Sarah Blake Anderson-Brownlee

Sarah Blake Anderson-Brownlee passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024 at the age of twenty-three after being diagnosed with a brain tumor that was a late-term effect of her pediatric leukemia treatment that began when she was three. Sarah loved friendly hugs and family snuggles, her family, friends, teachers, and doctors. Throughout her life she was supported by a rich and varied community. She was a passionate defender of the environment, especially whales. She also loved music, dancing, and singing along to ABBA, the Weavers, Dan Zanes, They Might Be Giants, musicals, and the Beatles. She was remarkably good at Spelling Bee, Connections, Hearts, and Scrabble - she was the master of finding nooks and crannies to fit a few letters in a crowded board that managed to form multiple words and gain dozens of points. Sarah graduated from the Falk Laboratory School, with honors from the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy where she won the Spirit of Sci-Tech award at graduation, and City Connections, and was studying for an Associates Degree at CCAC. She loved volunteering at the Pittsburgh Aviary, Ten Thousand Villages, and Grow Pittsburgh. Sarah is survived by her adoring family including her parents, Kate Brownlee and James Anderson; her siblings Hannah and Matthew Anderson-Brownlee, and her doting grandparents Susan and David Brownlee and Marjorie and Jim Anderson. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles - Anne and Andy Fisher, Dargie and Justin Bowersock, Joe Anderson, and Hilding Anderson as well as her cousins - Adah, David, Madison, Lawson, Henry, Cameron, Elliot, Ash, Lyra, Grace, Jed, and Sarah Beth - and members of her extended family. We are so grateful to the many caring communities that supported Sarah during her lifetime and brought her joy and support. They helped her make the most of the time she had and enjoy life despite her many struggles. First and foremost, this includes the dozens of clinicians who cared for Sarah at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who saved her life and made her feel protected. Our deepest gratitude to all of them, especially Dr. Michael Wollman, Mary Ellen Chunchick, and Dr. Patricia Crumrine. In addition, Sarah's many truly remarkable educators at Shady Lane pre-school, Falk, Sci-Tech, and City Connections helped her learn and thrive. The Friendship Circle, the National Aviary, Ten Thousand Villages, Grow Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Evolve Coaching all provided Sarah social connections and safe places where she could socialize and contribute in supportive, caring environments. In lieu of flowers, Sarah would love people to donate to the causes she cared about. Please feel free to give to any group listed above or the environmental charity of your choice. Helping to protect our environment was Sarah's passion. Visitation will be held at the Anderson-Brownlee home at 239 Gladstone Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 from 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday, December 15th. Sarah's memorial service will be held at the National Aviary on the Northside from 4:00-6:00 pm on Monday, December 16th. Please come wearing whatever clothes make you feel joyful! Sarah loved color and would want people to wear what makes them happy. Professional services trusted to D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. www.dalessandroltd.com

Sarah Blake Anderson-Brownlee

October 18, 2001 - December 10, 2024