Sara Stovall
May 6, 1975 ~ July 6, 2020
With her mother by her side, Sara Ann Stovall of Mentor, Ohio died on July 6, 2020 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio at the age of 45. In February 2016, Sara was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She leaves behind her husband, Erich; and her daughters, Sadie, 13 and Scarlett, 10.
Sara was born on May 6, 1975, in Canton, Ohio, to father David Gale and mother Martha Gale (née Markham). She grew up in a large, loving family with a sister, Samantha; and two brothers, Seth and Spencer. A graduate of Geneva High School, she went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Business from Miami University in 1997. Throughout her career, Sara held a number of positions in the IT industry, including the last 14 years as an IT Manager for Progressive Insurance.
Sara’s passion was her family. She would often tell her girls “I love you more than life itself,” and she meant every word of it. She simply adored children, especially babies. She and Erich enjoyed live music – attending well over 100 concerts together. She also had a fantastic sense of humor. Above all she was kind and loving, and “sweet as sugar,” as her father would say. She handled everything in life with bravery and grace. And she never backed down from any challenge.
Although Sara will be greatly missed by so many, her family takes great pride in who she was, what she stood for, and what an outstanding person she became. Sara was loved by so many. And her smile will never be forgotten.
We love you forever, Sara.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Metavivor (metavivor.org) or The Gathering Place (touchedbycancer.org).
Behm Family Funeral Home 26 River Street in Madison is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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Our deepest sympathy.
Shortly after her cancer diagnosis, I lost my job and all she wanted to do was make sure I was okay. Took me to lunch, checked on me often and offered to help me find another job. She was so concerned about my welfare even while beginning the toughest battle of her life. She never wanted to focus on herself. Sara, I will never forget your kindness. I will miss your smile and your beauty, inside and out.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all who knew and loved Sara. She Was the sweetest woman I have ever known! God bless her family and friends and Rest In Peace Sara.
My sweet Sara…what can I say. We went through this first cancer battle side by side in 2016. You were so important for me to see at treatment every Friday, and it made me feel like we were in this awful situation together. I knew from my first conversation with you at Taussig that we were going to be good friends. You helped make it bearable for me, and I hope I was able to offer you some peace and comfort in return. When you told me the cancer had returned, my heart sank. But I knew if anyone was gonna fight this beast head on, it was you. I am in awe of your courage, your tenacity, and your grace in the face of such an unrelenting assault on your body and your spirit. You, my friend, were a true warrior. You inspire me. You are my hero. I will carry on your fight by continuing to push for a cure for metastatic breast cancer and triple negative breast cancer. I will honor your memory and we *will* find a cure. Your obituary is absolutely perfect. It was the perfect way to show what a beautiful person you were. I love you, my friend. Rest, and know you gave it everything you had. Rest and be at peace. Erich, Scarlett, and Sadie…please take comfort in knowing that Sara was an incredible soul with the most beautiful heart I have ever known. And she loved you “more than life itself” indeed. She said those very words to me about you. Carry her memory in your hearts and know that she is always with you. Sending love to all of Sara's family. Laurie Merges
With heartfelt condolences on the loss of an amazing woman, mother, wife, boss, and friend.
I had the privilege of working with Sara at Progressive. Sara was one of those coworkers everyone liked. Seeing that she was a graduate of Miami University, when my daughter was considering Miami, Sara was a great resource for our family. May God bless her family, and bring them strength during this terribly sad time. You fought the fight Sara, it’s time to rest easy.
Sending all of our love. Sara was the kindest individual and the love she had for her girls radiated. She and Erich had such talented daughters who have been truly loved and supported. I'm going to miss Sara and witnessing the great joy she found in listening to her talented daughters sing. We love you all and are praying for you. With love, Heidi Skok and Jim Musacchio
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossour thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our hearts are broken. We love Sara and will miss her terribly. Erich, the girls, and the entire Gale family are in our prayers.
I had the honor of working with Sara and last year she shared her cancer battle story with a few hundred IT leaders reinforcing the unknown outcome, the drivers keeping her resilient, and the joy she focused on in every day. I am certain God put her in that moment in that place to make a difference for so many. I will never forget the perspective and inspiration she provided that day. Sara was a very bright light on this earth and we are so fortunate to have had her in our lives. We will miss her so very much.
The most beautiful things in life are not things. They're people & places & memories and pictures. They're feelings & moments & smiles and laughter.
When we first met I felt like We has been best friends our whole lives. I will miss you.
Erich, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. You and your sweet girls are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Tiffany (Rogerson) Nabozny
I feel so lucky to have worked with Sara. Her optimism, kindness, and smile will remain in our hearts forever.
This breaks my heart. My family and I send our condolences. We love all of you very much and please know that we are here for you.
