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Sarah Skean Obituary
Since receiving her degree from UNL in 1999, she had become one of the most beloved and respected English teachers at Lincoln Northeast High. Though she graduated from Lincoln High, she now considered herself a Rocket through and through. For several years, she served as speech coach, and was never happier than when she was sharing stories about her "kids'" successes.
Sarah was brilliant, witty, and sarcastic, a teaser, a giggler, and a fun-starter. She hosted infamous brunches and Thanksgiving dinners, created a blog on cooking and local restaurants, and served in so many of her friends' weddings that she adopted the moniker "the universal bridesmaid." She would spend all week planning elaborate menus for her Sunday night family dinners. She adored travel, good food and wine, literature, the Simpsons, garage sales, crafting, writing, cats, camping and most of all spending time with the people she loved.
To honor her passion for teaching, Sarah's friends and family will establish a scholarship in her name. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to "Sarah Skean Scholarship," c/o Lincoln Public Schools Foundation.
Sarah is survived by her parents, Jonathan and Margaret Skean; and her sister and brother-in-law, Katie Skean and Mark Coleman, all of Lincoln; and her grandmother, Bobbie Chambers, West Virginia. She has a gaggle of aunts, uncles and cousins, and a huge circle of friends, who are perhaps the best representation of her loveable and generous spirit.
Services: 3 p.m. Friday (07/25/08), First Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Skean
JS Halpern
July 30, 2008
Dear Margaret, Johnathon and family,
We are deeply saddened to have learned about Sarah's death. Mary Kay kept us updated and even though we didn't get a chance to see you often, you were and are in our prayers. Sarah has obviously touched a lot of lives and you can take comfort in knowing that she was special.
We recently found a card that says, "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." (Native American Wisdom) We hope that the ups and downs of life continue to make you strong and help you to know that you are all loved by many.
Our best,
Judy, Alan, Leslie, Amy Halpern
Diane Tate (Standish)
July 25, 2008
Margaret and Family
Bobbe' Hadley e-mailed me yesterday on the loss of your daughter. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Diane and Family
Charles Sayward
July 25, 2008
My sincere condolence.
Jenna and Ron Coleman
July 25, 2008
It just isn't fair. Someone so young and vibrant and good should not be gone so early. How can we know God's purpose in this? This we know. She loved and was loved and the memories will always be with you. I am so glad we have become a part of you all through Katie. And,especially, that we had a brief time to know Sarah. We keep you all in our prayers.
Tobi Scaggs
July 24, 2008
I had the chance to work with Sarah in the summer of 2007 with the Nebraska Writing Project. A great program, but can be like intense therapy as you get to know one another really well, really fast. I'm thankful that Sarah and I worked on a research project together on how boys write differently from girls- don't even ask me how it ended- that's a long story! But in the process I spent more time laughing than we did reading and writing. Together we wrote "guy" narratives in our best attempts to sound as much like your average guy as we could, and honestly I think we did a great job! I can't think of a more wonderful gift to have than the ability to make research projects a BLAST and she could do it. As a fellow teacher in Lincoln I know her students really liked her and the staff she worked with really respected her. She touched so many people in her time here. My thoughts are with her family and all her other friends.
Becky (Peters) Rocker
July 24, 2008
Sarah and I were classmates at Lincoln High (class of 1994). I have fond memories of Sarah and her mom, from 4-H. We were in the same group, back in elementary school. I remember being at her home, cooking and sewing.
Please know the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara & John Gilliam
July 24, 2008
Special "Tribute to Sarah" edition of Turtle Island radio show on KZUM tomorrow (7/25) from 8-10 a.m. CST. We will play some of Sarah's favorite songs--and take requests--from 8-9 a.m., then
we'll have a live special guest singer/songwriter from Scotland at 9,
and a world music tribute to Sarah at around 9:30. Be sure to listen
locally at 89.3 or stream it from the KZUM web site, www.kzum.org. Thanks!
The Skeans
July 24, 2008
From the Skean Family:
Further details concerning the Sarah Skean Scholarship:
Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools
Sarah Skean Scholarship
5901 'O' Street
Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-436-1612
Fax: 402-436-1692
http://www.foundationforlps.org/contacts.html
July 24, 2008
Sarah was one of my students and a member of the debate team at Lincoln High School. I will always remember her as giving and joyful. I remember that Sarah wanted to perfect the "Pen Twirl" - a skill that separated the average debaters from the truly gifted. She eventually perfected it, but her early attempts sent pens flying all over the classroom. In the early stages, no one would sit near her. As her skills improved, people felt safe to move back. One day, during a hospital stay, I woke to find a puppet on my pillow with a note from Sarah. She explained that she did not want to wake me when she came to visit and had left a "friend" for me so that I would not be lonley. I was so pleased that Sarah became a teacher and coach. She had so much to share with her students. I know that she is now in a place where she will always be young and happy. She will never be ill, or in pain.
Be at peace, Sarah, knowing that you touched the lives of many people. Thanks for being such a gift.
