Sarah Evans

Sarah Glenn Evans, 69, of Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Francis House surrounded by family and friends after a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Sarah was born in the Bronx, NY on April 1, 1955, to Jennie and Julius Glenn. Sarah loved her “April Fool’s” birthdate! The family moved to Queens, NY where Sarah graduated from Springfield Gardens High School in 1972. Sarah then attended Syracuse University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in Special Education, becoming a dedicated Special Educator in the Baldwinsville School district after graduation. She married Harry Evans, Jr., moved to Liverpool, NY and became mother extraordinaire to three sons, Harry III, Derek, and Gregory. Sarah accepted a position with the United States Postal Service and continued for over 30 years as a clerk/expeditor. 

Sarah volunteered in the boys’ schools, for their sports teams, Boy Scout troops, musical and dramatic performance groups, and ACT-SO, a scholar incentive and mentoring program of the NAACP. She was an extraordinary fundraiser, organizer and supporter, instilling a strong work ethic and sense of community as a role model for her family and others. Sarah was also an active and avid SU alumnus and Orange fan, and was a season ticket holder for men’s football, basketball and women’s basketball teams. Sarah loved the New York State Fair, visiting every building and exhibit and working at the Butterfly Garden for many years. From the stroller to adulthood, her sons had no choice but to attend the New York State Fair with her each year. She gathered every free swag item she could to regift to each of her community organizations and friends that she held near to her heart. If you got an envelope of freebies from Sarah, you knew you were in her good graces.

Sarah moved from Liverpool to downtown Syracuse in 2006 and immersed herself into the vibrant music, arts, and volunteer opportunities in her city. She was a Book Buddy at Seymour School and was active in Believe in Syracuse as well as Southwest Community Center programs. She held Syracuse Stage season tickets, was a member of the Burnet Park Zoo, volunteered at the Everson Museum and attended as many downtown festivals, concerts, and exhibits as possible. 

In 2011, after many temporary gigs, (she thought at least 21), Sarah fortuitously landed a role with Laci’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant. As the hostess with the mindset of an owner, every employee knew she made all the front of house decisions; everyone worked for Sarah! 

In 2017 Sarah became actively involved in Sandwich Saturday, a weekly outreach program of Rise Above the Streets, founded by Al-amin Muhammad. Her dedication to philanthropy from behind the scenes was her pleasure. She was able to give freely of her time to spread comfort and sustenance to our community neighbors experiencing hardships. 

Sarah would like to acknowledge everyone who came to visit her in her last 30 days at the amazing Crouse Hospital and, of course, the beautiful Francis House where she passed very peacefully in a home-like setting. Linda Hall, Pat Sentoff and Laura Serway were only three of the many people in her life that made it their mission to be by her side each day until she passed. 

Sarah was predeceased by her parents, but is survived by her sister Harriet Feigenblatt, (husband Marc, and sons Michael and Robert) from Denver, Colorado and many other extended family members. She also leaves behind her amazing children, Harry (daughter-in-law Cori and two grandsons), Derek (daughter-in-law Lesley and a granddaughter) and Gregory (daughter-in-law Christine and two grandchildren). 

Please help Sarah continue her mission to help others by graciously donating to Hope for Heather, and/or We Rise Above the Streets, both 501(c)(3) agencies. Hope For Heather is dedicated to supporting ovarian cancer research, education and awareness, and providing comfort to women and families devastated by cancer. We Rise Above the Streets helps the community come together and make a difference in the lives of their neighbors with their Sandwich Saturday Program. Donations to Francis House for their compassionate work would also be appreciated.

In the summer of 2024, the family is planning a celebration of Sarah’s life at Laci’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant.