Sarah Louise Tilman

Sarah Louise Tilman

Sarah Tilman Obituary

Published by Star Tribune from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2009.
Tilman, Sarah Louise 27, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 10, 2009, after the flu. Sarah will be remembered by family, friends and students for her enthusiasm for life and her strong, caring and giving personality. She is deeply missed. Sarah attended St. Louis Park High School and Carleton College. A gifted student, Sarah was driven to help others. She chose a career in education because she thought that all students should have teachers like those who inspired her. Sarah taught at North High School in Minneapolis, then at Woodrow Wilson Public High School in Washington DC. She earned a Masters in Education from American University. She challenged, inspired and loved her students, and the feeling was mutual. Sarah adored her family, and they her. Sarah will be forever loved by her parents, David and Cathie Tilman; sisters, Lisa (Adam and Aimee Strand) Tilman and Margaret (Per) Nelson; brother, Andrew Tilman; nephew, George Nelson; grandmothers, Lauretta Titman and Bertha Baxter; and her many other relatives and friends. Funeral 11AM Monday 2/16 at WOODDALE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4003 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park with Visitation 3-7PM Sunday 2/15 at the THOMSON-DOUGHERTY MANSION, 2535 Park Avenue, Minneapolis and one hour prior to service at church. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations that will be distributed to Sarah's favorite educational institutions. Historic Thomson-Dougherty 612-871-4407
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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August 13, 2024

Shanice Hunter posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2020

Lauren Kleutsch posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2011

Monroe Gilmour posted to the memorial.

Shanice Hunter

August 13, 2024

Ms. Tilman was my Biology teacher at Shaw Jr. High. I believe the year was 2005 or 2006. She was very nice and I enjoyed coming to her class. I will never forget her! May her memory live on. My sympathies!!!

Paris, 2002

Lauren Kleutsch

July 8, 2020

Monroe Gilmour

February 10, 2011

We remember you, Sarah, and send our love to all the family
Thinking of you and Bertha is thinking of two beautiful, energetic, committed, loving, and caring women.

Lucas Seeley

June 16, 2010

Dear Tilman Family,
I had the honor of attending Park High with Sarah and she had a heart of gold. I always remembered how nice she was to everyone. I actually just recieved word of your loss and was crushed. My family is praying for yours.

Maya

February 7, 2010

One year ago we lost a dear friend... not a day goes by that I don't remember her. I still stop and think What would Sarah Tilman do... Miss you Sarah

Rich and Dori Beattie

May 24, 2009

Cathie we met you last week at the compassionate friends meeting and then again this past Friday up in Emily. Our sympathies are extended to you and your family, we know what you are going through. As you know we lost our beautiful daughter Alyssa this past January very suddenly and we Hurt everyday missing her, she was a senior in high school and planned to go to SCSU this fall to study in elementary education, she too wanted to teach like your daughter. We hope to see you again next month. Take care and one day at a time, it is hard and like us you will feel like you can't make it some days, but somehow you do. The world is much darker because we have lost two shining lights.

In Japan with Lisa

May 6, 2009

May 6, 2009

Michele Bollinger

March 24, 2009

I taught at Wilson HS with Sarah a few years ago and am very sad to learn of her passing. She was generous and warm with the young people at our school. My thoughts are with her friends and family.

March 9, 2009

My God be with your family. I will miss her and always remember her.

Ms Jody Moten

Cyndy Wallin

March 7, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie and Family:

We learned of Sarah's death today, from Colleen Aaberg, and were saddened to hear this devastating news. We remember when we lived next door to you, and Sarah was heading off to Carleton to conquer the world. We wanted you to know that we are thinking of your family as you process the loss of Sarah. May she live in your hearts and minds forever.
With much sympathy,
Brad and Cyndy Wallin & Family

Daniel angier

March 6, 2009

tilman family im sorry to hear about your loss sarah was a great person and I feel like a better person have know her

may her memory life on forever and ever

Dan

Manuel Leon

March 2, 2009

Ms. Tilman as a student of Wilson I had conversations with you, and you was a great teacher and a great person. You will be miss at Wilson. To the family of Ms. Tilman just remember she will always be in your heart.

