Sara Hensleigh Wheeler age 35 of Houston, Texas died peacefully in her sleep on October 21, 2014.
She was born September 4, 1979 in Houston to Susan (Urbaniak) and Bob Wheeler.
Sara grew up in Conroe, Texas, and attended the CISD Academy of Science and Technology, then located at Oak Ridge High School. She participated in tennis and band while at Oak Ridge, and graduated magna cum laude.
She attended the University of Texas in Austin, earning degrees in Fine Arts and Liberal Arts. She was proud to be a Texas Longhorn.
Her passion was art and upon graduation she began her career at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, as the Public Programs Assistant in the education department. Sara loved working with her mentor, Margaret Mims and good friend Jay Heuman, promoting the museum and meeting many wonderful artists and lecture goers who became her friends over the last 10 years. Her conversations were always art filled and the MFAH became a part of her.
She was so loved by us all and will be missed by her parents Bob and Susan, her loving sister and best friend Katie, her brother-in-law Brian Wharry and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A 'Celebration of her Life' will be held at First Presbyterian Church. 5300 Main St. Houston, Texas at 11 AM Saturday, October 25, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her name to:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
P.O. Box 6826
Houston, Texas 77265-6826

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 24, 2014.

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Erin M

May 26, 2015

Missing you today and always, Sara.

Erin M

November 22, 2014

Sara, I miss you every day and find reminders of you wherever I may be. Fly high in Heaven. You are so loved.

Jay Heuman

November 21, 2014

I am one of Sara's former colleagues at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - and I am also honored to have called Sara my friend. After a month, her loss is still palpable. After all, I sit in the office we shared, and can think back to our innumerable conversations about work and life, with frequent laughter! We shared moments of complete joy, and moments of utter sadness. Sara loved the ‘good vibes' everyone shared in planning and attending programs, and truly believed in the power of art - visual art, dance, music, theatre, opera, poetry – to improve lives. She had a solid grasp of what it means to be human and humane. She had a quick wit. She overflowed with creativity and curiosity. I shall remember all this about Sara, and more... a truly remarkable person.

Janis Scott

November 20, 2014

My prayers are with dear Sara's family. We hugged and hugged after a lecture in October. I ran over to greet her and I'll always remember that warm embrace and her beautiful smile... the last time I'd ever see her. God rest her soul!

Heidi Hardt

November 5, 2014

My condolences to Sara's family. I was so saddened to hear this news. Sara's kindness stood out to me in just the first few moments of meeting her. Her warmth was instantaneous, her hospitality above and beyond, her smile infectious, her vegan cooking delicious! I think of a time when she and I walked together one evening through an impressionist art exhibit at the MFAH. Whispering stories to me, her eyes lit up as she gave life to the pieces around us. What an inspiration - she committed to live her passion for art and share it with the world.

Beth Jordan

October 31, 2014

I am an art teacher at Love Elementary, an HISD school in the Heights. I first met Sarah when she had just started working for the MFAH and came to take photographs of my students during a lesson. She supported me and the art program at my school by attending every opening for 3 Art Space shows the MFAH sponsored at my school and one opening for an Art Space show we were part of at the MFAH. Plus she even came to kids' photography shows we had at Love and at the MFAH. She gave me so much support. She was such a kind and intelligent person. I will miss her so much and am so sorry about your loss.

Karen and Paul Ruffner

October 28, 2014

Susan and Bob and Katie , we found out Sunday . We are so sorry that we didnot know to be able to go to the memorial service. All of our family feels so sad over Sara .She was the most perfect daughter sister for all of you and. A great friend girl that grew up and accomplished so much. Feeling proud of her and all her accomplishments including the way she treated people. She showed us all true Christianity. As a Mom I can not even imagine what you all are feeling but we are all praying here for you all. We are so thankful she was a friend of Sheryl and Lori and Allison. Peace and God's everlasting love surround her now. And we pray the same for you. Our girls had so many good times together. To me she was so sweet, loving very intelligent and determined and a Christian and her smile. So happy she was in our families life. We miss you dear Sara.

