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BORN
1941
DIED
2019
Sarah Risher Obituary
March 11, 1941 - September 28, 2019
Sarah Walker Risher died unexpectedly in her sleep at home in Nahant, MA on September 28 at age 78. After growing-up near Washington, DC, and earning a philosophy degree from Wilson College, Sarah worked as a division leader for the Red Cross in Korea, where she met her future husband John Risher. Two sons and one divorce later, she started a business she named Resources for Women, initially focused on assertiveness training – something she was by temperament well-qualified to teach. She later shortened the name to RFW and spent the next three decades training managers around the world how to excel, often in collaboration with Boston's The Forum Corporation.
After retirement, Sarah volunteered her time comforting patients at Planned Parenthood, tutoring, and serving-up food and friendly conversation at several organizations that provide services for homeless people in Sarasota Florida.
Sarah moved to Massachusetts in 1992 and split her time between there, Crescent Lake in Maine, and Sarasota, FL. She loved cycling in foreign lands; glamorously walking or rollerblading the streets of Nahant; spending time with her countless friends; kayaking; reading; and sipping a glass of Pinot Noir before dinner. Her boundless energy astounded everybody who encountered her.
Sarah is survived by her sons David and Michael, her sister Priscilla, daughters-in-law Jennifer and Barbara, her granddaughters Zoe and Mia, and her beloved miniature Labradoodle Rovie.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 6 at 4pm in Nahant's Ellingwood Chapel, and Sunday, October 13 at 2pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Nahant Council on Aging, Planned Parenthood, or Worldreader.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Risher
John Ford
October 13, 2019
Sarah (Sally) and I grew up together in Chevy Chase, Maryland from ages 5 or 6. We lost touch and reconnected many years alter through he Forum Corporation and reestablished a great friendship.
Sarah was a pistol, brilliant in life and fantastic in the classroom. i learned much from her and treasured the many times we worked together.
My condolences to all of the Rishers from the Fords of Chevy Chase
Sarah Morse
October 7, 2019
Works cannot even express my sorrow. You were always there for me. Maybe your memory be as a blessing.
My porch. My Sarah. R.I.P. xxx
Patty O'Toole
October 4, 2019
Sarah, goodbye, my old friend--you were cherished by so many people and will be missed so much. You had quite a ride. Love, Patty
christie jacobs
October 3, 2019
I am sorry that I will not be in attendance at Sarah's Memorial service. Sarah was a mentor to me in my early days at Forum. I was an observer in one of Sarah's seminars - I was there to learn how to facilitate a group from a master. In the middle of the program Sarah dramatically stripped off her jacket and scarf and said "Oh I hate Menopause!" A role model indeed.
I will deeply miss the sprite that I knew as Sarah.
Christie
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October 2, 2019
To the family of Sarah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I will be forever grateful to Sarah for opening up her home in Nahant to me (someone she'd never met) in my time of need while she spent the winter in Sarasota. Sarah's kindness, big heart and infectious smile will be missed by all.
With deepest sympathy,
Charlene
Charlene
October 2, 2019
To the family of Sarah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
I will be forever grateful to Sarah for opening up her home in Nahant to me (a total stranger at the time) after selling my home in preparation to move away for a new job, only to be laid off after 2 weeks! Sarah met me through my sister whom she also barely knew at the time. She didn't think twice about inviting me to spend the winter in her home while she was in Sarasota.
Saraha's incredible kindness, warm heart and bright smile will be missed by all.
With deepest sympathy,
Charlene
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