BERLIN, CT – Sarah, age 49, of Berlin, CT died on February 9, 2023, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Sarah passed away peacefully while surrounded and cared for by her family and loved ones. Words cannot express the sorrow felt by family and friends at the loss of their beloved Sarah.
Sarah was born on August 14, 1973 in Springfield, MA to Nancy Medbury Bartlett (of East Longmeadow, MA) and Robert W. Bartlett, Jr. (of Columbia, CT). Sarah spent her childhood in Kensington, CT, graduating from Berlin High School and earning a Bachelor of Science in General Business with a concentration in art from the University of Rhode Island (URI). She also received her MBA from URI with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Sarah moved to Berlin, CT with her second husband Robert Manzo, whom Sarah wed in May, 2010. In addition, Sarah spent a portion of her summers on Long Lake in Bridgton, Maine. Surviving Sarah are her two children from her first marriage, Sawyer Dunn (23) and Hudson Dunn (18) of Narragansett, RI, her husband Robert Manzo and their two boys Anthony (12) and Walker (9) of Berlin, CT. Sarah worked as a Pega Application Developer with NASCo, concentrating on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Medicare Advantage Customer Service Application. In her early career she worked as the Assistant to the Director of the Newport, RI, Museum and for Citizens Bank as an internal Auditor. Sarah will be known first and foremost as the proud mom of her four lovely children, for her strong support of youth sports programs in Berlin, CT and as a dedicated friend. Always concerned with others' problems and challenges, Sarah was not one to worry about herself. Her infectious positive attitude, love-of-life and concern for others became the envy of all who met Sarah. Even in Sarah's final days, she worried about those she was leaving behind and whether they would be alright. Throughout her lifetime, Sarah's selflessness and love was felt by both friends and family alike. Not just a mom… Sarah was "the" mom. Not just a friend… Sarah was the "best" friend. Not just a sister… Sarah was the “best” sister anyone could hope for. Sarah’s, most notable interests were her love of her family, Berlin youth sports programs, special family get-togethers and intricate crocheting. Always enthusiastic, Sarah was the driving force behind family time. Sarah planned annual family vacations to Long Lake in Maine and organized very special family holiday events. Sarah’s family will forever celebrate the time and love she gave them. While Sarah has left us, she has been re-united with her mother Nancy who passed away in December 2013.
Sarah is survived by her father Robert W. Bartlett, Jr. of Bridgton, ME; by her sister Tracy Williams and her husband Brian of Cumberland, ME and their three children Colby, Jackson and Emma; her Aunt Marilyn Sames and her husband Rufus of Greene, ME; her Uncle Bret Medbury and his wife Laura of Oak Harbor, WA and cousin Brian Medbury and his wife Jenepher and their sons Braydan and Logan of Old Saybrook, CT.
Sarah is predeceased by her Uncle Peter Bartlett of East Hartford, CT, and survived by Betsey Johnston of Niantic, CT, and their sons Mathew Bartlett of Niantic, CT, John Bartlett of Wethersfield, CT, and predeceased by Richard Bartlett of Niantic, CT; and survived by Sarah’s husband’s parents Patricia and Salvatore Manzo of Berlin, CT. Further, Sarah is survived by her husband’s nieces, Casey Hughes, her husband Michael and their children Kensington and Cooper, of Loomis, CA, Taylor Grimes of Truckee, CA and Maddie Burkhart of Danville, CA, all daughters of Sarah’s husband’s predeceased sister Susan Burkhart of Berlin, CT. The family also wishes to remember Susan and Robert’s predeceased brother Anthony Manzo of San Francisco, CA, and Sarah’s dear friends Lucinda Antonacci, Shawnna Kelly and Amy Raimondi who helped care for Sarah throughout her cancer battle.
A small family service is planned. Any additional service or celebration of life will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarah’s honor may be made to an education fund established for Sarah’s two son’s Anthony and Walker. Donations should be made to the Children’s Education Fund, c/o Robert Manzo, 67 Burnham Street, Berlin, CT 06037 or you can Venmo donations to “@Robert-Manzo-3”.
Sarah, you were so selfless and the kind of mother every woman aspires to be. Until we meet again my friend ❤️🙏.
Rest In Peace Sara you will be missed by many but will never be forgotten.💜