It was an honor to work alongside Sara the past few years and I will cherish the memories. Whether it was talking about concerts we've attended or the daily challenges of parenthood, there was always something we shared in common. It's rare to work with someone who could light up a room with such an amazing smile and cheerful spirit quite like Sara. She could always loosen-up the team with her lighthearted approach and sincere interest in the well-being of others. Any hardship I was facing paled in comparison to what Sara was facing on a daily basis. And, in spite of it all, she always paused to ask me how I was doing giving me her full attention as she intently listened. Sara was very authentic and genuinely cared for others. Erich, Sadie, and Scarlett, Sara was a great friend and inspiration to many and I feel very blessed that she's been part of my life. You have my sincerest condolences and are in my thoughts and prayers. Justin
My deepest condolences on your loss – Sara was a beautiful, sweet soul. We will miss her kindness and smile.
Sara had a heart as big as Texas and had an angelic smile that would light up the room. The world is a little darker now that Sara is no longer with us, but her light hearted spirit and beautiful glow will live on in her two daughters. Sara will be forever in our hearts and will live on through our memories. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Sara always shared a smile and her positive outlook with all those she encountered. Her loving and kind spirit will live on in all those who knew her.
My deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their amazing Sara. She was an incredibly kind and humble person. She was truly beautiful inside and out.
Sara was truly an example of grace and strength as she fought this terrible fight….I remember my last conversation with her, how open and honest she was about going through this ordeal…My heart goes out to her family, which she loved so very much…May she rest in peace, she will be missed.
Sara was an inspirational leader through her actions and attitude. May her legacy live on through her dear family and her Progressive family. Much sympathy
Sara was a mentor to me when I was diagnosed in 2016. She took time out of her busy work schedule to meet with me and talk to me about what to expect. She would check up on me during treatment. So many people loved and admired her. She was an inspiration and will be dearly missed. She adored you, her, loving family. I’m sending prayers your way to get through this difficult time.
I forgot about this in my earlier post but I went to bed last night praying for Sara's girls. I had a dream where I saw her in an eggshell blue 50s style scarf driving a convertible with her hands up, sort of like a combo of the below but the scarf was plain. I only knew Sara from work and her helping me when I was going through breast cancer treatment so I have no idea if the images may mean something or bring some comfort to her family, but this is what I clearly saw in my dream. Praying for peace and strength for you all.
I knew Sara was an angel from the minute I met her. She was smiling brightly at me as I taught a yoga class she was in. Her warmth, kindness and bright smile attracted me to her immediately. I was blessed to become friends with her after that class. My favorite memory of her is practicing yoga with her family. Her deep love for her girls & husband was so evident. That always touched my heart & makes me smile to this day. Sending much love and much gratitude to Sara for being kind, compassionate, smart, funny, loving & beautiful. Much Love, Alison Magaryi
Im memory of a life so beautifully lived…
Sara always had a warm smile every time I would see her. Just a kind soul! Heart felt condolences to Erich and the girls. Rest In Peace.
Blessed to have know Sara growing up. Her smile will never be forgotten. Prayers to her sweet family and friends for the loss of such a wonderful person.
Sara is the closest thing I've ever met on earth to an Angel. Her eyes and smile were so bright, and her heart so pure. She was the smartest, kindest, and greatest of us all, and the world will never see her like again.
Anyone who met Sara could feel her inner light shining through. She inspired all of us to be better and will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
In memory of Sara.
We are so very sorry about your dear Sara. I will miss seeing her walking around the neighborhood with Sadie with that beautiful smile of hers. She was such a lovely person to be around, always concerned about how other people were feeling. Such a fighter up until the end. Please know we are here for you & thinking of you. Love, The Gibbons Family
Sara was a great mentor to me. I will miss her smile and incredible kindness. She cared so much about others and had such a grace about her. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Erich and Family – Sara was such a special person to us all. Her combined wit, radiance (that smile!), and fight charmed us all and is something to be forever remembered. We are here for you and thinking of you now and into the future. The Flemings
Sara, you are an inspiration to all of us! Your kindness to others and positivity is truly moving. I admire you so much and am grateful to have had you as my mentor! Sending prayers to the Stovall family.
Erich and girls – My heart is completely broken for each of you. Sara was truly one of the kindest, most beautiful people I have had the pleasure to know. She always had a smile on her face and was always genuinely interested in hearing about the kids and me. She had a great sense of humor and I loved talking with her and watching the girls grow up. Sara has left a giant hole in this world. She was the brightest light and made the world a better place. I am so happy that she is no longer suffering and is finally at peace with God. She fought like no other and I will miss her beautiful smile. I hope you find comfort and peace knowing she is watching over you all every single day.
I am so sorry that you all must suffer this loss of such a beautiful person. I was happy to get to know Sara better after her diagnosis by connecting her with my friend Judy. Her fighting spirit and positive outlook were –and still are– enviable. My son and I prayed for her and your family every night at bedtime and we will continue to pray for you, the girls and her whole family that you may find peace and strength. All of our love, Jenna (Schauer) OBrien
So very sorry for your loss! I met Sara only recently as one of her Home Care PTs. She was always so very sweet and motivated, doing everything I asked of her with a smile! Sending thoughts and prayers to Erich and the girls. Jennifer Williams
Rest in peace, Sara. I'll miss your smile and kindness.
