Sarah Pratt Dawley, 61

Surrounded by her family, Sarah Dawley passed away October 8, 2026, at age 61 from bile duct cancer at her home in Acton. Sarah was born November 1, 1964, in Putnam, Connecticut, to Charles and Joan Pratt. 

In 1966, Sarah’s family moved to Exeter, New Hampshire, where she attended Exeter public schools and Philips Exeter Academy. Sarah studied French at Dartmouth College, where she was awarded the Crane Prize in French and Italian Literature. Her lifelong interest in and love of the French language had begun at 11 years old when the Pratt family spent a year in Rennes, France. She subsequently received her master’s degree in teaching at Lesley University.

Sarah met the love of her life, Jack, whom she married in 1991, and they soon welcomed two daughters, Liza and Anna. Sarah was her happiest when surrounded by her two children, their spouses, and her husband. She was especially looking forward to becoming a grandmother later this fall. Sarah spent her childhood summers on Cape Cod with her family and shared that love for the water with her own children.

Sarah followed in her parents’ footsteps, dedicating her life to guiding young learners. She taught kindergarten at The Fessenden School and was a teaching assistant at Merriam School in Acton for many years. Most recently, Sarah taught at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Preschool, sharing her love of nature. Sarah met each student with gentle care and compassion.

Whether she was taking long walks with friends and family, snowshoeing with Jack, sailing in her family’s H-12 “Nugget” on Buzzards Bay, or watching hummingbirds from the porch with a cup of coffee, Sarah loved being outside enjoying nature. She could often be found with a book or knitting project in hand, or caught up in a competitive game with family or friends.

The Maya Angelou quote Sarah kept on her dresser sums up how she lived her life: “… people will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is made evident through her many cherished friendships that she carried with her throughout her life. Sarah’s friends have emphasized her kindness, generosity, gentleness, compassion, and moral clarity.

Sarah is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years Jack; her two children Liza (Kris) and Anna (Shannon); her mother Joanie; brother Tim (Kerri); as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sarah is predeceased by her father, Charlie Pratt.

Service details will be provided at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we invite donations to one of Sarah’s preferred causes: Bourne Conservation Trust or The Human Rights Campaign.