Sarah Mendelsohn always considered Kansas City home. Born to Meyer and Esther Rosenwasser, she graduated from Paseo High School.
An only child, family and friends were always important to her. She and her husband of 49 years, Harold Mendelsohn, raised their three children in Kansas City and Overland Park, where they owned American Home Fabrics. Sarah was also a proud member of the Kansas City Light Opera. With an inviting personality and a ready smile, Sarah made many friends for life. It is her smile and personality that will be missed the most.
After her husband died, she moved to Pittsburgh. She was quite happy there, but it never replaced the special feelings for Kansas City. At the Grand Residence, her Pittsburgh home for the last 10 years, she was known as the “Queen Bee.” She knew almost everyone, their life story and all the gossip. She loved sitting in the lobby to ensure she was at the center of all of the activity. Occasionally, Sarah gleefully showed friends and neighbors in the assisted living residence a slightly blurry black and white photo from the late 1940s of her in costume as the Fairy Princess at Kline’s Department Store Downtown, where she handed out gifts to children during the holiday season. It was evidence of just one of the multitude of happy memories of the life she made here.
Sarah liked shopping for almost anything, shoes, home furnishings and clothes. Recently she had to turn the pantry closet in her apartment into a clothes closet to accommodate all her recent purchases.
She always loved animals and donated to local humane organizations, in addition to adopting many cats and dogs. At the Grand Residence she loved the days when animals of any kind were brought in for visits.
Now Sarah is back home.
A family graveside service was held at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She is survived by her children, Joyce, Pittsburgh, David, Leawood, and Paul, Zeeland, Michigan, who will miss her forever and carry her in their hearts; and daughters-in-law Ellen and Terri, who she loved like daughters. Also surviving are grandchildren, Matthew, Honolulu, Adam, San Francisco, Emily, Houston, and Ashlyn, Zeeland. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and their calls, visits and news of accomplishments and adventures brought her much happiness.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Humane Animal Rescue, 6926 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh. PA 15208, or another charity of your choosing.
Online condolences may be shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.
