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Sara Jane Munger

August 28, 1927 - January 04, 2019

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Obituary For Sara Jane Munger

August 28, 1927 - January 4, 2019

Munger, Sara Jane

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 4, 2019, in Pittsburgh, PA at the age of 91.

Sara was born in Connellsville, PA, the loving daughter of the late Dr. James V. and Marie Carmelita O'Donovan. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Dr. Eugene J., James V. Jr., William C., and sister, Mary E. (O'Donovan) Ruane. She is survived by her many nieces and nephews and other family members from the O'Donovan, Ruane, Duffy, and Rucquoi families.

Sara, known affectionately as Sally by her friends and family, was an accomplished pianist and graduated with honors from Seton Hill College (University) studying music and mathematics, followed by graduate studies at American University. She excelled in mathematics, and began her career in computer aided statistical data analysis with IBM Corporation in the early 1950s. She later joined American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Pittsburgh, PA, and went on to become a founding partner of Synectics Corporation, Fairfax, VA, which primarily provided statistical modeling, computing, and analysis for nutritional programs throughout the world to alleviate world hunger and provide education for children. Although she resided in Sterling Virginia and Deep Creek Maryland for many years, she returned to her favorite home, Pittsburgh, where she retired and resided until her passing. In addition to her devotion to her work and family, Sara was, for decades, a patron of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Public Theater, and a great fan of the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and all Pitt sports programs.

Friends will be received at St. Thomas A' Becket Parish, Jefferson Hills, PA at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019, where a service will take place at 10:30. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Sara Jane (O'Donovan) Munger to Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, (https://shualumni.setonhill.edu/make-a-gift/additional-ways-to-give/).

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Condolences

  • October 05, 2024

    Cathy B.

    I met Sara when she was in Tunisia in 1975 scouting to see which of 3 possible countries would receive some USAID finding for nutrition communication project via Synetics.. I worked for the Nutrition Institute in Tunis at the time and showed them around to their various appointments and got to know Sara. (Tunisia won out and had a successful project). Really admired her and in a way she was like a mentor, look what she did and is doing, I can do things like that too. I was very happy to have known her, just thought I'd share if anyone looks for her name as I did! She did good! Belated condolences to friends and family.

  • December 11, 2019

    My dearest Sara ... I will forever cherish and remember the time we spent together and the many things I learned from you -- first and foremost, how to treat others with the dignity and respect you always showed. Before we met, people would say (about you), "You'll love Sara; she's such a lady!" How right they were. Unfortunately, my only regret is that we didn't have as much time together as I would have liked. Now you are playing piano for God and His angels. Rest in peace, Aunt Sally. Kathy Katz

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