Obituary for Sara Whalen
Sara Whalen, founder and executive director of Pets Alive, died on Monday, March 19, 2007 at O.R.M.C. Horton Campus Middletown. She was 64.
The daughter of the late Harold and Ruth Stulman Seiden, she was born on December 16, 1942 in Jersey City, N.J.Sara moved to the Middletown area in the 1970's, and in 1971 rescued her first dog, a golden retriever. She became a fearless, tireless defender of animals. Sara's Pets Alive was one of the first no-kill shelters on the east coast. She rescued over 7500 dogs during her lifetime, leaving a legacy of absolute and undying love and devotion to all animals.
A statement from family and friends reads: "Sara began her life's mission at the age of 12. She followed her dream of rescuing and finding loving homes for animals. She endured through many obstacles to create her animal sanctuary. Over time, it cost her marriage, her health and her belongings-everything was for the animals. Sara's rewards for her life's efforts were the thousands of animals that she saved from certain death. The animals, and all of us, thank you, Sara".
She is survived by her two sons, Adam Whalen and his wife, Carlotta, and Timothy Whalen, both of California; her brother, William Seiden and his wife, Barbara of Avon, Conn.; dear friends, Kerry Clair and Matt DeAngelis.The family wishes to give special thanks to Tom and Nancy, Stephen, Carolyn, Susan, Anita, Michael, Patty and Marcelle Matthews for their love and care of Sara.
A Memorial Celebration of Sara's life will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her beloved Pets Alive, 139 Derby Road, Middletown, NY 10940, or honor her by volunteering your time at the sanctuary, volunteer@petsalive.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
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The daughter of the late Harold and Ruth Stulman Seiden, she was born on December 16, 1942 in Jersey City, N.J.Sara moved to the Middletown area in the 1970's, and in 1971 rescued her first dog, a golden retriever. She became a fearless, tireless defender of animals. Sara's Pets Alive was one of the first no-kill shelters on the east coast. She rescued over 7500 dogs during her lifetime, leaving a legacy of absolute and undying love and devotion to all animals.
A statement from family and friends reads: "Sara began her life's mission at the age of 12. She followed her dream of rescuing and finding loving homes for animals. She endured through many obstacles to create her animal sanctuary. Over time, it cost her marriage, her health and her belongings-everything was for the animals. Sara's rewards for her life's efforts were the thousands of animals that she saved from certain death. The animals, and all of us, thank you, Sara".
She is survived by her two sons, Adam Whalen and his wife, Carlotta, and Timothy Whalen, both of California; her brother, William Seiden and his wife, Barbara of Avon, Conn.; dear friends, Kerry Clair and Matt DeAngelis.The family wishes to give special thanks to Tom and Nancy, Stephen, Carolyn, Susan, Anita, Michael, Patty and Marcelle Matthews for their love and care of Sara.
A Memorial Celebration of Sara's life will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her beloved Pets Alive, 139 Derby Road, Middletown, NY 10940, or honor her by volunteering your time at the sanctuary, volunteer@petsalive.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
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