Sara L Gatti

Sara passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with her long illness. She was 84 years old and was born on February 2, 1941, in Jasper, Indiana, to the late Maurice and Helen (nee Habig) Schneider.

Sara lived a life defined by faith, devotion, music, and deep love for her family. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1963 with a degree in elementary education and met the love of her life, Joseph D. Gatti. Their marriage of 63 years was a beautiful testament to enduring partnership, mutual respect, and unwavering love.

Sara was a devoted wife and a beloved homemaker who created a home filled with warmth, music, laughter and love. She was an accomplished pianist and singer, generously sharing her talents throughout her life. At Jasper High School, she along with her friends and cousin “Dutch”, formed the Harmonettes, an acapella group that toured several places around the country winning numerous awards. She was also a cheerleader and member of the marching band.

Her Catholic faith was central to who she was, and she was an active member of Our Lady Mother of the Church in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, where she participated in the choir and dedicated countless hours volunteering at local nursing homes, bringing comfort and joy to others through music and companionship.

While her children were leaving for college, Sara stared a business called “Ribbon Renditions”, creating decorative wreaths for people’s homes. Her beautiful creativity was shared in every room she decorated, every meal she made, and every song she sang and played on the piano.

Sara was also an associate member of Hackensack Golf Club, where she cherished many years of friendship and social connections. A skilled and enthusiastic golfer, she proudly earned the title of 9-Hole Women’s Champion for two consecutive years.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph D. Gatti, and their four children: Christina Baldini (Pete), Joe Gatti (Lyn), Michael Gatti and Danielle Elliott (Jim). She was a treasured grandmother to Caity Cantrell (Jordan), Julia Dinno (Chris), Joe, Alessia, Christianna, Sophia, Roman, Jimmy, and Sara, loving step-grandmother to Ellie, Frannie, Torrie and Sophie and a cherished great-grandmother to Gianna and Amelia.

Sara will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, infectious laugh and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the music she shared, the faith she practiced, and the family she held so close to her heart. A courageous, beautiful soul whose heart was always turned toward others, she will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Mother of the Church, 209 Woodcliff Lake Avenue, Woodcliff Lake, NJ.

Entombment will follow at The Garden of Memories, Soldier Hill Road, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org