Sara Lantz Holt

Sara Lantz (Cain) Holt, 87, of Freedom, formerly of Beaver, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2010 while under the compassionate care of the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford. She was born April 4, 1923 in Beaver, daughter of the late Frank E. and Effie Beatrice “Bea” (Campbell) Cain.

Sara was a graduate of Beaver High School, Class of 1941; and was often involved in planning and participating in her class reunions.

Known affectionately as Mum, she loved her family and friends; especially those in her bridge club. Many of those friends have been friends since the First Grade. Mum loved wild flowers and nature. She organized countless picnics at Brady’s Run Park; and summer campfires at her house. Family and friends, hot dogs and homemade S’mores, Mum always said the more the merrier. She was a long-time member of the Freedom Women’s Club and also served on the New Sewickley Township Election Board. She was employed as a teacher’s aide for Freedom High School and also as a Dial-a-Bus Driver for Beaver County. She was also a member of St. Felix Catholic Church, Freedom.

In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her husband: Lester Paul Holt; a daughter: Susan Amanda Holt; her sister: Mary Beatrice “Bitsy” Patton; and two sons-in-law: Anthony Contestabile and David Steinacker.

Mum is survived by six children and spouses: Matthew and Cydny Holt, Severn, MD; Rebecca Contestabile, State College, PA; Molly Steinacker, State College, PA; Polly and Ralph Headland, with whom she resided, Beaver Falls, PA; Holly and Randy Deemer, Cranberry Township; Amy and Kent Herndon, Ft. Collins, CO; thirteen grandchildren: Michael, Megan, Kara, Lisa, Anne, Matthias, Mary, Kimberly, Lantz, Laura, Timothy, Emily and Rachel; three great grandchildren: Madison, Jai and Lily; and cherished by her sister Bitsy’s children: Linda, Edward and Sarah; and many other loving nieces and nephews.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. A family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090 or to the Susan Holt-S.L.V. Children’s Fund, c/o 7111 Diamond Street, Alamosa, CO 81101. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.

The family expresses warm thanks to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice House for their T.L.C. given to Mum. They also want to pass on Mum’s treasured words of wisdom: D.F.T.S.Y.P.