Sarah McNabb, 88, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion that touched countless lives.  Born to Wayne F. and Mary E. Burke (née Shields), Sarah grew up with a heart for others that would define her entire life. On July 9, 1960, she married the love of her life, Dan—her Danny—beginning a partnership that would span more than 65 beautiful years. Together they built a marriage rooted in family, faith, laughter, music, affection, tradition, and adventure.  Sarah devoted her life to shaping young minds as a teacher. Education was not simply Sarah’s profession — it was her calling. During her more than 30 years with Michigan City Area Schools, she taught students of many ages and  backgrounds, always believing deeply in the power of patience, encouragement, and learning. Yet it was in special education that she found the work that most fully captured her heart. There, she brought compassion, dignity, humor, and fierce dedication to students who benefited not only from her skill as a teacher, but from her unwavering belief in their worth and potential.  Her passion for learning was evident in everything she did. A crossword master, she famously encouraged others to "Think  Crossword!" when working to expand their vocabulary—advice that reflected her lifelong love of words and learning. She was an avid reader and cherished member of her book club. A stickler for proper grammar and never one to repeat an instruction to her grandchildren more than once, she was the type of wife, mother, grandmother, and woman who made everyone around her better just by being fortunate enough to know her.  Her faith was central to who she was. Sarah lent her voice to her church choir for more than 50 years and served as a leader in her congregation and community. She gave generously of her time to the PEO, Salvation Army, Questers, and the 1st Presbyterian Church Homeless Shelter in Michigan City, IN.  But above all else, Sarah was devoted to her family. She delighted in watching it grow and grow, and she often said she was blessed to have such a beautiful life—that she was the lucky one to be surrounded by such love. Her family knew the truth: they were the lucky ones. Her loved ones will forever recall fond memories of camping trips, family reunions, Messiah performances, countless games of Uno, Cousins’ Weeks, her famous array of cookies at Christmas (Scotch shortbread, green cookies, and cinnamon sticks being among some of the top), her own personal bottle of Tabasco in her purse to spice up a Bloody Mary, her fudge, her stories, her planning, her newspaper clippings sent in the mail, her giggles with Danny, her spotless white Keds, her kitchen humming, and her love.  Sarah is survived by her beloved husband, Dan; her three children, Brad McNabb (Julie), Beth Jennings (Tim), and Susan Beeler (Sean); seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and her younger brother, John Burke.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Michigan City Corps Community Center at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/in/michigan-city/franklin-stcorps/. 

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 12550 Brooks School Rd., Fishers, IN 46037