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Sara Mackey Obituary
December 14, 1976
February 22, 2014
Sara Alice Mackey died at the age of 37 of respiratory failure after two months struggling with pneumonia. Her family, Don, Vicki, Wayne and Ann were all with her at her last peaceful breath.
Sara was born in Portland, Oregon, and was still a baby when the family moved to Sparks, NV. The mountains were always calling her name, and Tahoe was ever present in so many of her activities. After a few years at UNR, and then graduating from the UNLV Harrah College of Hotel Administration, Sara became an employee of the Four Seasons Hotel organization, working in Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Her last posting was at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. During her 15 years with Four Seasons, Sara worked in almost every position from the ground up, achieving the position of Human Resources Director at Jackson Hole. With the Four Seasons, Sara travelled the world, helping at numerous properties on special projects. She shared many stories of the places she visited and the friends she had around the world.
Sara loved a glass of red wine that tasted like the cellar floor, the sun shining on the Teton Range as she drove to work in Jackson, the mountain wilderness covered in snow, the wolves re-introduced in Yellowstone Park, and Mom's pecan finger cookies at Christmas time. She and her dad could recite great lines from movies such as "A Few Good Men" and "Pretty Woman".
Sara said on her last day "I had a great ride". Indeed she did. She packed a lot of living into 37 years. She affected so many people with her positive attitude and compassion. She made us all proud to be her family, and her passing will hopefully inspire us to live life as fully as Sara did.
There will be no memorial service. Always one to bring her friends and family together to tell stories of her latest adventure, with your next drink, say a toast to Sara's fantastic spirit and compassionate soul, and tell a story in her memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sara Mackey
Sponsored by The Mackey Family.
Eric Fine
September 23, 2023
I studied abroad through France, Switzerland and Italy with Sara in 2001 with UNLV.
I am so sorry for your loss but grateful I was able to spend quality time with Sara.
I think of her often...
Marie Roan
February 28, 2023
I think of you every time the snow falls and the dogs and I are out walking by the river. I wish you were here to enjoy beautiful Colorado with us. You'll always be in my heart.
Marie Roan
March 1, 2021
I dreamed of you last night, my friend, and then a message from Legacy popped up in my email. Remember when you brought me snow from one of your adventures? I still have the photo of the snow in the bottle in my office. I miss you and your laugh and your jokes and your positive attitude. I'll see you the other side, little sister. Big hugs. XO
Stefanie O’Neil McKnight
February 28, 2021
I still think about you all the time and tell fun stories about you Sara!
Virginia & Marco Pena
March 2, 2019
We love you through your sweet and loving Mother.
GOD
December 14, 2017
Little Girl
I am so grateful that you were born 41 years ago. And I am blessed with the memory of the love we had for each other. You are here in my heart and I cry for you every day. Bless you, Sweetheart.
Lisa & Mike Riddle
March 11, 2015
My husband & I were hiking along the trails of The Four Seasons Hotel in Santa Fe. We came across a marker in Sara's honor & were touched beyond words. It has stayed with me for days, I finally did some research which lead me to writing this note. I never met Sara, but would have liked to have known her after reading everyone's messages. She seems like a very special person, leaving an impression on 2 strangers from Texas. Her memory is now with me & I will share what we saw on the trails with my friends.
Our love, thoughts & prayers to Sara's family.
Mike & Lisa
Melissa Gamble-Livingston
February 21, 2015
What I wouldn't give for one more call, drink, laugh or dinner with you! Missing you..?
Jennifer Morrison (Harshbarger)
July 13, 2014
So saddened to hear of Sara's passing. She was such a happy, thoughtful friend.
We had some great times in band. One of my fondest memories of her is when she hosted a lunch at her house for all us from the percussion line that were graduating. We all had such a great day! I unfortunately lost contact with her after high school.
My thoughts and prayers for you in this time. Heaven has truly gained a beautiful angel.
Mary Vaughan
April 1, 2014
Sara,
I love you and miss you! My spirit went into shock when I heard the news of your passing. I continue to light the odd candle in your honour and memory with a little prayer for your parents and brother. In addition, I will raise the odd glass of red to you each year to keep your spirit alive with me. Thanks for being a great colleague and friend. x
March 18, 2014
Dearest Vicki family & friend.
