substance in which the grieving person is enveloped (and hopefully protected) during this long period of mourning.
Sara was a remarkable story teller, but I shall remember her as the consummate listener – always welcoming, always friendly, and always somehow able to command the attention of the room with her gentle authenticity.
Keep Smilin’ Sara – and God Bless.
Just learned that this wall exists! I met Sara through Bluff Country Tale Spinners and a few months later took her class. Her kindness and encouragement was life-giving to me at that time. I’m forever grateful for having met her and for her beautiful spirit. She inspired me in so many ways – far beyond just storytelling – most of all she inspired me to speak hope and love with boundless generosity. Sara – you made the world richer in every priceless gift! Thank you so much!