SARA MATZKIN

MATZKIN, Sara Sara Matzkin lived a life devoted to family and friendship. On September 28, 2025, she passed peacefully from complications from Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a grand legacy that will continue to shine through all those she touched. Sara was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her undergraduate studies were at The University of Bridgeport, and she later completed graduate work at Fairfield University and Tufts University. After marrying the love of her life, Michael Matzkin, she moved to Woodbury, Connecticut, where together they built a home filled with love and laughter. Sara devoted most of her professional career to working as a school psychologist at the Sherman School in Sherman, Connecticut, where she guided, supported, and uplifted generations of students. Sara was a friend to all. Her loyalty and capacity for connection were perhaps best exemplified by a pen-pal friendship she began in the third grade-a correspondence that endured for more than 70 years. She never stopped welcoming new friends into her life, believing deeply that human connection was life's greatest gift. With her handwritten notes, thoughtful gestures, warm companionship, and willingness to listen, Sara offered wisdom not through prescriptive advice but through gentle guidance. She changed lives with her kindness, grace, and insight. Her passions were many. She loved gardening, exercising, studying Spanish, watching sports, going to the beach, listening to music, dancing, and traveling. But her greatest creative outlet was pottery. Her bowls and mugs fill the homes of countless friends, reminders of her artistry and talent. A collector of pottery and art, she especially cherished the galleries of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, bringing home pieces that reflected her eye for beauty. Sara lived with elegance, humility, and joy. She treated everyone she encountered with respect and warmth. She was spirited and fun, stylish and effortlessly cool-and her stunning silver hair was admired by all who knew her. Above all, the center of Sara's world was her family. Her husband of 56 years, Michael, was her partner in all things, and together they lovingly raised three daughters: Elizabeth Matzkin Smith, Jessica Matzkin Shactman, and Laura Griffin. She leaves behind her sons-in-law Eric Smith, Brian Shactman, and Liam Griffin; and nine grandchildren who adored her: Abby, Sami, and Emily Smith; Annie, Max, and Bennett Shactman; and John, Owen, and Thomas Griffin. To them, she was a model of strength, resilience, and unconditional love-so much so that countless school essays were written about her. Sara's memory will live on not only in her family but also in the hearts of her many friends. Her immense spirit, her authenticity, and her love will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know her. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA. A livestream link of service may be found at Brezniakfd.com Donations can be made in her memory to any of the following organizations: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Breast Cancer), Temple Shalom of Newton, B'nai Israel of Southbury.