Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
Sara McBride Obituary
Sara "Sally" Katharine McBride
Nov 14, 1939 - Jan 14, 2025
To whom it may concern,
Sara "Sally" Katharine McBride (nee Proffitt), age 85, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Michigan City, IN, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at home, taking her final breath while listening to "Lamb of God." She was born November 14, 1939, in Mason, WV.
Surviving are her sister Nancy Proffitt of Mason, WV; three children, Julie (Dr. George) Kolettis of Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Rob (Robyn) McBride of Valparaiso, IN, Greg (Kristi Paull) McBride of Wilsonville, OR; seven grandchildren, Dr. George (Kara) Kolettis, Sara (Matt) Hansen, Nick (Katie) Kolettis, Dr. Rob (Dr. Chloe) McBride, Dr. Ryan McBride, Katie (Jared) Conroy, Becky (Brandon Bird) McBride; eight great-grandchildren; countless friends; and her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Belle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert E. McBride, parents Ray and Evelyn Proffitt, infant son Mark, and brother Jim Proffitt.
Sally graduated from Wahama Junior/Senior High School and enjoyed attending reunions and reconnecting with former classmates. She accomplished many things, but one thing she took great pride in was being a majorette. A portrait of her brother, a band member, and Sally in their uniforms provides a glimpse of who she was as a young woman.
During freshman orientation at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Sally met Bob. He immediately declared that, unlike her family and friends, he would call her "Sara" simply because she had crossed out "Sara" printed on her nametag and had handwritten "Sally." This bold declaration charmed the red-headed beauty, and seven months later, they eloped. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage before his death.
After Bob graduated from college, they lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas before settling in Indiana, but Sally never forgot about West Virginia. When they moved to Valparaiso, she named the lower level her "West Virginia Room" as a tribute to the wild, wonderful state. Sally decorated this space with unique reminders of the beauty of the Ohio River, hills, and waterfalls where she grew up.
Embracing her role as a homemaker, Sally rarely sat still. Her home was spotless and beautifully decorated at all times. Bob lovingly called her the "Energizer Bunny." Always on the search for a new recipe, Sally also appreciated family recipes like homemade noodles and chicken over mashed potatoes and Jello salads. She took meticulous notes, reflecting adjustments made to improve a recipe. A meal at Sally's house was special: candles on the dining room table, dishes that changed with the seasons, and quiet music playing in the background. Her Special K bars, German chocolate Easter egg cakes, and cut-out cookies were family favorites. She often included these and other sweet treats in her legendary holiday boxes containing exquisitely wrapped individual gifts sent to family and friends at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Adults, children, and even family pets looked forward to the arrival of these boxes. The Fed Ex employees knew this reserved, soft-spoken woman by name because of the regularity of her visits and the number of packages she shipped.
However, Sally didn't think of loved ones only during the holidays. She also wrote notes of encouragement or congratulations in flawless penmanship. A woman of faith, she sent numerous copies of devotions to family and friends. Her organizational skills were exceptional. A birthday card never arrived late. Christmas cards were handmade and addressed months in advance. Everything that she did, she did well and with love. Family was her number one priority, but her definition of family was broad and included many.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Valparaiso First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN. Pastor Jared Kendall will officiate the worship service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1420-1532, IN-2, Valparaiso, IN 46385. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sally's memory to Valparaiso First United Methodist Church or Dunes Hospice. The family would like to express a special thanks to her caregivers and hospice support team for their loving, compassionate care.
Nov 14, 1939 - Jan 14, 2025
To whom it may concern,
Sara "Sally" Katharine McBride (nee Proffitt), age 85, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Michigan City, IN, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at home, taking her final breath while listening to "Lamb of God." She was born November 14, 1939, in Mason, WV.
Surviving are her sister Nancy Proffitt of Mason, WV; three children, Julie (Dr. George) Kolettis of Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Rob (Robyn) McBride of Valparaiso, IN, Greg (Kristi Paull) McBride of Wilsonville, OR; seven grandchildren, Dr. George (Kara) Kolettis, Sara (Matt) Hansen, Nick (Katie) Kolettis, Dr. Rob (Dr. Chloe) McBride, Dr. Ryan McBride, Katie (Jared) Conroy, Becky (Brandon Bird) McBride; eight great-grandchildren; countless friends; and her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Belle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert E. McBride, parents Ray and Evelyn Proffitt, infant son Mark, and brother Jim Proffitt.
Sally graduated from Wahama Junior/Senior High School and enjoyed attending reunions and reconnecting with former classmates. She accomplished many things, but one thing she took great pride in was being a majorette. A portrait of her brother, a band member, and Sally in their uniforms provides a glimpse of who she was as a young woman.
During freshman orientation at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Sally met Bob. He immediately declared that, unlike her family and friends, he would call her "Sara" simply because she had crossed out "Sara" printed on her nametag and had handwritten "Sally." This bold declaration charmed the red-headed beauty, and seven months later, they eloped. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage before his death.
After Bob graduated from college, they lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas before settling in Indiana, but Sally never forgot about West Virginia. When they moved to Valparaiso, she named the lower level her "West Virginia Room" as a tribute to the wild, wonderful state. Sally decorated this space with unique reminders of the beauty of the Ohio River, hills, and waterfalls where she grew up.
Embracing her role as a homemaker, Sally rarely sat still. Her home was spotless and beautifully decorated at all times. Bob lovingly called her the "Energizer Bunny." Always on the search for a new recipe, Sally also appreciated family recipes like homemade noodles and chicken over mashed potatoes and Jello salads. She took meticulous notes, reflecting adjustments made to improve a recipe. A meal at Sally's house was special: candles on the dining room table, dishes that changed with the seasons, and quiet music playing in the background. Her Special K bars, German chocolate Easter egg cakes, and cut-out cookies were family favorites. She often included these and other sweet treats in her legendary holiday boxes containing exquisitely wrapped individual gifts sent to family and friends at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Adults, children, and even family pets looked forward to the arrival of these boxes. The Fed Ex employees knew this reserved, soft-spoken woman by name because of the regularity of her visits and the number of packages she shipped.
However, Sally didn't think of loved ones only during the holidays. She also wrote notes of encouragement or congratulations in flawless penmanship. A woman of faith, she sent numerous copies of devotions to family and friends. Her organizational skills were exceptional. A birthday card never arrived late. Christmas cards were handmade and addressed months in advance. Everything that she did, she did well and with love. Family was her number one priority, but her definition of family was broad and included many.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Valparaiso First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN. Pastor Jared Kendall will officiate the worship service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1420-1532, IN-2, Valparaiso, IN 46385. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sally's memory to Valparaiso First United Methodist Church or Dunes Hospice. The family would like to express a special thanks to her caregivers and hospice support team for their loving, compassionate care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Times from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Sara McBride
Sponsored by The Times.
Make a Donation
in Sara McBride's name
Memorial Events
for Sara McBride
How to support Sara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sara McBride's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