Claribel Salgado

March 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carrie H.

February 25, 2009

Ms. Tilman was nice, smart, funny (usually when she wasn't trying to be), fiesty, and sincere. She was a passionate teacher, and I actually considered biology as something I wanted to study in college, even though I have always disliked science. All her student will miss her. It will be a tough year, but I know she is in a better place. I will miss sitting in her room for lunch and seeing her everyday.

Anna C.

February 25, 2009

Dear Tilman family and friends-

I didn't know Sarah personally, but I'm the same age and swam for Gator Synchro when she was competing with Carleton. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, as are those of the entire synchro community.

I know I don't have to mention how much she will be missed - it's obvious from reading all of the touching tributes from her students, colleagues, and friends. I hope to make even a fraction of the impact that Sarah had on the people in her life.

Cliff Burgess

February 22, 2009

Dear Cathie, Dave, Andrew and family,

It was with shock and great sadness that we learned of your beloved daughter Sarah's death. Our hearts are heavy when we think of the hole this loss will leave in your beautiful family.

Reading the thoughts expressed by Sarah's students and their grateful parents, we are reminded of the tremendous impact that teachers can have on the lives of their students. It is obvious that Sarah's generous spirit has left a wonderful legacy in those she touched.

Our thoughts are with you.

Cliff, Caroline, Andrew, Matthew, Ian and Michael Burgess

Matt Burgess

February 22, 2009

Dear Tilman family,

It is with great sadness that I learn of Sarah's passing. Though I did not know Sarah personally, reading about her spirit, her many achievements, and how she was able to touch so many lives is inspiring. I have many fond memories of Dr. and Mrs. Tilman and Andrew from the Institute, and recently from my visit to UMN. My thoughts are with you all in this difficult time. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences

Dominique Isbell

February 22, 2009

Ms. Tilman was the BEST teacher ever!!!
I will miss her dearly.
Tilly and I was extremely close..We claimed each other as sisters. I was Tilly's Biology student in the ninth grade and currently AP Biology and her office assistant. She was such an amazing person it's hard to describe her in words. Thanks for having and raising a wonderful woman.

Cini Brown

February 22, 2009

Dear Tilman family and friends,

I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I may have met Sarah while a post doctoral researcher with Dave, but I didn't have the opportunity to get to know her. This can only be a devastating loss for Dave and the rest of you. I hope that you will find comfort in the many fond memories of Sarah during her brief, but influential life that clearly postiviely touched many others'.

Adamio BODDIE

February 19, 2009

To the family, friends, and students of Sarah Tillman: Although i never met your angel, as a former graduate of Wilson High, I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing from the school Librarian last week. I know she was very young, but as a fellow youth leader, I know she touched the lives of so many is such a short amount of time. May her example to pursue life with relentless passion and purpose to SERVE others in achieving their goals be a life long challenge: "Be the change in the world you want to see." If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,
Rev Adamio Boddie
New Hope Community Fellowship

All of your students at Wilson Senior High

February 19, 2009

Ms.Tilman we love and miss you.

Holly Vargo-Brown

February 18, 2009

Tilman Family

On behalf of The Ohio State University synchronized swim team, please accept our condolences during this time of great loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Hillary Mason

February 18, 2009

Dear Tilman Family-

Sarah was a doer....she braved new things and encountered new people and situations with ease....she didn't worry, just went out and lived her life...she was a role model in so many ways...one of the biggest way I will remember is that she lived life. My prayers and thoughts are with your family
Hillary Mason (fellow teaching fellow and friend)

Beth Barrett

February 18, 2009

Dear Tilman family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sarah in AmeriCorps. We spent a week working together at Camp Courage moving chairs from one building to another...for the entire week. We pushed one of those long carts full of folding chairs up and down hills through the snow for the whole week and by the end we were calling ourselves "TEAM CHAIR". We even took a picture of the five of us posed next to our chairs each holding up a letter of the word chair in sign language. I will not forget the fun we all had together that week. Sarah earned the name "Snowflake" due to the hat she wore and because there were two Sarahs on TEAM CHAIR. I have been looking for that picture of us and as soon as I find it I will put it here for you to see. I hope during this difficult time you will learn of all the fun times others had with Sarah and remember your own. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Helmut Hillebrand

