Sarah Elizabeth Mack

Sarah Elizabeth Mack, 34, of Springfield, died at 6:39 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2014 surrounded by her family at her home. Sarah was born October 7, 1979 in Springfield, the daughter of Gerald O. and Ann E. Bosen Mack. Sarah was born on her due date and came into this world perfectly healthy and full of joy. She was welcomed at home by her brother, David, and her sister, Molly. At age two she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Through her surgeon, Dr. Donald Pearson, and the grace of God she survived surgery, radiation, and 109 days at St. John's Hospital during which time her little sister Colleen was born. At the age of three Sarah was enrolled in the early childhood program and continued her education in the public schools until age 18. Her favorite school memories were riding the bus, eating hot lunch, and delivering important papers to the office. During this time, she also participated in special education, public school religion and received the sacrament of First Communion. During her life, Sarah never left home without one of her babies. She adored all animals and always enjoyed petting one of her many dogs or cats through the years. She went everywhere her family could think to take her but her favorites included: feeding the ducks at Washington Park, McDonald's Happy Meals, swimming, Pease's candy store, shopping at Walmart for a new baby, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Sarah loved Halloween, but especially Christmas and she could never spend enough time with Santa. Sarah participated happily in anyone's birthday as long as there was cake. Sarah adored music. She loved being with her brother and sisters. She loved to cut with scissors, glue papers to inappropriate surfaces, and color with her crayons. Sarah really enjoyed baking cookies. She also loved to go camping with her family. She was a very happy child at heart who could find more ways to teach patience, fortitude, and faith in God by just her being here. It is impossible to count all the miracles that were granted to us all in Sarah's lifetime. Each and every day with Sarah was a rare and precious gift. Sarah had too many friends to individually mention. Her ability to make people feel joy cannot be described in words. We ask that people remember the happiness that Sarah brought all of the people in this world, especially her family. Sarah will be missed every day, in every way. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George C. and Irma Roberts Bosen and Betty Jo Mack Witwer and great-grandmother, Geraldine Patricia Conners. She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Ann Mack of Springfield; siblings, David Jude (wife, Carrie) Mack of Springfield, Molly (husband, Dr. Ben) Mack Katholi of Cleveland, OH, and Mary Colleen (husband, Justin) Mack Worley of Peoria; niece, Bridget Katholi; three nephews, Henry Katholi, Emmett Katholi, and Mason Mack. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Kevin Laughery, celebrant Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart-Griffin Scholarship Fund, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.