Sarah J. Hovsepian

WEST BOYLSTON- Sarah Jane (Nutt) Hovsepian, 73, of West Boylston, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at UMass Medical Center with her children at her side.

She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Leon Hovsepian II, who died in 2005. She is survived by her daughter Lisa "Kip" Hovsepian of Worcester, Massachusetts; son Leon Hovsepian III, daughter-in-law, Jamie Lee, and grandchildren, Leo and Logan Hovsepian, all of Brooklyn, New York; brother Robert Nutt, sister-in-law, Mary Beirne Nutt, of Staunton, Virginia; as well as many nieces and nephews. Her other three siblings, Janet Nutt Lembke, Joseph Randolph Nutt III, and Virginia Nutt Shaffer Leonard, passed away in recent years.

Sarah Jane was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 15, 1947, daughter of Joseph Randolph II and Sarah (East) Nutt. A graduate of both Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, Virginia, and Goucher College, Sarah also earned a Master's Degree from Loyola University. She worked as a career counselor for 24 years at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts, before retiring in 2003 to focus on boating, RVing, and traveling with her beloved husband.

After her husband Leon's passing, Sarah devoted herself to a variety of causes, interests, and hobbies. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels deliveries and programming at the West Boylston Senior Center. Sarah enjoyed genealogy and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed being an active member of the Red Hat Society, and was a septuagenarian rebel in her own mild-mannered way. A true believer in the life-long enjoyment of learning, she took classes at various colleges and institutions on topics as far-reaching as world politics, pre-calculus, biology, flower-arrangement, occupational therapy, and reiki.

A lover of games, Sarah was a competitive Scrabbler, formidable Cribbage opponent, avid Gin Rummy player, and Wii bowling enthusiast. She loved watching MSNBC political analysis and following current events, but was astonished by just how bizarre the news and world events had become. Sarah cherished spending time near the ocean in Cape Ann and going on beach walks, while her outgoing spirit found her taking in the theater and trying new restaurants regularly. Wherever she went, Sarah made new friends from all walks of life.

Whether an old friend or a new acquaintance, Sarah had a smile for everyone. Her ever-present optimism and positivity were unstoppable. She had a big and generous heart that she shared with all in her life, and made her an ever-loyal and dependable friend. Sarah also cared deeply for animals – especially her companion dog Riley and cat Rufus – a passion she shared with best friend Sandy Flynn, longtime housemate Joanne Paquette, and daughter Lisa. A peacemaker in spirit, she always looked out for the underdog. Simply stated, many claim Sarah as the best person they have ever known.

As testament to Sarah's inspirational positivity, the final declaration she issued with a smile was, "I have decided that Death will be my next great adventure!"

A visiting hour at Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street, will be held Friday, February 21, at 11am with a Celebration of Life beginning at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to organizations Sarah supported: the Worcester Animal Rescue League (www.worcesterarl.org) or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org).