Sarah Lynne Fort

In Loving Memory of Sarah Lynne Fort April 13, 1937 – June 14, 2025 Sarah Lynne Wiggs Fort, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and nature enthusiast passed away surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old. Born on April 13, 1937, in Meadow, Texas, Lynne was the cherished daughter of Frances Anderson and George Phillip Wiggs. She spent her early years on the family farm, where the values of hard work and care for others took root. Raised mostly by her father and grandparents, Rufus and Buela Wiggs, Lynne formed a deep bond with the land and its creatures—especially her childhood dog, Smut, who remained one of her fondest memories. On October 18, 1961, Lynne married the love of her life A. Newman Fort. Together, they raised two sons, Jay and Roger, instilling in them the same integrity and curiosity that marked Lynne’s life. Lynne and Newman enjoyed 51 years of marriage and lived in several cities over time including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and London. Lynne graduated from Garland High School in 1955. Following graduation, she worked as a secretary at Atlantic Richfield Company supporting her husband through college. After her sons were in school, Lynne pursued her calling to care for others. She attended The University of Houston and Texas Woman’s University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and attained the designation of Registered Nurse - an accomplishment she held with pride. Her work in the field of orthopedics with surgeons at The Texas Medical Center in Houston spanned over 12 years, where she was known for her compassion, precision, and unwavering attention to detail. A lifelong lover of animals and an avid birdwatcher, Lynne found joy in the simple beauty of the world around her. Lynne and Newman spent many weekends and vacations on birding trips in Texas and North America. She was a proud member of the National Audubon Society and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Lynne could often be found with a pair of binoculars in hand and a loyal dog waiting for her return home. Lynne and her husband made many friends over time, particularly with those from their former church in Houston. Lynne and her many friends from their ‘sharing group’, ‘dining group’ and ‘extended family’ enjoyed many happy years together, meeting frequently in their homes, dining in fine restaurants and taking weekend family trips around Texas. Lynne’s legacy continues through her children, Jay Newman Fort and Roger Lewis Fort; her daughters-in-law Maria Sanchez-Fort and Brooke Dieterlen Fort; grandchildren, Arianne, Blaise, and Amelia ‘Milla’ Fort; and her great-granddaughter, Magdalene ‘Maggie’ Fort. She is also survived by her brother John Wiggs, to whom she was always devoted. Lynne’s life was a testament to gentle strength, intellectual curiosity, unassuming grace and deep devotion to those she loved. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her kind spirit, her quiet wisdom and her lifelong commitment to care—whether for patients, family, pets or the birds that sang outside her window. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in the name of Lynne Fort to the National Audubon Society or The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.