Mrs. Sarah A. Mottershead

Mrs. Sarah Anne Mottershead, (Sally) formerly of Pittsfield, MA, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, just one month after celebrating her 94th birthday. Born in Crove, Carrick, County Donegal, Ireland, on December 11, 1930, the daughter of John and Sarah Byrne she graduated from the one-room Crove School. At the age of 19, Sarah moved to Manchester, England, where she joined her elder sisters working various jobs. It was in England that she met the love of her life, Robert. Robert fell in love with an Irish lass who was witty, always good fun, and quick with a joke. The two wed in 1960 and moved to Timperley Village, Altrincham to start their family. In 1969, an opportunity arose abroad for Robert to work at General Electric in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. They put down roots that have lasted into the new generation of grandchildren, Sarah’s home is affectionately referred to as “121” by her daughters, and is the location of many happy family occasions hosted by Sarah, who took great pride in her home. The love between Sarah and Robert was great and evident to whoever met them. Together they traveled often, regularly visiting their beloved England and Ireland. In their later years, it became commonplace for people they encountered to comment upon their continuing devotion to and love for one another. Sarah was known for her stories, love of family, and devout faith. She was a longtime parishioner of the former St. Francis Church and former St. Mary’s Church, Pittsfield, and currently St. Agnes Church in Dalton Sarah is survived by her husband, Robert Mottershead, with whom she would have celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary on February 27, 2025. She leaves behind her children, Deborah Evans and husband, Jim, of Richmond MA; Yvonne Grove and husband, Nate, of Durham, NH; and Cheryl Mottershead of Amherst, MA as well as her six grandchildren Justin Evans (Meg), Jennifer Evans (Wyatt), Connor Grove (Kelsy), Keenan Grove and wife Jillian Kaufman Grove, Fiona Grove and William Grove. She leaves behind her brother, Michael Byrne of Coventry England and sister-in-law Brid Byrne of Crove, Carrick, Ireland. Besides her parents, Sarah was predeceased by her brothers Paddy Byrne, Johnny Byrne, Con Byrne, Frank Byrne and Joe Byrne; and by her sisters Hannah Cannon, Ellen Byrne, Bridget Walton and Mary Dawe along with their spouses. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Mount Carmel for their love and care of Sarah this past year. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Anne Mottershead will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. Entombment will follow at St. Michael The Archangel Chapel Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarah’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mrs. Sarah A. Mottershead

December 11, 1930 - January 15, 2025