Obituary of Sarah Elizabeth Iwanski

With great sadness we announce the passing of Sarah Elizabeth Iwanski, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on September 13, 2021. She passed in peace and love surrounded by her children. Although she was born in Manchester, Maryland she grew up in the small town of Auto, West Virginia where many beloved family members still remain. Always adventurous, she was drawn to join the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduating high school where she served as a Communications Specialist. While serving in Honolulu, Hawaii she met her beloved husband of 59 years Eugene Iwanski, who also served in the Air Force. They married in 1959 and lived in several states before settling in Tacoma, Washington in 1971. As a mother of six children, Sarah dedicated much of her life to what she would consider her ultimate legacy. She shined as a mother and grandmother and her family gave her a profound sense of pride. Her immense capacity for love and acceptance extended far beyond her children. Whether it be one of the many, many friends that were brought home or a kitten found on the side of the road, she made room for all. Later in life Sarah became a Red Cross Volunteer where she was able to make a significant impact in her community. True to her nature, she became the Befriender Coordinator in 1987 where she would provide encouragement and comfort to terminally ill patients and their family members, as well as supervising other volunteers. In 1989 she was named Volunteer of the Year for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter American Red Cross. Sarah is survived by her children Eugene Iwanski Jr, Colleen (Bryan) Johnson, Gregg (Angela) Iwanski, Keith (Jeni) Iwanski, Stacey Iwanski, Erika (Brian) Thompson; grandchildren, Dominick Samuels, Isabella Wright, Alex Ebey, Callie Johnson, Teagan Iwanski, Noah Iwanski, Chloe Woodruff and Andrea Iwanski; plus many step grandchildren and great grandchildren. All of whom she loved and touched deeply. She was loved beyond measure and will be missed every day.