Sarah Elizabeth (Russell) Mann
Sarah Elizabeth (Russell) Mann, 30, of Carbondale, and formerly of Cobden, died on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, surrounded by her family.
Sarah was born on Nov. 15, 1987, to parents John Patrick and Debra Russell of Cobden. She was sister to Rivanna, Nessa, Jenny, Kate, Bekah and John.
She was a graduate of Cobden High School, Shawnee Community College and Western Illinois University.
She was wife to Michael Mann, mother to Abigail, and friend to many.
Sarah was an incredible pianist, a fierce bowler, master of FRIENDS and music trivia and source of inspiration for those going through tough times. She enjoyed watching home movies, creating slideshows for special events and spending time with loved ones.
Sarah’s fighting spirit and enduring positivity inspired so many people to live their lives fully every day, and were comforting to those going through their own tough times. Sarah experienced the miracle of life and joys of motherhood, the love and elation of her wedding day and the victory of being cancer free.
Sarah’s legacy will be defined by her successes, including her significant contribution to a clinical trial that will provide treatment options to others battling cancer, her work in establishing the Festival of LIFE and her commitment to inspiring others with her smile.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at Cobden High School in Cobden, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cobden, with burial to follow at Cobden Cemetery.
Sarah’s childhood home is blooming with daffodils, in lieu of flowers or other arrangements, the family is requesting donations to be made to Sarah’s Festival of LIFE through her website, www.smilingwithsarah.com.
Envelopes for donations will be available at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home, the school and the church.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden is in charge of arrangements.