Sheryl Ruffner

October 27, 2014

Sara, I miss you soooo much. We had great times in River Plantation. Your parents and sister were as kind and a stand out family as you were. The Wheeler's are full of compassion. The Ruffner's are praying for you and your family . "Keep your fork. The best is yet to come."

Kaye Christy

October 27, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about Sara. I will keep all of you in my prayers .

christy page-elam

October 27, 2014

I'm so saddened to hear of Sara's passing. She was a beautiful soul. I was lucky enough to be able to call her a dear friend when we were growing up in River Plantation. I rember trying fried bologna for the first time ever at your house. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Meredith Long

October 27, 2014

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Sara from junior high school and college. She stands out in my mind as perhaps the hardest working, most determined person that I've ever known. She was warm, funny, and genuine.

Christy Page-Elam

October 27, 2014

I am deeply saddened to learn of Sara's passing. I was lucky enough to consider her one of my best friends for awhile in River Plantation. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Cotton McNutt Russell

October 27, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Sara's passing. She had the most beautiful smile and spirit. I remember spending time at swim practice when were kids, having sleepovers, and laughing. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

elizabeth sweet

October 27, 2014

I am so terribly sorry. She was a sweet friend. Sleepovers and games and helping in the kitchen. We made so many wonderful childhood memories! Sending angels of comfort and healing and all my love.

Vanessa Adia (Calkin)

October 27, 2014

I have fond memories of Sara from school and the Houston Children's Chorus. I am sad to hear of her passing but find joy in reading about the great impact she had on so many who have posted their thoughts and sympathies here.

Kim Taylor Henneke

October 27, 2014

I am so sad to hear of Sara passing. I was a childhood friend, I remember going to birthday parties and sleepovers at Sara's house in riverplantation. In the 5th grade Sara & I decided we wanted to be in the Army and told our class, funny the things we remember. May God bless her family always.

Sarah Randall

October 27, 2014

So saddened and shocked to hear about Sara. As kids growing up I looked up to her because she was so smart, pretty, and all around a good person. Thank you for sharing her with the world. We are all truly blessed to have been able to know here. Love and prayers to your family.

Andrea Price Munoz

October 27, 2014

Sara and I were childhood friends. I am sorry to hear of her passing. She was always so sweet to me.

Jamie Bone (James)

October 26, 2014

I am so heartbroken to hear about the loss of Sara. I spent A LOT of time playing Super Mario Bros. at your house, or basketball in your driveway, growing up. I even got to hang out with Sara some at UT. I always enjoyed her company and had no idea about this until just now. I would have been at her celebration of life on Saturday, had I known in time, as her life was definitely one to celebrate. I'm just so very, very sorry for your loss, and for the world's loss. Please know that I am, and will continue, to pray for your peace and comfort. Sara, on the other hand, is already at peace and is rejoicing with Our Father. God bless all of you.

Kevin Riehle

October 26, 2014

I, like so many others, was shocked and deeply saddened by Sara's passing. She was beautifully honored at the service on Saturday, as she beautifully honored all of us by her tireless and gracious work at the MFAH. My collaborations with her and her mentor/colleague Margaret Mims and friend and colleague Jay Heuman in CANTARE Houston's holiday and walking concerts in the museum will forever be cherished and remembered fondly. She is gone too soon and too young, but her life has touched every one of us for the better, and changed us for good.

Courtney (Dewees) Merry

October 26, 2014

Dear Wheeler Family, I am so sorry to hear about Sara's passing! I have so many wonderful memories of Sara from Rivershire swim team to The Academy. We lost touch after high school, but she left a lasting impression of friendship and joy in my mind. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Victoria Cheney (Vinther)

October 26, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear of Sara's passing. I attended elementary school through college with Sara, and we shared many common interests. Sara had such a sweet and kind soul and she will be missed and remembered.

Sherree Davis

October 26, 2014

We just found out, she was such a love and will be missed by so many, so sad. We met at MFAH and later I realized she was on a journey of unwellness. We talked and I requested a prayer blanket at St Paul's United Methodist Church and it was filled with prayers. I presented it to Sara..She hung it behind her sofa..She was and will always be in my heart. God Bless family and friends.

