Sara Elizabeth (Donelan) Whitworth

Sara Elizabeth Donelan Whitworth died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the age of 76. She passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by the enduring love of her family. Her kind and loving disposition was steadfast; she brought joy to all who knew her, even in her final days.

Sara was born in September 1949 in New York, New York to Louise Rose McAuliffe Donelan and Charles Adrian Donelan. The third of four children, Sara enjoyed loving, lifelong bonds with her three siblings Martha, Matt, and Charlie. During her childhood, her family relocated from New York to the Washington, D.C. area as her father went from serving as a special agent to his appointment as an Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

After graduating from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Sara enrolled in the University of Maryland (College Park) to study nursing. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Michael F. Whitworth, a resident surgeon at University Hospital in Baltimore, and they married in September 1970. After Mike’s commissioning as a Captain in the Air Force, the newlyweds moved to the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where he was assigned to the 314th Tactical Hospital. Sara completed her final year of her nursing studies at the University of Arkansas School of Nursing and graduated with a B.S. in Nursing in 1971.

Following their time in Arkansas, Sara and Mike returned to the Mid-Atlantic area and started their family. Sara dedicated herself to raising her two children, Kelty and Brendan, who were the loving beneficiaries of her selfless and joyful parenting. She imbued her children with positivity and optimism, and her love provided unwavering support that they have carried forward in life. Sara's boundless devotion to her children, five grandchildren, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law has enriched their lives beyond measure. Known as “Mimi” to her beloved grandchildren, Sara filled their lives with cherished moments and memories, big and small, that will guide and inspire them for years to come.

Sara was an active volunteer supporting Kelty and Brendan’s schools and sports, while nurturing her passion for nursing and care for others. She taught Lamaze classes, comforted others as a hospice volunteer, and served as an Officer on the Junior Board of ChristianaCare.

Family was at the center of Sara’s life, and she was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and her place within a large and extended family of Donelan and McAuliffe relatives. She was an adoring aunt, a loving cousin, and a caring niece. Beyond her family and friends, Sara shared her radiant and welcoming spirit with all who crossed her path. She was intrinsically kind, loyal, and generous. Her proverbial door and her loving heart were always open to friends and those less known to her. Her table always had an available seat, and she would always lend an ear to listen. Hers was, and is, a truly beautiful soul.

Sara was preceded in death by her father, Charles A. Donelan, and by her mother, Louise R. “Sally” Donelan; her father-in-law, Dr. Fuller B. Whitworth, and her mother-in-law, Marjorie Cooper Whitworth; her brother, Charles A. Donelan, Jr.; her brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas P. Conaty III; her sister-in-law, Susie Whitworth Cunningham; and her brother-in-law, Joseph Cunningham.

Sara will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband of 56 years, Michael F. Whitworth; her daughter, Kelty Whitworth White, and her husband, Elijah; her son, Brendan Whitworth, and his wife, Meredith; her grandchildren, Connor, Alden, Quinn, Rose, and Sadie; her sister, Martha Donelan Conaty, and her brother, Matthias B. Donelan; her beloved nieces and nephews; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Cordwainer for the exceptional care Sara received while she resided there, as well as the dedicated hospice nurses and aides who also supported Sara. Although there were many outstanding caregivers throughout Sara’s journey, the family is especially grateful for the kindness and compassion shown by Kari Kelly and Somita Ray, who enhanced Sara’s life each and every day, and who are now part of the family.

A private celebration of life and family burial will be held. Memorial donations in Sara’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).