Sarah Ann Mckeighan “Sally” Casad

Sarah Ann McKeighan “Sally” Casad died in her sleep on the morning of November 5, 2014. She passed her final earthly hours surrounded by loved ones in the home.

Sarah was the daughter of William Alexander McKeighan and Clara Rose Patz and was born on April 22, 1933 in Evanston, Illinois. She grew up in Wilmette, Illinois. She attended Oberlin College and the University of Michigan, graduating from Michigan with a degree in Elementary Education in 1955. She completed a Masters in Library Science from Emporia State University and worked as a librarian at the State Library in Topeka and the KU Law School library.

She moved to Lawrence with her family in 1959 and, together with her husband Bob, raised four children. Over the years, she contributed her time and considerable positive energy to many community groups. She was a founding member of the Carnegie Association for the Lawrence Library, which later became the Friends of the Lawrence Library. She also served on the board of the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra and volunteered with organizations such as the League of Women Voters, University Women’s Club, LINK, and Bread for the World. She worked to bring public transportation to Lawrence, and, more recently, assisted with efforts for healthcare reform in Kansas.

Sarah and her family traveled the world, and wherever they went, she always made sure that home went with them. She was an extraordinary woman who inspired those around her toward goodness. She exhibited a profound empathy towards others, honoring the humanity of everyone she met regardless of their circumstance or walk of life. She lived her life in a spirit of celebration. We who loved her will always remember the enchanting mix of dignity, kindness, intelligence, strength, delight, and humor she brought to her life that made us all feel so lucky to be part of her world.

Sarah is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bob, and children Ben, Joe, Robert and Madeleine; by five grandchildren, Xander, Mattie, Aliya, Bridget and Aidan; by family members Jefferson Cowie, Susan Rieger, and Rebekah Casad, and by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of life service for Sarah will be held on November 29,2014 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence, 2415 Clinton Parkway. Please send any online condolences via Warren-McElwain. The family suggests that, in lieu of any floral arrangements, donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to LINK, Bread for the World, or the Lawrence Public Library.