I will miss seeing Saras smile at the Juicebox. Blessings to family and friends. No doubt we have another angel watching over us…
Sara always glowed and you could see the goodness just in the way she looked. She will be missed by many. Prayers and blessings to her family.
My sympathies. Sara was such a wonderful, kind person. It was such an immense pleasure to work with her. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to have known her.
Erich, Sadie, and Scarlett; our condolences go to you and prayers of support during this time. Had the pleasure to talk with Sara during the kid’s swimming practices years ago, then fortunate to run into at school events and church. Such a kind person and could tell how much she loved her family. God bless ?
My family and I had the pleasure of knowing Sara earlier on in her life. She lived in our neighborhood and babysat my little brother and I growing up. Besides being the best babysitter ever, she was an all around great person. I will forever remember her radiant smile and laughter during those times. Our deepest condolences go out to the Stovall and Gale families. -The Schulte’s
In the short 5 years I got to work with Sara, it was clear she was beautiful in and out. Sara was a fighter and will truly be missed. She is up there smiling and looking sharp but most important she no longer has to fight.
Sara brought so many gifts to our life: her smile, her joy, her care for others, and so many more. Hugs and prayers for peace and comfort!
Sara was always the beacon of hope and taught me so much about loving life. She always said 'there's a lesson in this somewhere', she taught all of us to look for the positive, what you can control. She was a source of strength to so many as we struggled to see her fight this battle. While her time with us was too brief, her impact on us all individually will be forever felt. Rest in Peace Sara.
With gratitude for the beautiful impact Sara had on our days. Our prayers for comfort for her family and dear friends.
Sara was a bright light on this earth and now will shine down from the heavens. I have never met anyone more courageous….and that smile! Deepest condolences to her precious family. May your memories comfort you and you find strength from each other. Rest in peace, Sara.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I remember the first time I met Sara at Hopkins Elementary at a school event- her smile lit up the room. Always joyful and kind no matter what! A beautiful person inside and out. Sending love, the Godenschwagers.
Sara's spirit lives on.
I knew Sara from CCS. She would brighten my day with her smile and gentle ways. She loved you all so much. I am so sorry for you loss.
Sara was a bright light on a cloudy day! Made everyone that came in laugh and smile like no to other. She will always be in our hearts. 4 seidman crew
Sara, she was a positive light with a wonderful smilethat showed so much genuine kindness, grace, and sense of humor. My prayers to you all with love.
I worked with Sara at Progressive. I have such great memories of the time I had the privilege of working with her. I can remember her bright smile and laugh and her kind voice. She always had her favor morning ice coffee. I can honestly say, she was one of the kindest, warmest, giving person I had the pleasure of working with. She will be deeply missed.
In memory of Sara Stovall, Tonya McDonald lit a candle
Sara always had a smile on a mile wide and brightened the mood wherever she was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Erich, my heart aches for you and the girls.
I had the good fortune of working with Sara at DePaul. I have fond memories of shopping around Chicago with her. She loved her accessories!
She was a great support to me during my own cancer journey and always stayed positive during hers.
She will be truly missed.
The warmest smile you could ever receive. Absolutely the nicest person I ever knew at DePaul. I was overjoyed when she told me the was moving to Cleveland for a new job and wished her all the best and good fortune. I weep for Eric and her daughters. Sad beyond words. Craig Leslie
I met Sara when we worked at Tribune together, and then, I followed her to work at DePaul. She had the most amazing smile! She smiled with her eyes. She had the gift of making you feel as if you are the most important person in her life. I’m so sorry for your loss! May her memory be a blessing. Yifat
It was a pleasure working alongside Sara. I have never met anyone as genuine, courageous, strong, beautiful and loving. Anyone who was lucky enough to have known or to have ever been in her presence will agree that she had a glow and a light that never ceased to shine and that made anyone around her feel instantly happy. Thank you Sara for making this world a better place. You have made life so beautiful.
I knew Sara from work. “Knew” is probably too strong a word. I doubt she knew my name, but I knew hers because of her smile. It sparkled in her eyes when she said Hello. You knew she meant it when she wished you Good Morning. Part of me thinks the world is a bit dimmer without her, but the other half of me knows that she touched so many people with her kindness and beautiful spirit that new lights were lit and will shine on in her memory.
I know Sara from work. We met while taking a leadership and communication class together; one where the participants work with each other and help each other to be better leaders. Back then, and through her example ever since, Sara has always challenged me to be a better person through her selflessness and grace. Her never-ending supply of smiles will be sorely missed. My most heartfelt condolences to Erich and the kids.