Sara J. Orr

Longmeadow – With deep sadness, the family of Sara J. Orr announces her unexpected passing on Monday, September 13, 2021.
Born Sara Murphy in Pittsburgh, PA, to Charles and Roberta Murphy, Sara spent most of her early years in Minnesota where she attended university and married her husband, Michael Orr. After marrying, Sara moved to western Massachusetts where she raised her family, built her career, and made countless friendships.
Sara’s professional life was guided by her strong sense of civic duty and commitment to the advancement of culture and the arts. In the late seventies, Sara began volunteer work at the Springfield Museums. She would go on to provide 30-years of service before her retirement as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing. During her tenure, she worked on a wide range of cultural initiatives involving the arts, science, and history. After her retirement, Sara continued to give back to her community by volunteering at senior centers and libraries in the region. Her intellectual curiosity also remained strong, leading her to study foreign languages, read avidly, and travel.
Sara was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and companion.  Her surviving children are Michael Orr and his wife Barbara of Miami, FL, and Jennifer Picariello and her husband Pat of Yardley PA.  She leaves four cherished grandchildren; Penelope Fong-Picariello, Sloane Picariello, Maria Orr and Joao Orr. Her surviving siblings are Judy, Kathy, Bud and Walter.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and especially with her grandchildren.
Sara lost her husband, Michael, to whom she was married for 45 years, in 2010.
Fortunate to find romantic love late in life, Sara will be missed by her beloved and devoted companion Pete Fessenden, with whom she enjoyed seven years of love and adventure. 
Sara’s life will be celebrated, and her death mourned, during visiting hours at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N Main St., East Longmeadow, on Saturday, September 18, 2021, 2:00–4:00 PM. A brief remembrance of Sara’s life will conclude the service at 4:00PM. Donations may be made to springfieldmuseums.org. To leave an online condolence or for more information, please visit www.forastiere.com.