Obituary of Sarah Elizabeth Hall

Sarah Elizabeth Long Hall, 90, passed away Monday February 14, 2022 in Northport, ME. Born in Rosebank, Staten Island, NY, Sarah lived in Tottenville for most of her life. She later relocated to Norton, MA and lived the past nine years in Northport. Sarah graduated from New Dorp High School where she was active in their alumni association. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Pratt Institute and later a master’s degree in education from Richmond College. She received a second master’s degree from the College of Staten Island. She also studied at the French Culinary Institute in New York City for two years. Early in her professional career Sarah was a hand model who did television and print work. Her hands were under contract with the Borden Company. She later worked in the test kitchen at Family Circle magazine where she developed recipes and modeled. Early in her marriage Sarah and her husband Bill became foster parents. They cherished the children who came through their home. Sarah later became a home economics and career education teacher at Elias Bernstein Intermediate School in Staten Island. She was an active member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization. After teaching for over 20 years Sarah became a Supervisor for the New York City Board of Education where she wrote curriculum and led the home and career skills practice area. She was a pioneer in the field of gender equity, developing curriculum that was widely modeled by other school systems. She was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents to oversee the state’s education at both the secondary and university level. Sarah was a member of the American Association of University Women. Sarah lived a life of service to God and her community. She was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and a Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church. When she moved to Maine she attended The First Church in Belfast, UCC and was a member of the Belfast Senior Center. Active in her local community, she was responsible for bringing the YWCA to Staten Island. She co-founded the Tottenville Improvement Council and was a Girl Scout leader for 15 years. She taught cooking at the Lighthouse Guild, formerly Lighthouse For The Blind, and was a docent at Richmondtown Restoration and a member of the Tottenville Historical Society. Sarah and Bill opened their home to several international college students studying in the United States. Through her many civic activities and patronship, Sarah touched the lives of people from all walks of life. She was known for her grand sense of optimism, an ability to speak her mind, and her generosity. Sarah loved music. She was lively and spirited and always up for fun. She and her husband traveled extensively. Sarah viewed family, home and faith as the center of her life. She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was predeceased by her husband William C. Hall, her son Glenn Dameron Hall, and her siblings Dr. S. Eugene Long, Dr. Anne Long Morris and J. Richard Long. She is survived by her children Todd Wheeler Hall of Northport, Maine and her daughter Virginia Staton Hall Orzell of Wrentham, MA along with seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family welcomes friends and family in a celebration of life on Saturday February 19, 2022 at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast, ME from 1:00-3:30 pm. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 pm. Burial will take place in New York at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or Lighthouse Guild. Memories and condolences may be shared on her tribute wall.