February 18, 2009

Dear Cathy and Dave
it is with great sorrow that I heard about the loss of your daughter Sarah. Please accept my heartfelt condolence. My thoughts are with you.
Helmut Hillebrand

Ingrid Parker

February 18, 2009

Dear Dave and family,
I am so sad to hear of the loss of your daughter. What a terrible tragedy.
My thoughts are with you,

Robyn Jacobs-Spaulding

February 18, 2009

Almost every memory I have from junior & senior year of high school involves Tilly. It was impossible not to have fun when she was around and still thinking about the Pub, driving around SLP & doing nothing at various houses with Tilly makes me smile. I'm so happy I have these memories to hold on to and she'll be dearly missed.

John McCarthy

February 17, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie, Lisa, Margaret and Andrew,

I offer my deepest condolences at the passing of Sarah. I just returned from a week abroad and learned this heartbreaking news. I am a colleague of Sarah's at Wilson and can attest to the radiance and positive spirit Sarah brought to our community every day.

You both must be outstanding parents to raise a daughter as special and others-centered as her. She was a born giver and and was a fountain, not a drain! Her smile and quick wit were priceless. Thank you for sharing her with all of us! God bless you and your extended family.

Kind regrads with my heartfelt sympathy,

Jennifer Steele

February 17, 2009

Margie and Family - Please know all of us that attended the UMN PT school with you are thinking of you and your loved ones in your time of sadness!

Marigold Henderson

February 17, 2009

Dear Tilman family:
This has been a real shock to all of us. Ms. Tilman was one of my daughters teachers and the highlight of parent teacher conferences. My daughter had her as a 9th grader also during Ms. Tlmans first year at Wilson. Then she had her for AP Bilogy two years later. She was always available, always quick to respond and just a nice person. May God be wtih you.

Bob Sterner

February 16, 2009

To Dave, Cathie, and Sarah's family,

Your loss is great but your strength and love will overcome.

With sadness, affection and respect,

Tom Carroll

February 16, 2009

I just received an email from a teacher at Wilson informing me of the tragic and sudden death of Sarah. I was Sarah's instructor in the AP Biology Teacher workshop that she took at Goucher College a few summers ago. I got to know her well during the workshop and found her to be an outstanding young teacher. She was just the kind of teacher that would be a success. She was bright, loved Biology, and was willing to bring real research into the classroom. I realized during the week that we were together that I had met her father, Dr. Tillman, at Lake Itasca Biology Station during the summer of 1982 when I was studying there. I send my sincere prayers to her family. She was a bright light that will surely be missed.

Ben Horkley

February 16, 2009

As a student in her AP Biology class, I can personally attest to how great Ms. Tilman was as an educator and how large an effect she had on everyone around her. To students in the hall, she was the one person who would be there every day smiling and brightening the area around her with her happiness. To students in her class, she was a teacher who not only loved the subject she taught, but could make others fall in love with it as well.

Karel & Wil Johnson

February 16, 2009

Dear Tilmans,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Sarah. We remember her only as a lively,smiling pre-schooler, but her picture says she was unchanged from that time. Our deepest sympathy is with you, along with our prayers.

Steve Pacala

February 16, 2009

We have spent many hours talking and thinking about Sarah and your family since we heard the terrible news. What gives us hope is also the source of your pain. The strength of your family and your commitment to one another have always been benchmarks for us. We hope that they will help to sustain you through this dark time.