We are sending our love and prayers to our special friend Vicki. Our heart are hurting for you and the family.
May God bless you in your pain as you always remember your sweet Sara.
God bless always,
Marco & Virginia Pena
March 13, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We notified Kelly and Tony and they send their condolences also. Everyone was saddened by your loss.
Judie & Doug Elliott
Karen Campbell
March 13, 2014
Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, Sara. You and your
family are in my prayers.
Leslie Maldonado
March 12, 2014
I was saddened to read of Sara's passing. I remember her as a beautiful child full of life. I send strength and love and keep you in my prayers during this very difficult time in your lives. Leslie
Lynette & George Hauptman
March 12, 2014
Our love to Don, Vicki and Wayne
Kate Fischer
March 11, 2014
Sara will be remembered as a full loving, vibrant and loving woman. She always lived life to its fullest. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Prue Krishnayyya
March 11, 2014
Beautiful Sara. My wharfie. I miss you every day. My heart is heavy but I am forever grateful for the time we spent together. Much love to your family.
Jodie Cunningham
March 11, 2014
I miss you.
March 11, 2014
Our prayers go with you now and forever.
Faye and Jerry Cheek
March 11, 2014
Vicki, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. In Christ's love, Wanda
Fitts
John & Kareen Keilman
March 11, 2014
Our hearts are with you Vicki. Losing a child (no matter what her age) leaves a hole in the heart. Take strength from Jesus and the church family.
Linda & Wayne Glasscock
March 11, 2014
Vicki, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Love & peace, Linda & Wayne Glasscock
Pastor Howard Dotson
March 10, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Pettibone (Davis)
March 10, 2014
How sad to lose such a beautiful soul. Out of touch, I still think of our times together in Reno. Beautiful memories she has left.
Steve Welsh
March 9, 2014
Don and family, my heart goes out to you. As I sit here with tears in my eyes I know exactly what your going through. Kris and I did not have the opportunity to meet Sara, but she sounds like a person we would have enjoyed. Life's an adventure as it sounds like she lived it. Don, I look forward to talking to you. Steve
March 7, 2014
Don, Vicky and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this time. Troy, Coleen and all of us at LuLou's.
Bryan Foster
March 7, 2014
Sara was always such a positive, upbeat and an optimistic person. I haven't talked to her or seen her in 12 years, but for the fact that those words come to mind when I think of her lets me know that she was one of those people that you'll always remember along the course of your life for the fantastic person she is! I miss you Sarah! See you at the cross road!
Jim Middagh
March 7, 2014
Don: My words are so inadequate to express my feelings for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lindsey Wood
March 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Its very sad to lose such a great person. Ive known Sara since high school and will always remember her cheery, smiling face.
Arda Itez
March 7, 2014
Sara my friend, how you inspired and held me up at a time that I needed it the most. I will see you on the other side my friend. Love you always.
Jerilyn Gann
March 7, 2014
I remember babysitting Sara when you moved to Reno. She would hide her Lego pieces all over the house on Gordon Ave. My prayers are with you all. It sounds like she had a wonderful life and I know she has a wonderful family.
Bless you all.
Jerilyn Gann
Stefanie O'Neil McKnight
March 6, 2014
Sara, Moonshine, friend,
You were the person that was sent to be my best friend when I needed one most- during our crazy teenage years! We had so much fun and did so many crazy things together! Even though we lost touch later on, I never felt bad about it...we had very different paths to follow and I knew that I would never forget how much you meant to me and I knew you were in my life when you were supposed to be. I am so sad today but I'm so happy that Sara lived the life she wanted...she always knew didn't she! To Don, Vicki and Wayne, you were always so wonderful to me and I ache for you.
With love from Stardust,
Ron DeRushe
March 6, 2014
So sad, I remember Sara had a little Corgie and I used to give her grief that if her dog ever got drunk he wouldn't have far to fall. Great smile and great person.
