Sarah Stanhope

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — Sarah Jane Stanhope, Pat or Sadie to her friends and extended family, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Hospice House in Rock Hill, S.C., on Friday, Jan 8, 2016.

She was a lifelong resident of Portland until the passing of her late husband, John E. Stanhope Sr. in February 2013. At that time, she moved to live with her son, Gary and his wife, Becky, in Indian Land, S.C.

Sarah was born in Portland on April 26, 1921 to Minnie Long and Leonard Austin. She grew up in Portland, and along with her only sibling Alfreda, and graduated from Portland High, where she got the nickname Sadie.

She spent her early adult years at Birch Knolls, Cape Elizabeth with her two children, Gary and Pamela.

She met her second husband and the love of her life, John E. Stanhope Sr., while working at the Portland Gas Light Company. He was introduced to her by fellow Portland police officer Warren Titcomb and his wife Ginny and remained close friends with them for the rest of their years. Sarah and John married in 1959 and moved into their home on Brighton Avenue within the year along with John Jr., Pamela and Gary, their three children. They remained in the same until John Sr.’s passing. Sarah worked at the gas company until she retired in the mid 1980s. Sarah loved reading fiction, knitting and cross-stitching.

Sarah and John enjoyed camping and square dancing. They and a large group of friends and fellow square dancers would travel throughout northern New England and Canada to square dance and go camping in their yellow VW camper/van. They enjoyed their family and spending time with children and grandchildren. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always held for the entire family and extended family at their Brighton Avenue home. Sarah’s love of Christmas left many fond memories for all.

Sarah is survived by her sons, Gary Morton of Indian Land, S.C. and John E. Stanhope Jr. of Sebago; daughter, Pamela Peterson of Portland; 11 grandchildren; two nieces; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-nephews and two great-nieces.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, 10 a.m., at St. Pius X, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. The service will continue at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. A reception for friends and family will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, immediately following the graveside service.