Sarah Sanford

Sarah Baughman Sanford, 51, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her home in Akron after a long illness.

Sarah was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 12, 1974, to Michael Baughman and Judith Rainey Baughman, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Vance, and her two children, Jane and Jude; sisters Bridget (Mickey) Sengos and Maggie (Matt) Sladky; and nephews, Travis (Ashley), Brian, Blake, Luke, and Wade.

Sarah grew up in West Akron, where she attended St. Sebastian School, and was a proud graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Sarah studied English at the University of Dayton, where she was a sister of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and later at the University of Akron. Her most recent employer was Creative Family Wellness, where she was the office manager and career services coordinator.

Sarah loved Diet Coke, stray animals, and Taylor Swift, but her family was her greatest love. Her pride in Jane's and Jude's (the J's) every milestone and accomplishment was evident in conversation and in her frequent and beloved Facebook posts. Her devotion to her Grandmother Rainey led her, at age 16, to get a job at the nursing home where she resided so she could keep an eye on her. She also cared with much devotion for her mom, Judy, when she was in her final days, stopping by daily to make sure she had everything she needed.

Sarah's friendships were extensive and deep. She seemed to know most everyone in Akron, and was so loved. Sarah's wit, humor, and intelligence were a gift to all who knew her. She had the ability to say what everyone else was thinking --but not saying -- in a way that left you belly laughing. She was a strong advocate for the rights and needs of others, especially the LGBTQ community. She did not hesitate to stand up for her principles, and knew more than most people on pretty much every subject. If you did her even a small kindness, you were likely to get a handwritten thank-you note, even as she struggled to control her movements this past year.

Sarah faced a daunting physical illness with grace and an indomitable spirit, and leaves a legacy of love and laughter that will live on in all who knew her. Nearly every day, she reminded us that she was "grateful, hopeful, and prayerful." For the past two years, Vance, her husband of 21 years, cared for her tirelessly in the home so that Sarah could remain involved in Jane's and Jude's lives from her little green room. She had also been surrounded by the love of family and friends in her final weeks.

The Sanford family would like to thank all of the people who supported Sarah for the past two years with visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, meals, and so much more. The family would also like to thank the medical staff and hospice of the Cleveland Clinic for their compassionate care, and especially hospice nurse Angela for providing comfort in her final days.

Please wear your pearls in Sarah's honor this weekend to celebrate her life. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 2, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Road, Copley. A Mass in celebration of Sarah's life will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 164 West Market Street in Akron on Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 am. Friends and family are welcome to gather at Rockne's, 7 Merriman Road, immediately after the Mass.

A memorial trust to benefit Jane and Jude has been established at the Summit Mall branch of Chase Bank. Checks may be written to the Jane Sanford Trust and/or the Jude Sanford Trust, and deposited by stopping into the branch, or mailing the check to: Chase Bank 3265 West Market Street Suite 80 Akron, Ohio 44333