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Sara Nesbitt Obituary

Sara Nichole Nesbitt

VENTURA, CA - Sara Nichole Nesbitt, 50, of Ventura, CA, formerly of Fort Collins, CO and La Crosse, WI, passed away from cancer on December 12 in Ventura. Sara was born in La Crosse, WI to Bonnie and Jim Nesbitt on April 2, 1973. She graduated from Central High School in 1991. She completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN in 1995 and more recently a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of WI-Milwaukee online. She worked as a reporter in various locations in Colorado for several years, and then as a librarian at Poudre Valley Library District in Fort Collins and most recently at Clearview Library in Windsor, CO, until her illness forced her to leave her “dream job.” She loved travel, music, hiking in CO, beach sits in CA, craft beers, the Packers, the Cubs, special pens, journaling, and anything about books and information access for all. She volunteered at a women’s shelter and for a time had an extra “fun job” at Sephora. Highlights of her life included a medical mission trip to Nepal, with her “mum” and going to special music concerts with her brother, “dude.” She shared a strong sense of humor with her dad, “padre.”

Sara is survived by her parents of Ventura, CA, formerly of La Crosse, WI, and her brother, Mike, also of Ventura, her sister-in-law Keri, nephew Miles, and niece Olivia. During her illness she was surrounded by love from her aunts: Marge, Jane (Kraig), Kathy, Sally, Rosanne, and Mary (Gary). In addition, she was blessed to have wonderful and very close cousins: Leah, Maureen (Matt), Maria (Randy), Sara, Jenny, Tania (Brad), Toni (Curt), and Tim (Kathy) and other extended family members. She is also survived by many treasured friends in La Crosse, Fort Collins, and afar.

Sara was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunt and uncles (Judy, Wayne, and Jim“J.J.”), cousins Annette, Gary, Tyler, and Andrew, as well as a lifelong friend Ethan. Memorial donations may be made to the Clearview Library (cldfriends.org) or any library of the donor’s choice. The family extends their gratitude to her caregivers in Colorado and California in the 18 months since her diagnosis, and most recently the hospice team that assisted at the end of her journey and transition. A celebration of life is planned in the future.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on Dec. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Marsha Seibert

December 14, 2024

Unfortunately I never met Sara, but was a long time friend of her Mother´s! The spirit and fight against this disease was admirable. Her sweet smile and big heart will always be remembered! Gone too soon and missed by so many! I send love and hugs to her family and friends!! Marsha

Marsha Seibert

May 18, 2024

Beautiful girl...so much like her mom!! Gone way too soon! Love to family and friends!!

Maria Mulreaney

January 13, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of Sara´s passing. It was such a privilege to get to know her and to work with her at CLD. She was such a lovely, warm and genuinely kind woman. I saw first hand the love and support you all gave her. I think of her every time I use her pasta pot. Thank you Bonnie for sharing that with me. Much love to you all.

Kathy Hageseth

January 6, 2024

Bonnie and Jim,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your beautiful daughter. We are thinking of you with all our hearts and wishing you some peace in all the incredible memories. It´s a deep pain to carry, and wishing you strength each day
Kathy and Jon Hageseth

Peggy Hagg

December 28, 2023

Bonnie and Family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, Sarah. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mark & Jeanne Connelly

December 27, 2023

Jim and Bonnie, our prayers are with you and your
family for Sara

Bruce Parr

December 26, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Class of 1980.

Paul Gilbertson (class of `76)

December 25, 2023

Jim and Bonnie, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are on the way

CarolBrueggen

December 25, 2023

Dear Bonnie, Jim and Mike, my sympathy to you on Sara´s passing. She sounds like a lovely person which isn´t a surprise given her great family. I will be keeping you all in prayer. CarolBrueggen(Classof´79)

Carrie Lapham

December 24, 2023

Dear Bonnie and family- I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter Sara. My heart breaks for you. Thinking of you... Carrie Lapham

Cheryl Vieth

December 24, 2023

Jim and Bonnie,My sincere sympathy to the entire family. May your many memories give you peace and comfort. A faithful servant gone to soon.

Charles And Linda

December 24, 2023

renie plagge

December 24, 2023

I am so sorry to read about your daughter Sara, so young, so sad and sending sympathy to you and all your family.

Darlene and Darrell Pofahl

December 24, 2023

Bonnie and Jim,
We are saddened to hear of Sara´s passing. We remember her has an enthusiastic and caring student, who was a gift to so many who knew her.
Our thoughts and prayers are for your family as you adjust to this devastating loss.
Darlene and Darrell Pofahl

Mike Coady

December 24, 2023

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Nesbitt and his entire family. I never knew your daughter but it sounds like she was a wonderful young lady. God bless you and know that He is with your daughter, waiting to greet you at the pearly gates.

Bill Mullen

December 23, 2023

What a tragic loss. My sincere condolences. I only know Jim, but it is obvious that he was a superb father and inspiration to Sara.

Mary Barrett

December 23, 2023

Dear Jim, Bonnie, and Mike,

I am so sorry to learn of Sara's passing. My heart aches for all of you. I pray that God sends extra grace to all of you while you try to heal from your tremendous loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers

Judy Smith

December 23, 2023

My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful Sara.

Sara (Munson) Sillars

December 23, 2023

My memory of Sara is pure kindness. She was smart, beautiful and seemed to make a room brighter.

Please accept my condolences to your whole family. Mike, I´m thinking of you and hold you in my heart.

Stephanie Genz

December 23, 2023

Dear Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry to see the passing of your beautiful Sara. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue Gilbert

December 23, 2023

Dear Jim and Bonnie,
I was deeply saddened to read of Sara's death. How absolutely devastating for you and her loved ones. I promise to keep you all in my prayers.
Sue Gilbert

Sue Lund

December 23, 2023

Dear Bonnie and family,
I am a student of yours from Viterbo.
I knew right away she was your daughter because she looks so much like you. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. My prayers and love are with you all!

Greg Voss

December 23, 2023

Jim and Bonnie,
So sorry to hear of Sara's passing. She was very blessed to have you as parents.My thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

Greg Voss

Hank Poehling

December 23, 2023

Bonnie, Jim and Mike,
My prayers and thoughts are with you.It was a privilege to have had Sara as a student.

Brent Larson

December 23, 2023

We are so sorry. We have such fond memories of Sara and your entire family. Love to all of you. Brent and Mary

Chuck Gundersen

December 23, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss, Nesbitt family. I hope the treasured memories bring you comfort.

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