Sara Frances Markham

Sara Frances (Norris) Markham, 77, of West Hartford, passed away at home on May 2, 2025 after a mercifully brief illness.

Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, she raised her family primarily in West Hartford with her soulmate and husband of 47 years, Richard (known to many by her pet-name Mark), whose life she made meaningful and complete.

She launched two daughters, Katherine and Emily, into lives of success, accomplishment, a strong sense of family, and thoughtful citizenship.

Sara received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Having broken ground as the first woman to be the top civilian administrator (for many years) of the Hartford Fire Department, she retired from the City of Hartford as the Revenue Manager.

A longtime member of the First Church of Christ in Hartford (Center Church), she held various leadership positions as well as fostered a strong faith family.

At the Town and County Club she served as Treasurer and on numerous committees, enriching and being enriched in the company of accomplished women. Its scholarship committee for women of non-traditional college age was a further extension of her empowerment of women overall.

As Treasurer of the Greater Hartford Larrabee Fund Association, she valued supporting women in need.

She is also survived by sisters, Sally Cabanski and her two daughters in Texas, and Susan Norris in West Hartford. Sons-in-law David and Danny are a blessing, as are three grandsons for whom she was their “Little Nonna.”

She loved living in a warm neighborhood, which will miss her chocolate cake, potato salad, and macaroons. 

We dare not try to mention dear and special friends, far too numerous—you know she loved you.

Our angels from Hartford Healthcare at Home and Homewatch CareGivers, Cleo, Sheila and Marie, remain in the family’s hearts.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Sara’s life will be held at a future date at Center Church in Downtown Hartford. The family invites you to express your love for Sara through donations to Hands on Hartford (https://handsonhartford.org/).