Lisa Martin

October 26, 2014

So sorry to hear this news. Even though Sara and I haven't had much contact in many years, I have many fond memories of our childhood friendship. May you rest in peace...

Steven Johnson

October 26, 2014

Bob and Sue,
Words cannot express my sorry for you at this time. May you find comfort in the many good memories of the past.

Judy Heuman

October 26, 2014

I am saddened to learn of Sara's passing. I am Jay's mother and I didn't know Sara well, but she was always in my heart because she was so helpful to Jay when he moved to Houston. She was right there every day giving him tips to help adjust to his life in a new city with a new job. When I came to visit, we had lunch together and I could see she was a kind and gentle person with interests that she shared. I know this is a tremendous loss for you and I wish you well. Sara will be missed by all who knew her.

October 25, 2014

Susan and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. xoxoxoxo Debbi Marshall

MANDA KAZMIER

October 25, 2014

DEAR MEMBERS OF THE WHEELER FAMILY. IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I ADD MY NAME TO THE WORDS OF COMFORT EXPRESSED BY THE REST OF MY FAMILY. IT IS THE DISTANCE THAT SEPARATES ALL OF US FROM YOUR FAMILY ON THIS SAD DAY I REMEMBER THAT TIME LONG AGO WHEN YOU ALL CAME TO OUR HOUSE. OUR CHILDREN WERE TEENAGERS AS WERE YOUR GIRLS. WE REMARKED(as our parents did) THAT YOUR GIRLS LOOKED LIKE THEIR MOM. WE THOUGHT WE'D SEE OUR GRAND-KIDS AND GREAT GRAND-KIDS. DEATH ONLY COMES TO THE WICKED. OUR FAMILY IS A GOOD FAMILY.....BUT, I GUESS GOD TAKES THE BEST FIRST, AND SO TAKE COMFORT KNOWING THAT SARA IS GOING TO JOIN HIS CHOSEN AND BEAUTIFUL ANGELS. MANY HUGS FROM MANDA

Bill Wheeler

October 25, 2014

We have lost a light that was so beautiful, loving, and special. We all miss her.

Sally White

October 24, 2014

My heart is heavy to hear the sad news about the loss of Sara. I worked at the museum 6 years ago. I met Sara there while working on programs for Bayou Bend. She was a lovely young woman who had grace and intelligence. As a mother, there are no words for me to share. My heart goes out to you all. I just want you to know she was a loving, giving beautiful girl that left us too soon.

Suzanne Sippel

October 24, 2014

It seems like only yesterday we were goofing around at the MFAH or passing each other in the neighborhood. Sara was a wonderful person and my deepest condolences go to her family.

Gabriela Pulido

October 24, 2014

I worked with Sara from 2005-2008 in the education department and even though she was only a couple of years older than me, I looked up to her because of her poise and maturity as well as friendliness. She and I facilitated a workshop at a public school festival and two years later I found myself working exactly across that school. Even though we lost touch after my leaving the museum, I often thought of her and that day we worked the festival--which is a daily reminder of her love and commitment to the arts. She was beautiful in and out. My prayers are with you during these difficult times, may you find peace and strength knowing your angel will forever be in your heart.

Monica Kazmier

October 24, 2014

I am terribly saddened by your loss and send you wishes for comfort now and later.

Renee Wood-Vincent

October 24, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter, Sara. May you find peace in joyful memories. Praying for your family.

Sara with her beloved Eleanor... Christmas 2007

October 24, 2014

Liz DiCenso

October 24, 2014

Susan, you and your family are in my continual prayers.

Ann Lestarjette

October 24, 2014

I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Sara was always smiling and cheerful. She will be missed.

Gennie Ernst

October 24, 2014

Sara will always be remembered as the gental soul she was. She will be missed so much.

Erin M

October 23, 2014

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler, Katie, and Brian, There are no words to express my sorrow and sympathy. I first met Sara in 2012 during a challenging time. She has been a loyal and loving friend, and I will miss so many things about her. I remember sitting through endless games of Jeopardy and never being able to formulate a thought before she already had the answer! Her love of crosswords, art, travel, and her family were of deep value to her. It is the goodness of her heart and the shining of her soul that will remain eternal.

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