MORRISVILLE – Sarah Ann Southall, 64, passed away unexpectedly from a sudden illness at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin on Wednesday evening, February 8. She was a beloved wife and life partner, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and a warm and selfless giver to anyone in need.
Sarah was born in Morrisville on October 27, 1958, the daughter of Kenneth and Linda (Newton) Campbell. On May 7, 1994, she married the love of her life, Dr. Henry “Harry” Southall in Morrisville.
Sarah was a member of the 1976 graduating class of People’s Academy where she was active in theater, chorus, was a class officer, and a member of Girls State. Continuing her education at Champlain College, she graduated in 1978 with her degree in medical transcription. She began her career employed at Copley Hospital in Morrisville as a medical transcriptionist and then took a position with Neurological Associates of Vermont in Burlington where she served as the office manager for five years. Returning to Morrisville to become office manager in the medical practice of her future husband, Dr. Henry Southall, she was an integral partner in the success of serving patients throughout the region. In conjunction with their practice, Sarah also worked as a transcriptionist for a number of physician practices throughout central Vermont.
Sarah loved being a mother and mentor, opening her home and her heart to young friends for day, night, and second home visits of some length. She actively participated in school programs of music, stage, art, soccer, and hockey. She served on the Lamoille Area Hockey Association and People’s Academy Hockey boards. For all of these she was an avid fundraiser and supporter. These personal relationships have continued to the present.
Sarah enjoyed such a wide variety of interests in her lifetime. She was most at home in the outdoors, taking great pride in maintaining her many acres of property, tending to her prodigious flower and vegetable gardens, as well as boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. She was an avid reader and photographer. She loved canning, pickling, making jams, and she always made time to enjoy a good book and bask in the glory of her pool. Sarah loved to cook, bake and was the consummate maker of the best ever artichoke dip, all of which she enthusiastically shared with family and friends. She and Harry enjoyed their annual trips to Cancun Mexico, where she loved the artistry and culture of the area. A special part of Sarah’s life and heart was filled with the joy and company of animals, especially cats and dogs.
Sarah is loved and mourned by her husband of nearly 29 years, Dr. Henry Southall of Morrisville; their children, Greer Stiens and her husband, Damian, of Fort Stewart, Ga., Holden Southall of Johnson; her parents, Ken and Linda Campbell of Johnson and Bushnell, FL; her sisters, Terri Palermo and her husband, Chris, of Morrisville, Karen Hussey and her husband, Kevin, of South Hero, Lori Renaud and her husband, Paul, of Hardwick, Heather Campbell and her fiancé, Robert Rushford, of Richmond; her brother, Craig Campbell of Morrisville; 5 nieces, 7 nephews, 2 great-nieces, and 7 great-nephews; her aunts, Sukay Campbell of Morrisville, Paula Campbell of Jericho, Mary Redmond of East Montpelier; and her constant companion and canine best friend, Floki. Sarah is predeceased by three uncles, Ralph Campbell, Malcom “Mac” Campbell, and Paul Redmond, her paternal grandparents, James and Winona Campbell, and her maternal grandparents, Robert and Helen Newton.
A service celebrating the life of Sarah Ann Southall will be held from the United Community Church of Morrisville on February 25, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church dining room. The family requests that those attending the service please wear a mask. The Morrisville After-School Program was near and dear to Sarah’s heart. Instead of floral gifts, please consider memorial gifts to MASP, P.O. Box 858, Morrisville, VT 05661 or to the charity of one’s choice. Services are in the care of Dian Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service in Hardwick. To send online condolences please visit: northernvermontfuneralservice.com.
