Sara Y. SQUIER

Sara Y. SQUIER, 100, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, November 1, 2024, in Phenix City, AL with her daughter, Michele, and son-in-law, Keith, by her side. Born January 23, 1924, in Yukon, PA, she was the youngest daughter of first-generation immigrants, Samuel and Sara Yaksich. Her six sisters and older brother were close their entire lives, showing up for tough times and to celebrate triumphs. Sara earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1945. She moved to Ulysses, PA to begin her first job as a music teacher for Ulysses Elementary School. This is where she met a handsome soldier that served in the European Theatre, Oliver W. Squier. They married on December 21, 1946, in Youngwood, PA, with their best friends, Anna and Dewitt Chase, as witnesses.

In 1970, Sara obtained a Master of Science in Education from Alfred University. She would then finish her career as a guidance counselor for BOCES in Whitesville and Greenwood, NY. She retired in 1985 after positively influencing the lives of countless students, some of which stayed in touch with her throughout the years. Sara was a mover and shaker in her community. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Ulysses. She held the positions of president of the Ulysses Boro Council and Mayor of Ulysses. Passionate about music, she was the church organist, director of the bell choir, and founded and conducted the Ulysses Community Band in many rousing renditions of Sousa’s “Stars & Stripes Forever.”

Sara’s North Star was her faith. She lived her values through both word and deed, instilling them in her daughters: have empathy for humankind, find meaningful life’s work, give 100% in all you do, tithe to your church or organizations that make the world a better place, give to your community through volunteerism or by whatever means you have available, find joy in your hobbies and interests, establish a network of deep friendships and let music be part of your life – whether you play, sing, create or listen. In her words, Live, Love, Learn, Think, Give, Laugh, Try. Early in her retirement Sara stayed fit by walking regularly with her female friends, joined a local hiking club and had numerous adventures with close friend Charlotte Freeman – visiting the Holy Lands, cruising to Alaska and never passing up a good local event. Sara also shared a special friendship with her niece Joyce Yasko with special times spent at Chautauqua Institution.

In her later years, Sara moved to Lansing, NY, to live with her daughter Pennee and son-in-law, T.J. Sara enjoyed walking, reading, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, an occasional golf outing, and spending time with her family.

Surviving are: three daughters, Pennee (T.J.) Barresi of Lansing, NY, Michele (Keith) Kilday of Phenix City, AL, and Sheila Squier of Ithaca, NY; grandchildren, Carly (John), Oliver, Mitchel (Brooke), Treyson (Caitlin) and Teagen (Maclaine); great-grandchildren, Tucker, Mason, Rees, Nico and Callan. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by six sisters, Helen Yaksich, Cecile “Cease” Yaksich, Bess James, Nat Craft, Laura Mountain, and Lou Jackson; and a brother, Nick Yuksic.

On January 23, 2024, Sara's 100th birthday was celebrated at The First Baptist Church of Ulysses. Surrounded by family, many friends, and former students, it was a moment for those she impacted to share their stories and memories with her directly. Her kindness, humility, strength, and faith were the touchstones of her life. She loved well and was well loved.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at The First Baptist Church of Ulysses. Rev. Matthew A. Carswell will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. No flowers please. Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Ulysses, P.O. Box 268, Ulysses, PA 16948, Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948 or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.