Steve and Lise Pacala

Gloria Kruppstadt

February 16, 2009

To Sarah's family and friends-
She was a ray of sunshine in the high school classroom and my memories of her will shine on.As her teacher for only a semester, I still have an article she shared in our math class as we studied chaos. Please accept my sympathy at the loss of your daughter, sister and friend.

francesca cenini

February 16, 2009

Dear Cathie,dear Dave, I have no words to express you my great,deep sorrow.My heart is lacerated.
Please,if you like, don't hesitate to write or to call me at any time.Marta also is very very close to you .A lovely, warm embrace
francesca cenini

Jon Hysell

February 16, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathy, Lisa, Margie and Andrew,

The Hysell family remembers Sarah with great love and affection. We extend our most sincere condolences to you. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Sadly,
Jon Hysell and Barbara Britt-Hysell

Takashi Sugimura, Chair of the International Prize for Biology

February 16, 2009

Dear Tilman Family
It is with great sorrow that we have received the sad news of the sudden passing of Sarah. We know how much she meant to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Masamitsu Wada, Chairman of the Selection Committee of the International Prize for Biology

February 16, 2009

Dear Tilman Family
News of the tragic loss of Sarah, has just reached me. I know how much she meant to you. Please accept our heartfelt condolence.

Motoyuki Ono, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

February 16, 2009

Dear Timan Family,
There are no words to adequately describe the sadness we felt upon hearing of the loss of Sarah. We know how much she meant to you. Please extend our profoundest sympathy to everyone in your family. We pray you can somehow find the strength to endure this tragic burden.

Daniel Jordan

February 15, 2009

Ms. Tilman was the coach of the NEMO team at Wilson. She was dedicated and made science fun. She had a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile. She will be deeply missed by everyone.

Ellie

February 15, 2009

Ms. Tilman was one of the best teachers I ever had. She was patient, kind, and made Biology fun. Her smile and dedication showed how much she cared about her students. I always looked forward to her 9th grade biology class and was hoping to take her again for AP Biology next year. Ms. Tilman was an amazing teacher and friend to many people at Wilson High School and will not be forgotten.

Wendy Bach

February 15, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathy and Family,
Sarah stays in our minds with her beautiful smile, intelligent pursuits, fun loving manner and love of her friends. She will always be a treasure , she gave so much to us and her passions. Our hearts are heavy with your tragic loss. She will always be for us the complete athlete, caring friend, magnificent women.
Our deepest sympathy,
Wendy and Howie Bach

Andi Larsen

February 15, 2009

Dear Cathie, Dave and the Tilman Family,
After learning last Tuesday about Sara's death, I cried and cried as I called my family to tell them the news. It is five days later and our hearts are still heavy with grief. Our family extends the deepest sympathies to yours. Words can not convey how tragic Sara's death is. We hope to offer our support to you, as the next year goes by, knowing that when you lose someone like Sara, it is impossible to really get over it. Sara represented the best of what we want human beings to be and will not be forgotten. Our sympathies,
The Larsen-Youmans Family

Gabriele Beckman

February 15, 2009

My condolences go out to the Tillman family.I did not know Sarah,but my daughter Noelle Beckman who works with Dr. Tillman and speaks highly of him, told me of the tragedy ,and it hit home since she is the same age. Reading all these entries she must have been a awesome person.I ,too,work in a High School and teachers like her come in short supply. I am sure she inspired a lot of her student.

Sandra Wade Seminara

February 15, 2009

Dave and Cathie, there are no words we can offer that will ease the pain you are feeling. But maybe it will comfort you a little, as the days go on, to know that all of us parents are aching and grieving along with you. The love within your family created the wonderful woman Sarah grew to be. We are praying for you and Sarah.

February 15, 2009

Dave, Cathie and family:

It is impossible to find the words to properly express our condolences to you over the loss of your Sarah. The depth of the sadness that envelops you reflects the enormity of your multi-faceted family love, which dazzles the world like bright sunshine.

