Sarah Anne Greene

Sarah Anne Greene lived a life full of love, laughter, and learning. Born in Milledgeville, GA to Marion and Annelle McMillan, Sarah became a resident of Merced in 1972. Sarah began her professional career as a school teacher, then later completed nursing school. She worked as an RN in the Emergency Room at the former Merced Community Medical Center. Sarah was a self-proclaimed “adrenaline junkie” who thrived on the rush of crisis management. Desire for more family-friendly working hours led Sarah to employment as a nursing instructor at Merced College. Sarah cared deeply for her students, and continued to do so when she later became a Dean of Instruction at Merced College. Interacting with the staff and students brought her so much joy, and over time she developed a special interest in international students. She and her husband Max hosted many Japanese students in her home and most became members of her extended family. Sarah retired from Merced College in 2009.

While she was serious about work and caring for her family, Sarah didn’t take herself too seriously. She always made her colleagues, students and family smile, finding humor in even the stickiest situations. When presented with challenges, Sarah had a gift for finding unique and creative solutions.

Sarah loved to travel, especially when it included spending time with family. In April 2011 ovarian cancer stole her retirement dreams. Sarah faced death in the same manner she fought cancer: with grace and courage.

Sarah is survived by Max, her loving husband of 46 years; daughters Sally Maxwell (John) of Chesapeake, VA and Rebecca Greene (Scott Bjorn) of San Diego; and son Ed Greene (Kimberly) of Boise, ID. She was a wonderful grandmother to Patrick and Eric Maxwell. Her sister is Penny McMillan Brown of Milledgeville, GA, and her brother-in-law is Mike Greene of Marietta, GA. Sarah and Max’s extended family includes Hiroyuki and Nasley Kajino of Marin County; Toshi, Sachiko, Marina and Kaito Oku of Japan; Midori Hiraki-Sawyers of Denver, CO and Iyo Kubota of Japan. Sarah will be greatly missed by her dear friends and extended family, who gave tremendous love and support during her illness.

In keeping with Sarah’s love of learning, her family has established a scholarship in her name. Donations may be made to the Merced College Foundation, 3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348-2898. Please note on the donation that it is in memory of Sarah Greene.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Merced.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.