Sara Catherine DeWalt

Born on March 25, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sara was the daughter of Ural and Elise Pettigrew and the sixth of seven children. She graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri.

In her early adulthood, Sara moved to New York City, where she met her future husband, Willie DeWalt. They later moved to Pontiac, Michigan and welcomed their daughter, Stacy. Sara and young Stacy then relocated to Falls Church City, VA, where she built a fulfilling career as a compassionate and dedicated therapist. She worked for Montgomery County, Maryland for many years before retiring.

Sara’s retirement years were filled with a vibrant social life and active involvement in the Arlington community. She had a knack for finding hidden treasures at second-hand shops and reselling them for a profit, a pastime she thoroughly enjoyed. For over a decade, she worked as an usher at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where she loved supporting the arts and meeting new people. She found great happiness and friendship among her residential community at Tower Villas in Arlington, where she was an active member of the social and other committees.

A lifelong learner and adventurer, Sara loved to travel and could often be found with a book or newspaper in hand. She had a sometimes quirky sense of adventure, including once participating in a sleep study that required a back-to-back round-trip flight to London. She had a generous spirit, always choosing to donate instead of discard.

Above all, Sara cherished time with her daughter, Stacy Grindal, son-in-law, Layne, and their daughters, Sara Belle and Adeline. They cherished the warmth and wisdom she brought to every visit. She is also survived by her sister, Julie, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Sara’s life will be held at Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA on February 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to Arlington Neighborhood Village or Fairfield County House.

Sara will be remembered for her sharp mind, independent spirit and sweet nature. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and kindness she shared.