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Barbara Christine Sawyer

August 25, 1941 - July 17, 2024

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Obituary For Barbara Christine Sawyer

Born to Estelle and Cloyed Sawyer on August 25, 1941, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

She is survived by three brothers, C. Tom (Heidi), Paul (Christy) and Mark (Cindy). Also surviving are ten nieces and nephews, Carrie (Howard), Lauren (Michael), Carissa (Mitch), Melissa, Adam (Carolyn), Mark (Jackie), Paul, Robert (Katarina), Stephen and Brandon; nine grand nieces and nephews, Addison, Alison, Alexandra, Abigail, Emma, Ryan, Sawyer, Hudson and Gabriel. Barbara graduated from St. Wendelin High School in 1959 and received her BA in English Literature from Mt. Mercy College (Carlow University) in 1963. She earned her MS in Educational Administration from Duquesne University in 1981. After graduation, Barbara taught at St. Wendelin School and St. Louise de Marillac School. She was recruited in 1985 by MacMillan Publishing Company as an Educational Consultant. In 2003 Barbara became the Principal at Duquesne Catholic and in 2004 took the position of Principal at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin School in Whitehall. Her 54 year career of devotion in the field of education touched countless lives. Barbara loved children of all ages and will be remembered for working diligently to give them a solid foundation for life, both academically and spiritually. A lover of music and theater, Barbara was a CLO and Pittsburgh Symphony season ticket holder for several years. She was also a season ticket holder with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past 20 years. Barbara was a member of Nativity Parish for decades, serving as a lector for many years. May she rest in peace with her beloved parents as a just reward for a life well spent in the service of others. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Monday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m.

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  • September 19, 2024

    Judith Gallick O'Sullivan

    A lifelong friend, Barbara ("Chris") was a wonderful teacher and leader. Her many friends from St. Wendelin's and Mount Mercy will miss her insightful Christmas letters and keen insights. G-d bless, Chris. Judi Gallick O'Sullivan

  • July 22, 2024

    Dorothy Vincent

    Prayers for the family and loved ones. Hope you had a great send off to our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • July 20, 2024

    Janet Kuhn

    Not only was Barb an exceptional principal for Saint Gabriels when my oldest son was a student, but she was also a good friend to my mother, Carolyn Waldron. Not only were they coworkers at Saint Gabriel's but also friends outside of work. They enjoyed many operas and symphonies together. My mother valued her friendship, and I valued her ethics as a Catholic school principal. Sawyer family, you all have my deepest condolences. She often spoke of how much she loved you all. And I know her love will live on in your lives. She was very special person and I hope that she and my mom are reunited in Heaven, maybe enjoying a celestial symphony. God bless all of you and the days ahead. Janet Waldron Kuhn

  • July 20, 2024

    Susan Cicero

    Barb Sawyer was a role model of leadership for so many. Her strong faith in God and the love for the many students that she selflessly served were her outstanding attributes. I was honored to serve for 2 yrs on the PTG under her direction. With Fr Haney's spiritual guidance and Barb's professionalism, St. Gabriel's School was a hallmark of Catholic School excellence. God bless Ms. Sawyer.

  • July 20, 2024

    Karen Allen Stanley

    Ms. Sawyer was a teacher of mine at St. Louise. I'm so very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful human being. My condolences to the family.

  • July 18, 2024

    Ranft family

    Our family is forever grateful for Ms. Sawyer. She was kind and compassionate. I had the opportunity to work closely with her as part of the PTG. May she rest in peace. The Ranft family will never forget your kindness and great leadership of our school.

  • July 18, 2024

    Martha Campana

    May she rest in peace. Miss Sawyer was the best principal for my children in their years at St Gabriel's. True dedication to her job and to the children. We were lucky to have her and she will be missed.

  • July 18, 2024

    Beverly Lankes (Davis)

    Miss Sawyer was a teacher of mine at St. Wendelin Elementary School. I liked her so much. As a young student I remember her driving a VW Beetle car and that she lived close to the school on Kirk Ave. I always hoped that I would see her when I passed by her home. I drive that way often to this day and think of her when I do. She was a beautiful person! She is in her real home now! Bev Lankes (Davis)

  • July 18, 2024

    Sally Smiley

    I had the pleasure of working with Barb as a sub at St. Gabe's. She was always a pleasure to be with. She loved her school and the students. May she rest in peace.