Apart from Sunday worship, I shared two other experiences with Sara.

We were both volunteers at the weekly Saturday RAPP program, that Calvary offered to the children of New York City. This program was offered to young children, who needed a parent or guardian to accompany them. Many of these families were Spanish speaking. This is where Sara offered her invaluable service. While we were helping the children with academics, Sara could be heard patiently helping the adults to master the English language. She could be depended on, and I have no memory of her being impatient with her students.

Prayer meetings are very specisl to me, as they were to Sara. She would faithfully attend Calvary Baptist's weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting. After the devotional we split into small groups, one of which was a group of mostly women and an occasional man or two. Sara and I were part of this group, where she faithfully prayed for the concerns of others, as we prayed for hers.

We watched Sara as her engaging personality changed and she had to receive residential care. Encouraged by two of our sisters, Vivette Hagues and Joyce Minot, I started to visit Sara. I was blessed when I visited her. Sara always asked about my family, my job and my general welfare. Sometimes I visited with one of the aforementioned sisters and sometimes I went alone.  We sang hymns together, recited the 23rd Psalm and prayed.  

On Sunday, October 1, I accompanied Vivette to visit Sara. We sang several old hymns and though she was less alert than usual, Sara joined us for some of the songs. I never dreamed that it would our last time on earth together.  I am so happy that we had that time of sharing.

Winsome

Sara was a friend and a mentor. I met Sara in 1990 through the ministries of Calvary Baptist Church. I cannot express how much of a positive influence she was in my life. We prayed, laughed, cried, and ate together. Sara was a very special and godly woman.  I loved Sara and will miss her dearly.

To Sara's Family: Sara was one of the first friends I made when I moved to NYC and she was always so kind to me. This photo was from 2015- we had lunch together on her birthday. May you feel God's peace knowing that Sara's faith has become sight.

Sara,  Thank you for your investment in my life and for your example as a faithful and generous woman of God!It brings me so much joy to know that you are in the presence of Jesus seeing Him face to face.

I loved Sara,  as a neighbor and a friend of many years.
It was a pleasure  to me, as Sara aged, to know that Angel and Michele were always in touch and available , whatever her needs,
They were loving, attentive, reassuring  relatives, including her in their growing family and caring for her, arranging for her care, and showing their love and concern in many many ways for many, many many years.

This is the Titi Sara I will always remember...sweet, happy when visiting and sharing moments with the family. She reminds me of my father and always of my dear cousin Sonia which I had the privilege to visit titi Sara at her apartment. We had such a great time that I will always cherish in my heart. Titi Sara you left us love and good memories. Now you are in the presence of our bless hope, our Lord  and Saviour Jesus.

I first met Sara Ortiz at church.  We discovered we lived in adjoining buildings in the Lincoln Towers Apartments, and that was the start of a 55-year friendship.  During the 20 years I lived in Manhattan, we shared many experiences: Saturday breakfasts at Bagel Nosh, trips to New England and England, concerts at Lincoln Center, meals in our apartments and in the many West Side restaurants, church events.  And after I moved, I came back and stayed with Sara twice.
     Sara was a beautiful woman -- we often told her she looked like Lena Horne!  
     After I moved from Manhattan, we communicated largely by phone, and Sara would always end her calls with "May the Lord bless you real good."  
     Sara, He has.  And you were one of His greatest blessings to me.
I love you and miss you.
                                                          Marjorie (Marge) Miller

I first met Sara Ortiz in 1968 at church.  We discovered we lived in adjoining buildings in the Lincoln Towers  Apartments.  And that began a friendship spanning 20 years together (till I moved in 1988) and another 35 years until her passing this week.
     As close friends, we travelled together to New England and England.  We shared numerous meals at our homes and at nearby restaurants (especially Saturday breakfasts at Bagel Nosh), went to exercise classes, church services,  and Lincoln Center events, And spent many  good times with our close friend, Kazuko Inagaki of Japan.
      Sara always ended our phone visits with "May the Lord bless you real good."  Sara, He has.  And one great blessing was my friendship with you.  I love you and will miss you,  Mi Amigita!

There are many memories I have of us. It hurts that she are no longer here, but she  will always be in my mind and heart. 
   I remember when I visited her as a teenager. I was carrying my shopping list. She told me it was a long one , but always bought them for me.
   I remember our walks through Old San Juan. We had interesting conversations. I also remember our differences. What niece and aunt haven't had them!
  Titi liked to talk a lot with my husband Carlos Juan. And when we went out together, she was very holding on to Carlos's arm and I was behind 😊
     We will miss her very much
                                  ♥️

OBITUARY

Sara Ortiz

2 March, 1934 – 23 October, 2023

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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