Joe Bischopink
March 6, 2014
I am very saddened by this news. I remember Sara with fondness from my childhood growing up in Sparks.
March 6, 2014
So sorry to hear of Sara's passing. We were friends when we were kids. I can still remember my 9th birthday party and her making silly faces at the camera every time my mom took a picture. May her adventurous spirit live on in all that knew her. My prayers go out to her family.
Jinny Tomozy(Chang)
March 6, 2014
Sara was my friend and next door neighbor. As kids, we were crazy and wild, and had lots of fun. Sara was always the responsible one. Making sure we always abide by the rules and did the right thing. I knew then she would be a fantastic grown up. Sounds like I was right. Rest peacefully Sara.
Joanna Weir
March 6, 2014
What a wonderful friend, sister, and daughter Sara was. She will be missed.
Viola Gamble
March 5, 2014
I remember when we met Sarah, it was thru my sis Melissa, I remember thinking how well you had yourself together, full of life and happiness, and thinking I wanna be like Sarah when I grow up. What a beautiful woman you are. We will all miss you dearly, RIP Sarah
Monica Everett
March 5, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sara helped me reach a dream to be in Africa for a year. I feel blessed for the opportunity. Sara had a zest for life. I'm happy that she was able to get to the mountains for these last months...it's God's country/Heaven on earth.
Eric Fine
March 5, 2014
So terribly sorry for your loss. Sara helped brighten every situation and her infectious personality will never be forgotten.
March 5, 2014
Dear Sara, only met you once, but knew you were going place with the Four Seasons. Sorry you left so soon. Would have loved to hear the 5 star lifestyle. You will be missed especially by Jodi who loved you so much. God bless you. Anthony Sartino
Gene Armstrong
March 5, 2014
Can't imagine loosing your child. My prayers are with you Don & Vicki, and all of the family. So sorry.
Melissa Gamble-Livingston
March 5, 2014
Sara Smile! I will miss your wit the most. You were always able to put a smile on my face. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. You will always be family to me. Love you lots. My thoughts are with your family G.O.D "Good ole Dad", Mom "Vicki" and Wayne and Anne. I will toast you every chance I get! R.I.P
Christy Paciolla
March 5, 2014
Sara will live forever in my memory. My heart is with her family.
Valli Menzia
March 5, 2014
Sara:
You will always have a place in our hearts. I know that you are the young angel in heaven who will look over all of us down here. Love you and miss you.
Aunt
Marie Roan
March 4, 2014
Miss Sara, I will miss your laugh, your smile, and most of all your friendship. You were an inspiration to all of us.
Giselle Zagari
March 4, 2014
I'm so shocked to see my childhood friend gone from this world too soon. You were always so energetic and I was lucky and blessed to grow up with you. I will never for get sleep overs at your house and playing as little girls. I'm so proud of everything you accomplished in your life. May you rest in peace now that your struggle is over, may your family have strength to make it through this tragic time, and may those around you know how blessed they are to have known you. I know you and my brother will be watching over all of us. All my love.
Kathy Peak
March 4, 2014
Vicky, Don & family, my heart aches with your loss. May your memories bring you peace. All my love, Kathy Peak
Sheri Mclaughlin
March 4, 2014
All who attended school with Sara will never forget her contagious smile and warm personality. She was a true light and will be missed. Love and prayers to her family and many friends.
Erin DiPietro
March 4, 2014
So many great memories of brownies and marching band. Peace and love to you and your family, Sara. RIP.
Tammy Mackey Valentine
March 4, 2014
Sara touched so many lives and accomplished so much. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sending love to Don, Vic, Wayne and Ann.
Megan Callahan
March 4, 2014
Did not know her, but always so sad to see someone so young pass on. :*( may you rest in peace Sara. Condolence' s to your family.
Mike & Terri Murray
March 4, 2014
All our love to the Mackey Family, we will remember Sara, always smiling and happy, and bringing joy to all around her.
Sally DiPietro Pappas
March 4, 2014
Godspeed Sara.. A million prayers for you and your beautiful family . I know you will be watching over your family and friends.....XO
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