Peter and Anne Reich

Valeria, Dario, Emma Fornara

February 15, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie, Andrew, Margie, Lisa and Family,
We are shocked and very sad for your terrible loss. We would like to send our most sincere condolences. We feel lucky we had the opportunity to meet Sarah in few occasions during our stay in Minnesota. She was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to you. Love,
Valeria, Dario & Emma

Linda Handy

February 15, 2009

Tilman Family, As I remember Sarah, my thoughts are of her out on the cross country course. She always had a big smile as she ran by. I can't imagine the pain you are going through but I know God will help see you through and keep Sarah safe in this loving arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Coach Fleming

February 14, 2009

Sarah's "SMILE" spoke volumes

Michael Sandstedt

February 14, 2009

David,

I haven't spoken to Sarah for a few years, but that weekend we all spent at your cabin at the end of senior year is a cherished memory for me. It seems Sarah has accomplished many things and touched many lives between then and now. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Brenda Xiomara Sorto

February 14, 2009

Rip: Ms.Tilman..
You will be missed.
Im so glad I got to meet someone, so intelligent and beautiful.
I remember my first day of high school at Wilson, she was the first teacher i met, not only that she was my homeroom and biology teacher.
She made biology so fun and entertaining.
She was a very nice, giving person.
Ms. Tilman understood me, mostly when I had family issues she would help me go through it.
she was a really great person.
To the Tilman family:
Ms. Tilman will always be remember as loving caring person at Wilson High School.

Wendy & Pat and Ryan & Sarah Skinner Skinner

February 14, 2009

Dear Tilman Family,

We were so saddened by the news. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Gene Likens

February 14, 2009

Gene and Phyllis Likens send their deepest condolences to the Tilman family. Our hearts go out to you.

Long Li, Juan Yue

February 14, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie, Andrew and all the family,We are so sad to hear of Sarah's sudden passing and image how you are so grievous. Our hearts are aching for you all. We send our deepest sympathies on this unbelievable loss from remote Beijing, China. We only hope that the pain you feel for the loss is replaced by knowing that Sarah's spirit lives on in all those who knew her.

Dan & Nancy Rubenstein

February 14, 2009

Nancy and I were deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Sarah. You have our deepest sympathies and your family will always be in our thoughts.

Emmanuel Asomugha

February 14, 2009

To the Tillman Family:
May the Eternal God of all comforts console and be your source of strenght at this time.

Mara and Chad Krinke

February 14, 2009

Lisa, Adam and Aimee, We were so devastated to hear the news of your sister passing away. We are thinking of you and sending our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if you need anything.

Carole and Simon Levin

February 14, 2009

May your wonderful memories give you comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and love are with you.
Comforting hugs,
Carole and Simon

Bernadine Okoro

February 14, 2009

Dear Tilman family,
Sarah Tilman was a classmate, colleague and a good friend. We met in the DC Teaching Fellows program. Sarah was my partner on our first classroom project in science. When she took the job at Wilson, I was so excited. I had another DC Teaching Fellow at my side. I will miss her smile and wit. She was a great teacher who had a caring personality. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.

Noelle Beckman

February 14, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathy, and Family,

I would like to express my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you.

Mona and Dave Harmann

February 14, 2009

Dear Tilmans,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Sarah's passing. Anne spoke often of the things she shared and learned with Sarah, Robin, and Britta at Carleton. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Paula Hoff

February 13, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Sarah. She was such an amazing smart, beautiful and engaging girl. I will always have an image of Sarah as a 6 year old who loved to be reading a book. I remember how she loved performing in our goofy plays.

Rebecca

February 13, 2009

Ms. Tilman was my AP Biology teacher. She was one the most dedicated teachers I have ever known, and she worked hard to help each of us understand the difficult material. She loved to tell us about Minnesota, her nephew, and the vikings football team. When she died, our class was inconsolable. I want her family and friends to know how special she was, and how much we're going to miss her.

Marcia Anderson

February 13, 2009

Tilman family, Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We pray that God will stay close. Marcia and Angela Anderson, Alison Anderson/Schneider

Gordon Rausch

February 13, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathy, Lisa, Margie and Andrew,
I was so saddened to hear of Sarah's sudden passing. I had the good fortune to play a role in her wonderful life as one of her elementary teacher. When I heard of her passing my first thought was the image of her wonderful inquisitive smile, her gentle personality, her endless ehthusiasm and that quest to learn, learn, learn. She was one of those students one never forgets! The world is a better place because of her and I believe the purpose and meaning of the gift of her life will continue to enrich and inspire many.

