Sara Joyce Zalewski

Sara Joyce Zalewski was born on January 1, 1945, in Thomaston, Georgia. She was the cherished daughter of Helen (Brodnax) and Ben Thompson. She grew up alongside her beloved sister, Gloria (Larry) Ronk, in a family that instilled the values of resilience and determination—qualities that defined her life and legacy.

She graduated from Falls Church High School and attended Northern Virginia Community College. In 1962, Sara married Seborn Scott Conard and embraced the life of a military wife for five years, a role that demonstrated her adaptability and strength. Their daughter, Donna, was born in Weisbaden, Germany December 1962. The family returned to the states where their second daughter, Christina, was born in 1965. In 1969, she married Casimir “Corky” Zalewski and they had a son, Matthew in 1972. The family lived in Vienna, Virginia and built a life filled with love, family, and shared memories.

Sara was a dedicated professional who worked in a variety of roles throughout her life. She spent 30 years in the business office at Arlington Hospital, followed by 10 years as a computer operator at Media General Cable. She later worked as a medical receptionist at Kaiser Permanente and an obstetric office. Her final position was at Fauquier Hospital, where she contributed her kindness and professionalism in the emergency room as a patient access registrar for over a decade.

She is survived by her devoted children: Donna Woods, Christina (Scott) Rinderle, and Matthew (Michelle) Zalewski. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Nicholas (Brittany) Rinderle, Katherine Woods, Dr. Travis (Heather) Rinderle, Lindsey (Jeremy) Zahringer, Holly Rinderle, Tyler Zalewski, and Noah (Maria) Zalewski. Sara is also survived by her sister, Gloria (Larry) Ronk; her niece, Diana (Marc) Salko; and her nephew, Anthony (Laura) Benedetti. Additionally, she leaves behind her uncle, John (Sherry) Brodnax, her aunt Dora (the late Max) Garrett, and cousins Mary Alice (Dr. Steve) Cunningham, Faye Conner and Diana Tolbert. She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Ben, her second husband, Corky, her father-in-law, Casimir, Sr. and cousin Arvel Hall (KIA Vietnam 1966).

Known for her sweet, selfless nature, Sara was deeply loyal and endlessly dedicated to both her family and professional endeavors. Her nurturing spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Beyond her career, Sara found joy in her hobbies which included cheering on the Redskins (AKA Commanders), gardening, bird (especially the humming type) watching and enjoying time at the beach. Most of all, she cherished the moments spent with her family, creating memories that they will hold dear forever.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Zalewski, Scott Rinderle, Nicholas Rinderle, Dr. Travis Rinderle, Tyler Zalewski and Noah Zalewski.

A viewing will take place between 11am -1 pm on Saturday, January 18th at Dignity National Funeral Home (7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, VA 22042) and funeral services will be held at 1 pm. Burial will immediately follow at National Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be given to the National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org