Sarah Scheffer

Sarah Scheffer passed away peacefully at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and compassion. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Amanda, and son-in-law Mark, who carry forward her spirit of kindness and curiosity.

Sarah was, above all else, a teacher—not just by profession, but by nature. For over 25 years, she taught in classrooms across Brooklyn, New York, and Norwalk, Connecticut, igniting young minds with her passion, wit, and warmth. To countless students, she wasn’t just a teacher; she was the teacher. Many came home from school beginning their stories with, “Ms. Scheffer said…”—a testament to the lasting imprint she made in their hearts and minds.

Beyond her devotion to education, Sarah had an extraordinary love for animals. Her home was a sanctuary for the forgotten and the wounded—strays, hit-and-run survivors, and most recently, over a dozen parrots she rescued and cared for in her final years. Every life she touched, whether two-legged or four, was better for having known her.

Those who knew Sarah will remember her sharp intelligence, her playful humor, and her gift for storytelling that could brighten the darkest of days. She had a unique ability to make people laugh, to make them feel seen, and to remind them of the beauty in small, everyday moments.

Sarah found inspiration everywhere and believed deeply in living life with purpose and joy. One of her favorite quotes, which she lived by, was:

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” —Mary Anne Radmacher

In honor of her life and her tireless advocacy for animals, donations can be made in Sarah’s memory to Companion Parrots, the organization from which she adopted her beloved feathered companions.

Sarah Scheffer will be dearly missed, but her light lives on in every student she taught, every animal she saved, and every heart she touched.