My sincere sympathy to her wonder family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dan, Betty, Ian, Nolan

February 13, 2009

Dave, Cathie, Lisa, Margie, Andrew and Family,
From around the world - to right across the street - Sarah's light certainly shined brightly! We will cherish memories of her, wet hair, big smile coming home after school and swim practice. Or pulling up in that purple car after teaching Bubbles and Goo all day at the SW Summer Camp - still smiling and stopping to chat it up with the kids in the neighborhood.
She was destined to teach and touch the hearts of so many - and did it in much too short of time.
Our hearts are aching for you. If you need us in any way, we are right here.

Erica Orton

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilman family,
I was incredibly lucky to have known Sarah here in DC. It was always a privilege to be in her company and she will be dearly missed. I wish you the best in your time of grieving. Sarah was truly a wonderful person.

Terri Kinneberg

February 13, 2009

Dear Tillman Family.
Our deepest sympathies on this unbelievable loss. Sarah embodied all that was good in people: kind, generous, so full of positive spirit; She was one of the rare people who actually cared about other people. Her spirit will live on in all the many lives she has touched.

The Kinneberg family
(Jennie, Lindsay)

Patti Keillor

February 13, 2009

Tilmans- I have so many memories of being welcomed in by everyone in your family throughout my high school years from pasta parties to your cabin. After reading so many wonderful comments, its obvious Sarah touched lives all around the world. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dunya Cope

February 13, 2009

To Sarah's family,
I had the honor of serving with Sarah in AmeriCorps as well as seeing her when we both lived in DC the next year. She touched many people and will be remembered. My prayers are with your family.

Molly Smith

February 13, 2009

Cathie,

I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter, Sarah. Please, know that you, and your family, are in my thoughts and prayers.

colleen cruit

February 13, 2009

I am so sad about your loss and cannot imagine what you must be going through. I remember Sarah being over at our house during high school. She was a delightful person who seemed to be always smiling or laughing. I wish you comfort in your grief. Colleen Cruit (Kerry O'Brien's mom)

Patrice Morrow

February 13, 2009

Cathie, Dave and family

It just unbelievable that such a thing can happen. I wish I could think of something to write that would ease just a bit of your pain. Her memory will have to do that.

Fondly, Trice

Monroe Gilmour- Fern Martin

February 13, 2009

Dear Cathie, Dave, Lisa, Andrew and all the family,
Know that we send our love and support from these North Carolina mountains. Sarah epitomized what we all would want in a daughter, a friend, and a teacher. Her spirit will continue to inspire students in so many ways. We share your grief even as we celebrate Sarah's beautifully lived, all too short life.

Patrick O'Steen

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilman Family,

Sarah was incredibly warm and welcoming to me as a first year science teacher at Wilson High School this year. She frequently checked in with me about students of mine that she taught last year, and always wore a fantastic smile. She is already dearly missed.

-Patrick O'Steen (colleague)

Julie Virkus

February 13, 2009

What a tragedy. We are so sorry to hear of Sarah's unexpected passing. Our deepest sympathies to all. the Virkus family ( Gus, Julie, Katie and Betsy)

Donald & Mary Jo Dee

February 13, 2009

Our hearts go out to the Tilman family during this grievous loss.

Jason Rodich

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilman Family,

I am so very sad to learn of Sarah's passing. I had not seen Sarah for many year's but remember her from the neighborhood in St. Louis Park and in school. . .
You are in my thoughts and prayers during what must be such a difficult time for your family. May her memory be a blessing.

Faye Flora

February 13, 2009

Tilman Family;
I never knew Ms. Tilman personally, but have come to know her well though the impressions she made on my son Kyle. He has shared with me the many lunch time chats, & before and after school visits to Ms. Tilman's class. He had found someone he could turn to for guidance, and hope. He loved Ms. Tilman and I too for the way she challenged, molded and supported all of our children.
My condolences to this family as you experience such a great loss.

