Sarah C. McGonagle

YARMOUTH – Sarah C. McGonagle passed away peacefully surrounded by her five children on June 27, 2024, at the age of 92.

Sally was born on April 21, 1932, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of the late Edward F. McGonagle and Sarah Quinn McGonagle, both natives of Portland. Sally graduated from Belmont High School in 1949, then earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1953 and went on to receive her master’s degree in education and teaching from Harvard Radcliff.

Sally, a science teacher at Portland High School and longtime docent at the Portland Museum of Art, lived a vibrant and multifaceted life. In her early years, she was an accomplished figure skater at the Skating Club of Boston, earning the title New England Girls Pairs Champion with her sister, Jane, in 1946 and 1948. Sally was a lifelong learner and supporter of the arts. Her own artistic talents shone through in her skating, painting, and piano playing. She remained active throughout her years, enjoying golf and tennis, walks around Mackworth Island, and especially taking trips to the beach.

Sally’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She served as a longtime Eucharistic minister and Lectern within the Catholic community, demonstrating her strong spiritual commitment.

A loving mother to five children, Sally was known for her boundless energy and zest for life. Strong and determined, adventurous and creative, she was always open to new opportunities and trying new things. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Sally’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the memories she created. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Sally was predeceased by her parents; her half-sister, Emily McGonagle, her half-brother, William McGonagle and her brother, John McGonagle.

Sally is survived by her sister, Jane Kenney, her brother, Ed McGonagle; and her five children, Mary Tawa and her husband Gregory, Monica Sweeney and her husband Pat, and Catherine Vernier and her husband Jim, Daniel Molloy and his wife Jessica, and Peter Molloy and his wife Lisa; and her 11 grandchildren, Keegan, Zoe, Allyson, Patrick, Elena, Sarah, Jack, Maya, Kalei, Kelsey, and Kira. Sally is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews with whom she had close and loving relationships.

Visiting hours celebrating Sally’s life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 26 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on July 27 in the Chapel in the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

To view Sarah’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.Conroy-TullyWalker.com.