Steve Foral
Michelle Adler
July 24, 2008
To the family of Sarah Skean,
I didn't know Sarah, but I learned of her illness when she made a request for leave through the LEA. I lost my sister to AML in September and wanted to help. I had no leave to donate so my family gave her a monetary donation. Sarah would not accept it and sent it back. She invited me to see her story on her web page and I continued to look occasionally to see how she was doing. I was glad to see that she made it through the 100 days post transplant, b/c my sister did not. I was greatly saddened to read that she relapsed and there was no more the doctors could do. I am so sorry for your loss and I understand the pain you must be going through now. Let your faith be your guide in learning how to live with this unfortunate change in your lives and know that some day you will see Sarah again.
When I walk in the LLS Light the Night Walk I will also be walking for Sarah as well as my sister.
Shelli Garcia
July 24, 2008
Things I remember about Sarah...
She broke her arm trying to get in the car like the Duke's of Hazard.
At Fort Robinson I ordered a Sarsaparilla and Sarah did not want me to drink it because it looked like beer.
Sarah was on the very first volleyball team I played on and we went undefeated, 28-0.
We were in 4-H together and the meetings were at both of our houses.
We both wanted to sew like our mothers.
Genevieve Randall
July 23, 2008
Skean Family,
I didn't know Sarah, but I know Katie, we used to work together. I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.
Khoa Chu
July 23, 2008
I never thought that three years would have gone by so quickly since I last saw you. Through your class, I was able to read more confidently and was able to write clearer. Thanks for all that you have done, I will pray for you.
Pat and George Bias
July 23, 2008
Again we want to express my deepest sympathy to your entire family. We are very close to Wylma and Bobbie and can't imagine what all of you are going through. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Jessica F
July 23, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Skean's family. I like many other students shared lots of memorable experiences with the wonderful teacher. I hope everyone will always carry those good memories with them and remember her always
Kristin Sorensen
July 23, 2008
One of the brightest faces and personalities I looked forward to seeing, and never seemed to see enough. You are deeply missed, Sarah.
Ellis & Priscilla McKay
July 23, 2008
Margaret & Family,
So sorry to learn of your loss. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Please give our regrets to all of your family members.
Matt Lukin
July 23, 2008
While I didn't know Sarah as well as most of the other people in this guestbook, I do recall sharing some rather entertaining evenings with her and her friends. Oh, the things a person can do with Southern Comfort and vegetarian chili...
Her unique sense of humor and youthful spirit will be dearly missed...
Matt Peters
July 23, 2008
RIP, my beloved Skean-Skean.
Joel Batten
July 23, 2008
Sarah was one of my favorite english teachers when I was at Lincoln Northeast Highschool. She was an insperation to me to do a lot of short story works and because of her teachings, I have a short story published at Southeast Community College in a book called Illuminations. Even though I was a little rough to handle back in HS, I will always remember the thing she used to do with her pen and how she can twirl it around her hand and make it look easy. To her Family, Friends, and Co-workers, I was deeply shocked to find her in the Obituaries on that morning. My thoughts and Prayers and best wishes go Out to Each and everyone of you. Even though she is gone, her memory will live on in our hearts. I was very blessed to have a teacher like Sarah who understood my weird stories.
(I was class of 2003)
Brady Usher
July 23, 2008
To one of the most inspiring persons I've had the pleasure of knowing, thank you for your kind words and your unequivocal support.
With love and admiration,
John and Bobbe' Hadley
July 23, 2008
Dear Jonathan, Marg & Katie,
We only now just received your message about Sarah. Our hearts, love and prayers have and will continue to go out to all of you.
We will be calling you tomorrow.
Love, Bobbe', John and Family xo
Amal Hamdan
July 22, 2008
Skean,
I am very thankful to have had you as my AP Lang/Comp teacher. You had a way of reaching out to people and making them soar to new heights when it came to writing. I can honestly say that the best pieces I've ever written in my life were thought of and composed in your class. Thank you for making me realize my potential, along with many others. You will be missed dearly.
Dwight and Maggi Blue
July 22, 2008
Our shared memories of Sarah are among our most cherished. We will miss you so much.
Nick Wertz
July 22, 2008
Sarah, you were/are such an influence on me. You taught me to be proud of myself. You taught me to be proud and confident in my writing, no matter what anyone else thought. Being in your class was one of my greatest experiences, because you made everything such a joy. I will miss you in body, but always remember you in mind and spirit. Thank You for everything, I feel truley blessed to have known an angel.
-Nick Wertz (Class of 2004)
Cheyenne Janssen
July 22, 2008
A leader, a fighter, an individual. You are an inspiration to all that have known you and continue to remember the remarkable woman you will always be. Our lives have been touched by your presence.
May your family find peace and calm during this time of sadness. You are truly missed and loved.
James Reilly
July 22, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
To all of Sarah's family and friends, know that you are in everyone's hearts and minds right now. We all wish you the very best through this most difficult time.