Bob Waide

February 13, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie, and family

I heard of the death of Sarah with great sadness. Please know that the thoughts of your friends and colleagues are with you. My deepest sympathy,

Suzi Hagen

February 13, 2009

Like everyone else, I am stunned by Sarah's death because she was so young and full of life. Sarah was a close friend of my niece, and when Tomery came to visit me in DC, we discovered that her friend Sarah lived across the street. How weird is that. So, I asked Sarah to look after my apartment when I left on overseas assignments, and never had a second of worry that things wouldn't be okay. My last memory of Sarah is seeing that lovely smile as I gave her the keys, several paper bags of perishable foods and a couple of bottles of wine when I left DC last fall. She was a special human being and will be missed by many, many people, including me.

Tyisha Kirby

February 13, 2009

Even though i was not in your class you had a huge affect on wilson and the students . Ms.Tilman you will be missed dearly and you are in a better place. Even though your presence is gone you will always be missed

Corinne Handy

February 13, 2009

I am blessed to have known Sarah and the rest of the Tilman crew throughout my high school athletics. Some of my fondest memories of high school are from the famous Tilman pasta parties. Sarah's energy and passion for life was contagious, and it's apparent that it continued on throughout the rest of her life's endeavors. She was loved my many, and will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to the Tilmans. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kelvin Watkins

February 13, 2009

MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND FAMILY

Asha Patel

February 13, 2009

Tillman Family,

Please accept my deep sympathy. Sarah was a wonderful person and I'm grateful for have known her. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of grievance.

Jim Cotner

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilmans, Such a tragic and terrible loss; I only hope that the pain you feel for the loss of your child is replaced by warm feelings of her beautiful life.

Lesanna Lahner

February 13, 2009

Sarah's love for science and life will live on in all those she knew. My deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and students. We were classmates at Carleton and she had a way of making even the hardest classes fun!

Sonjai Harrison

February 13, 2009

Ms. Tilman was an exceptional teacher. She was inspiring and motivating to my daughter as we began her transition to public school entering Woodrow Wilson in the 9th grade. It was also Ms. Tilman's first year at Wilson. She pushed my daughter to do her best and cared beyond her hour or so in class. She became a listening ear and sound advice with many issues that face you in high school. We feel as if we too have lost a friend of the family. May the many good things Ms. Tilman sowed to others be a blessing to you all during this time. Her memory and spirit will always be with us.
Sonjai Harrison, Parent of SyMara Cole, Class of 2010

Erik Wardenaar

February 13, 2009

Dear Dave, Cathie and Family,

We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of your daughter Sarah. She clearly touched so many lives in so many positive ways and was a gifted teacher and wonderful person. It is unimaginable losing a child, especially so unexpectedly. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. May you find comfort in knowing that Sarah's spirit lives on in all those who knew her.

Erik Wardenaar, Sara Payne and Stefan Payne-Wardenaar

Leticia Long

February 13, 2009

As a parent of a student that was fortunate to have Sarah as a teacher, I wanted her family to know that in my 24 years of parenting, she was one of the best teachers that I have known. I looked forward to my discussions with her about my son and science. Her kindness, commitment, and expertise were truly special gifts. I will pray that the students she touched in her special way strive to continue to carry on Sarah's love of science and love for humanity.

Tasha Maritano

February 13, 2009

To the only person who I could make eye contact with this year because of our height, I will certainly miss her. To her family, I send my prayers and you should know that she will definitely be missed here at Wilson.

Patty Joyce Keller

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilman Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Sarah. I have such fond memories of spending time with your entire wonderful family during high school. Sarah was a great kid when I knew her and it sounds like she became a truly accomplished and well-loved young woman. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Anne Wagemaker

February 13, 2009

To the Tilman family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for you and for Sarah's students. I feel so lucky to have known your daughter/sister/aunt. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Holly Huso

February 13, 2009

Dear Tilman family -
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Hollisters

February 13, 2009

To the entire Tilman Family, our deepest condolences. Thanks for sharing your Sarah with the world for a while.

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August 13, 2024

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February 10, 2011

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