Sarah Ann Gessner

Sarah Ann Gessner

Sarah Ann Gessner of Hartford, Ct; formerly of Chestnut Hill. November 1, 2021. Beloved daughter of Dr. James and Ann Marie (O’Leary) Gessner of Chestnut Hill. Loving sister of Abby Gessner and her husband Robert Shiffrar of Roslindale.

 Sarah was born on November 2, 1973 in Durham, N.C. and grew up in Jamaica Plain before moving with her family to Chestnut Hill. Sarah was a graduate of the Park School, The Winsor School, Bowdoin College and the University of Connecticut School of Law where she was an editor of the Law Review and a Moot Court Finalist. After law school Sarah worked in Boston at the law firm Dewey, Le Boeuf and later, after moving to Hartford, as an attorney at Pratt and Whitney. At the time of her death she was with Coventry as a Contracts Specialist.

Sarah was a beautiful girl both outside and inside. She cherished her family and always made every occasion happy and lively with her wonderful sense of humor. Our happiest memories will always be when laughing and loving together.

Sarah’s dearest friend was her sister Abby and they loved to recall the happy memories they shared together growing up. Sarah had a very special group of Bowdoin friends and she would connect with them every week on Zoom. This was a highlight in her life.

Sarah’s favorite place in the whole world was Chatham where she spent so many of her happiest moments hanging out with family and enjoying the beach at Scatteree. We were able to be with Sarah in Chatham during the month of August into September.

There are no adequate words to express Sarah’s bright spirit but we will try. Sarah was gentle, kind and loving; intelligent, empathetic and sensitive. She possessed an innate gentility. Not for Sarah the futile posturing of ego, for she was the real thing.

We will hear her laughter echoing through the years ahead and this will lift our spirits always.  

 Funeral services at this time are private.

A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held for all in the spring.