Sarah L. Gearlds' Obituary
Sarah L. (Chiappone) Gearlds, 89 of Methuen, gracefully passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Prescott House in North Andover, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Sarah came into this world on February 7, 1935, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, as the beloved daughter of the late Guiseppe and Mary Chiappone. Educated at Lawrence High School, she embarked on a remarkable career as a quality engineer at Lucent Technologies, where her dedication and expertise spanned over three decades until her well-deserved retirement in 2000.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah's life was adorned with passions that brought joy to those around her. A lover of dance, she found rhythm in every step, and her culinary skills were renowned among family and friends. Whether baking delectable treats or crafting savory dishes, Sarah infused every meal with her warmth and creativity. Her eye for beauty extended beyond the kitchen; she found solace in cosmetology and delighted in decorating her home with the elegance reminiscent of House Beautiful Magazine.
Sarah's memory will forever be treasured by her adoring children: Cheryle Sullivan and her devoted husband, Michael, Sr., of Methuen; Bonnie Maclay and her beloved fiancée, Michael Haley, of Revere; and Claude Gearlds and his loving wife, Kathy, of Poland, ME. She was a pillar of strength to her brother, Frank Chiappone of Clyde, TX, and her legacy continues through her six grandchildren, Michael Sullivan and his wife, Jillian, Christopher Sullivan and his wife, Gena, Tabitha Libby and her husband, Nate, Tyler Maclay, Kyle Maclay and his wife, Isabella, and Brendan Gearlds; and four great-grandchildren, Arianna Libby, Amaya Libby, Liam Sullivan, Keegan Sullivan, with one more blessing on the way. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom were touched by her kindness and grace.
Sarah's family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to the Prescott House’s wonderful team of caregivers and to Compassus Hospice for the exceptional care they provided during Sarah's stay.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Sarah's remarkable life during her calling hours from 9 – 11 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. A heartfelt funeral service will follow at 11 AM, with burial to proceed at St. Mary – Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sarah's honor can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association, through their website at: https://act.alz.org. For those unable to attend in person, online condolences may be shared at www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is deeply honored to support the Gearlds family during this time of remembrance and reflection.
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