Sara Louise Rossberg

Sara Louise Rossberg (nee Barrord) went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2016.  She is survived by her 5 children Bill Rossberg of Charlottesville, VA, Jim Rossberg of Herndon, VA (wife Jan), Tom Rossberg (wife Lisa), Sue Phipps (husband Tom) and Patti Demme (husband Dominic) all of Ellicott City, and by her brother Vince Barrord (wife Josie) of Alliance, OH and many nieces and nephews. She was the loving grandmother of 14 grandchildren - Daniel, Molly, Katie and Maggie Rossberg, Jenny and Chris Rossberg, Casey, Michael and Emily Rossberg, Tommy and Summer Phipps, and Sara, Anne Marie and Matthew Demme.  She was preceded in death by her husband William C. Rossberg, Sr. and sister Mary Nell Koah of Beaver Falls, PA.

Sara was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1926 to Vincent and Nell Barrord.  She graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1944 and later graduated from Geneva College.  While in school, Sara took a position processing G.I. Bills from all of the returning World War II veterans, a job she enjoyed very much. She earned her MA in Business Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She accepted a position at the Baltimore Secretarial College teaching typing and shorthand. It was during this time that one of her students introduced her to Bill, her future husband.  She also taught at Michigan State University Business School, in East Lansing, MI.  It was there that she and Bill were married on April 16, 1955.

The newlyweds settled in Catonsville where they raised their children.  They were married for 38 years before Bill’s (whom she called Willie) passing.  Bill was a pharmacist and owner of Charles Rossberg Jr. Pharmacy in Morrell Park.  Sara managed the books for the store as well as much of the retail inventory purchases including stationary and greeting cards ~ to the end of her life, Sara loved buying greeting cards and never missed an opportunity to send one to friends or family.

Sara was a devout Roman Catholic, which she remained for the duration of her life. She was a longtime member of St. Mark parish in Catonsville where all of her children attended school.  She was later a member of St. Alphonsus Rodriquez in Woodstock, MD and Our Lady of the Angels at the Charlestown Retirement Community.

Sara was an avid sports fan. She loved all sports, but was particularly fond of playing golf and cheering on the Orioles and the Baltimore Colts/Ravens. A lifelong fan of both teams, she followed them with unmatched enthusiasm. She was always ready to discuss how either team had played the night, the week, or even ten years before. She loved reading stats and catching up on post-game analyses in the Sports section of The Baltimore Sun. She was known for her passionate running commentary during any O's or Ravens game.

She shared her passion for golf with her husband and they enjoyed a long membership at Rolling Road Golf Club where she was a member of the ladies 9 hole and 18 hole groups.  Bill and Sara had a wonderful group of friends who would take golf vacations to Tides Inn in Virginia ~ she had many wonderful memories with the ‘Tides Group’ as she called them.

Additionally, Sara loved playing bridge with her friends and going on annual summer beach vacations with her family to Ocean City, Maryland.  She and Bill also enjoyed many trips abroad including Europe and the UK.  Her family will remember her amazing crab cakes and peach pies, her infectious laugh and smile, and her genuine interest in the lives of those she loved.

Rest in Peace mom, Gram, Gramma  ~ we love you.