Sarah C. Savoia

Sarah Corte Savoia died on October 24, 2011 at her home in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. She was 94. Although she was a long-time resident of Donaldsonville, Mrs. Savoia spent her formative years in New Orleans. She was a graduate of Sophie B. Wright High School and decided early on that she wanted to become a teacher. To that end, she graduated from the Normal School of New Orleans, which trained selected “young ladies” to enter the field of teaching. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tulane University and did graduate work at L.S.U. and Nicholls State University, where she earned a master’s degree. Mrs. Savoia taught in the New Orleans public schools until her marriage to Bruno J. Savoia in 1947. The couple settled in Donaldsonville, where she reared her three children.

Once her children reached school age, Mrs. Savoia returned to teaching at Donaldsonville High School. She taught English and Spanish there for many years until she retired in the mid-1970s. For her, teaching was not a job, but a calling. Her brightest moments professionally came when former students told her how well she had prepared them for college. Once she retired from public school teaching, she missed her work miserably. In short order, she became the principal of Ascension Catholic Middle School. She served there with distinction until she finally retired in 1982.

A devout Catholic, Mrs. Savoia was active in the work of Ascension Catholic Church and its school system. She was President of the Mother’s Club and served as a member of the School Board. She was also a Eucharistic Minister and participated in the Church’s RICA program.

She loved music, could play piano and fondly recalled staging student operettas when she taught in New Orleans. She was a member of the Music Club of Donaldsonville. A person of many talents, she was an avid reader and loved crosswords and bridge. She made beautiful clothes, often from patterns of her own design. Although she loved to travel, she spent her last years in the constant care of her beloved husband. Mrs. Savoia was a person of innate dignity, compassion and intelligence. She left a lasting impact on those whose lives she touched.

Mrs. Savoia is survived by her husband, Bruno J. Savoia; her son, Charles C. Savoia and his wife, Joan; her daughter, Sarah Savoia Vance and her husband, Patrick; and her daughter, Ann Savoia Ourso and her husband, Justin. She is also survived by three sisters, Catherine Corte Spadaro, Josephine Corte Burvant and Virginia Corte Colletti. Her family includes eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Savoia was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rosaria Corte, three brothers, Anthony, Philip and Samuel, and a sister, Margaret.

Visitation will take place at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi Street, Donaldsonville, Louisiana on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Savoia’s memory can be made to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church.

Condolences can be made at www.oursodonaldsonville.com.