Sarah
Olivia Francisco, an incredible wife, loving mother, sister,
daughter, friend, teacher and so much more, died unexpectedly and all
too soon on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at her family’s home in
Williston, Vt. She was 49.
Born
on October 3, 1974, in West Allis, Wis., Sarah was raised in Saratoga
Springs, N.Y., where she made many of her closest lifelong friends
and fell in love with her high school sweetheart — and later,
husband — Steve. They both attended the College of Saint Rose and,
following graduation, moved to Vermont to begin their professional
careers. After brief stints in Massachusetts and California, they
returned to Vermont, where they established themselves as fixtures in
the community.
Sarah’s
tireless dedication to the field of speech therapy yielded two
degrees and, over the course of the last two decades, allowed her to
touch the lives of countless students and families at the schools in
which she worked. When she started working at Champlain Valley Union
High School, she became much more than a speech therapist. She
befriended students and teachers alike, regardless of their role or
whether or not they were one of her own students. It’s through that
work and her inclination to be everyone’s friend that she became so
well known and liked in the community. It’s also where she
selflessly shared the ideals she held most dear — such as
perseverance; taking care of anyone and everyone; being kind,
encouraging and accepting; and, most of all, spreading joy — with
so many others. And even though she excelled in her role, her
curiosity and unwavering desire to keep learning always shined
through; she had recently passed the Praxis exam to become certified
as an art teacher.
Yet
as proud as Sarah was of all that she and Steve accomplished in their
professional lives, she took the most joy from the incredible family
that they created together and the values and qualities that make
Olivia and George who they are. “Hold on! Let me get my ‘Proud
Mama’ T-shirt,” she would often say, as each of her kids passed
yet another milestone in sports, academics, volunteering or even just
being great kids.
When
thinking of Sarah, there are few things that people remember more
than her kindness, encouragement, acceptance and, most importantly,
her limitless joy. Her smile was a beacon of joy and kindness, and
she was a vibrant and constant presence in the lives of all of those
she knew and loved. She reveled in sharing her quick wit and sense of
humor and never hesitated to help support, care for and encourage
everyone she knew. As a virtuoso hostess and entertainer known far
and wide for throwing unforgettable parties and holiday celebrations,
she set a bar so impossibly high that anyone who ever attended one
will certainly think of her every time they plan even the smallest of
events.
Sarah
was in constant motion, living and thriving in the present, while
also planning for a future that included even more travel adventures
with the family, running her 14th marathon in November, welcoming the
two special people that Olivia and George care about into the family
as if they were her own, starting a new chapter with Steve as empty
nesters, and watching her children transition into and through
college, and she was quietly excited about the prospect of becoming a
grandmother one day.
Sarah
is survived by her two children, Olivia and George Francisco; her
husband, Steve Francisco; her brother, Nick Neilio; and her father,
Bill Neilio. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret “Peg”
Neilio. Her passing is truly devastating and one that feels
insuperable at times. If you feel like losing Sarah leaves a
tremendous hole in a world that will now be without her energy, joy
and love, know that you are not alone. It is OK to feel the weight of
this loss, just as it’s also OK to realize that Sarah would want us
all to be brave. Though she is no longer with us, she lives on in
more than just memories. Her love of travel will undoubtedly carry on
through the adventures her family and friends will continue
undertaking in her honor. Her joyfulness and warmth will be ever
present in everyone she’s met, worked with and laughed with, as we
all strive to see and touch the world the way she did. And most
importantly, her legacy will live on in Olivia and George, who
learned enough from her in their 21 and 17 years to last their
lifetimes.
A
celebration of Sarah’s life will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024,
11 a.m., at Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road,
Hinesburg, VT. All family, friends, students and families are
welcome.
This article appears in The Animal Issue 2024.
I knew Sarah through my shop in Milton. I am saddened to hear of her passing. Many blessings to friends and family.
Dear Cousin, you will be missed so deeply by everyone. We love you and will miss you always! Awesome that you were able to take the praxis for teaching art. You would have been an epic art teacher! Love to Steve, George, Liv, Bill and Nick.
I had the pleasure of working with Sarah when she joined CVU High School and became part of our Excellence in Systematic Speech-Language Pathology Services project, for which I was a consultant. She was a major contributor to the effort and was always a bright light in the room, insightful and quick-witted. I am shocked and saddened by her loss but grateful to have known her for even that brief time. Condolences to her family and all my CVSU friends who are reeling from her loss. Dr. Barb Ehren
This didn’t make it into the obituary- but in lieu of flowers you can choose to make a donation to CVU-Unified in Sarah’s name by contacting Champlain Valley High School. Sarah cared deeply for this program.
We are shocked and saddened to read about Sarah’s passing. I was lucky to meet Sarah many years ago while we were training for marathons together and racing with GMAA. She was always happy and excited about her progress in running and continued that enthusiasm. I was also happy to see her on the days she visited Mater Christi and we would catch up on running and ski racing. She introduced me to the alpine ski racing world for kids and helped me get our son involved in racing at Cochran’s. It is hard to imagine she is gone and she will be missed by so many people. We wish the family the best at this difficult time and hope they are doing ok.
Sarah was one of my supervisors in grad school in 2014. The semester I worked with her she was such an amazing support during very stressful times. She was funny, honest, and cared about her mentees (thanks for bringing me Starbucks those cold winter mornings!!) , clients, and students. I am shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I am so sorry for your family’s unimaginable loss.
A special and beautiful person came into our lives many years ago. It was Sarah. Her selfless devotion to her family and others is an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to have known her. Our family has lost a shining star. But, her light will continue to glow brightly for those whose lives she touched. We’re sharing in your sorrows Steve, Olivia and George, We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sarah’s dad, brother and to her other loving family members and friends.
I’m so sad to hear this news. Sarah was my SLP supervisor in 2013. She was so sweet, kind, and engaging with kids. Grad school was a challenging time and Sarah’s laid back demeanor made a world of difference at that time in my life.
Thinking of her family 💕
Sarah you were an amazing fried. How many times you talked me off a ledge on combing a ballerina bun for my beautiful downs ballerina. I am truly grateful.
I’m so so sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. She was an SLP for Early Childhood Programs in St. Albans when I was working in Early Intervention, so we collaborated a number of times. She was always so kind and professional, both with me and with the families we worked with. I can’t fathom the loss her family and close friends must be feeling right now. Deepest condolences.