Sarah W. Hutchins

Sarah W. Hutchins, 92 of Hancock, NH, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends.

She was born in Peterborough on August 11, 1931, the daughter of William and Esther (Wright) Weston. Sarah grew up in Hancock and was a proud alumna of Hancock High School and Keene Teachers College. In 1960, she married her beloved husband Wayne Hutchins, and they raised their family in Hancock.

A lifelong educator and avid reader, Sarah took pride in her career as an elementary school teacher, where she introduced children to the joy of reading. She was also a Girl Scouts Leader, a member of the Hancock Bicentennial Committee, and a member of the First Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday School.

In her later years, Sarah found and nurtured community in many ways: as treasurer of the Hancock Women’s Guild, as volunteer for Sargent Center's Senior Lunch Program, and as a member of the Red Hatters Society. With her beloved Fiddleheads Coffee Group, she could be found greeting locals and visitors alike. In her retirement, she enjoyed travel across the US and beyond, including trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

Sarah was a lover of games and puzzles. She played basketball with her sisters in high school and cribbage and canasta with friends into the wee hours. She loved to complete jigsaw puzzles by the window, waving to the neighbors passing by. She dared to complete crossword puzzles with a pen.

Quick-witted and full of warmth, Sarah had a smile that lit up a room. Above all, she was a family person and loved her family with all of her heart. She looked forward to their visits and always welcomed loved ones with a delicious baked good - pies, rolls, and pastry were her specialty. Her home was where family members eagerly returned because Sarah always greeted them with open arms. She will be missed and remembered by many.

Sarah is survived by her daughter Ann Eng, son-in-law Howard, granddaughter Emily, and sisters Helen Draper, Dorothy Murdough, and Kathryn Moore. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her caring husband Wayne, and siblings William Weston Jr., Marion Frazier, Ruth Calkins, Mary Ellen Plimpton, and Forest Weston.

A Celebration of Sarah’s life is scheduled on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Hancock Fire and Rescue.