Kelsey Richard
July 22, 2008
Skean,
I'm so thankful that you were my teacher, even if it was only for a little while. I can't wrap my mind around it that you're gone. I still have your book, Catcher In the Rye, and it feels weird to look at it. I was looking forward to giving it back to you. It makes me sad, yeah, but I also think about all the fun times we had in those few months before you were sick. You made us think differently and we became better writers because of it. Your spirit was addictive and won't be forgotten. And by the way, I think that description of you in the paper hit the nail on the head.
Aaron Kisicki
July 22, 2008
It was wonderful knowing Sarah, and she will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Mary and Chad Krogh
July 22, 2008
Jonathan, Margaret, Katie, We were so sorry to hear about Sarah. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers are going to you and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Erica DeFrain
July 22, 2008
Sarah, we will miss you dearly. We love you
Wilma and Pat Cleary
July 22, 2008
A bright and shining start has fallen, but in existing, has given us beautiful memories which we will always cherish. Sarah, you will be missed by the world.
Jonathan, Margaret, Katie, Bobbie and Wylma, you have our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly
Love, Wilma and Pat
Rod and Helen Bremer
July 22, 2008
We were so very sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of those who knew and loved her.
Ted and Donette Petersen
July 22, 2008
Jonathan, Margaret and Katie: For each moment of sadness, we wish you a day of comfort. For each hour of grief, we wish you a year of Peace. For every tear, we wish you a thousand wonderful memories. May God be with you at this very difficult time.
Marlenia Thornton
July 22, 2008
Skean,
You were an amazing teacher, but an even greater person. You forced your students to think and acheive at levels higher than they could imagine. I appreciate your wit, humor, and most importantly you help and wisdom. I wouldn't be half the writer I am today if it weren't for you. Thanks Skean and you will be truly missed among your students and colleagues. Rest in Peace.
Robb Rasco
July 22, 2008
Though I never even knew Sarah or her family, my heart goes to the many family and friends. What an inspiration!
Peggy Roeder
July 22, 2008
Margaret,
My thouhts are with you and your family at this time of your lost.
Gretchen & Jeff Walker
July 22, 2008
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
Holly Gage-Hennecke
July 22, 2008
Oh, Sarah. My friend. The list of memories I have with you is long, and delightfully giggle-worthy. LHS, rooming at the 'House O'Luv' and our visits and chats in the last couple of weeks. The world will miss your bright and shining heart.
To Sarah's Family: May God Bless and Keep you all, and comfort you during the days ahead. There are no words of course, but know that you are being thought of and loved. Your efforts to care for Sarah were Herculean, and the love and sacrifice you showed for her demonstrated the highest order of devotion.
To paraphrase another great comedian... "Gee, she was just here a minute ago."
I wish you all Much Peace.
Whitney (Maxwell) Emanuel
July 22, 2008
Sarah, I will miss you dearly. My life is so much brighter because you were in it. Every moment we spent together was so much fun and I have always cherished those times and held them close to my heart. My heart goes out to your family during this time. Your friends will band together and support each other in this difficult time. You were the sunshine in so many of our lives.
Deepa Gupta
July 22, 2008
Our blessings and thoughts are with Sarah, her family and friends during this very difficult time. We will continue to remember Sarah's warmth and humor through our memories. Pete and Deepa
Alex W
July 22, 2008
Skean, you will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Your impact on everyone was profound and will stay with us a lifetime.
Rest in peace.
Katie Linke
July 22, 2008
Miss Skean was my Oral Comm teacher at Northeast when I was in H.S. Although I feared public speaking, Miss Skean made me feel comfortable in her class and always had something sarcastic and witty to say to make ALL of us laugh. She will be greatly missed. All of my prayers go out to her family and friends.
Donelle Moormeier
July 22, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of heartache.
Ben Dake
July 22, 2008
I guess when the physical part of us is gone, we really live on as ideas, as memories with others. I guess we're all synapses and little wrinkles in other peoples' brains then. I've been thinking about Sarah, and the memories I have of her. I am at a loss trying to remember any memory that isn't a happy one. We went to high school together, college together. We both worked and relaxed together. Over all of those years, I don't remember Sarah ever being mean, or vindictive or cruel to anyone. Every Sarah-wrinkle in my brain is a good one. One thing I remember is how we both loved playing cards. We would crush other people at work when we teamed up as Pitch partners. We would crush each others' hands when playing Rat Screw at debate tournaments. I remember Sarah yelling gossip, across lanes of traffic to our friend in another car, that was so important she was willing to risk her own life leaning out my window as we sped down 17th street. I remember concocting the most horribly potent Bloody Mary's at the annual outing at her house. I remember Sarah on her wedding day, looking beautiful in her bridal gown, trying to urge me out of my seat and onto the dance floor at the reception.
Sarah, I remember.
Kevin Gregorius
July 22, 2008
Rest In Peace, Sarah.
Christopher Marker
July 22, 2008
With Love, We will miss you
Cathy Leazer
July 22, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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