Sara Jo Cahill

Sara Jo Cahill, age 90, of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. 

Born on August 31, 1934, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Sara lived a long, loving, and faith-filled life devoted to her family and friends. 

Sara graduated from Holy Family High School in Denver. She went on to attend Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where she received her Associate Degree in Social Work in 1980. In 1989, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State College. Sara completed a certification program in biblical studies from the Denver Catholic Biblical School, fulfilling a deep personal interest in faith and service. 

Sara began her professional career at Columbia Savings and Loans in the late 1960s, starting as a teller — then the only role available to women in banking. Through perseverance and dedication, she broke the glass ceiling by becoming one of the first female Vice Presidents in the company. She left Columbia in 1978 when her husband Duane accepted a new position in Wichita, Kansas. Sara continued to work in various banking positions in Wichita and later in Topeka, Kansas. 

After returning to Denver and completing her bachelor’s degree, Sara worked as a geriatric social worker for many years and was deeply committed to the wellbeing of others. She often said she was “taking care of the old people,” and lovingly did so until retiring at the age of 77. Sara also served many in her capacity as a Eucharist Minister, a role she loved, particularly serving the people of her community at Claremont Park in Denver. 

Sara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Duane Cahill; her parents, Joseph and Sarah Gassen; her brother, John Gassen; and sisters Mary Ann Patrick and Sharon Alberts. 

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Susan Sutherland (Martin), Jo Anne Wingate (Roger), Kenneth Cahill (Shawn), James Cahill (DeOn), and John Cahill (Kathy); her 12 cherished grandchildren: Jennifer (Andres), Andrew, Zaina (Casey), Tyler (Mary), Shelby, Monica (Chris), Audrey (Andrew), Amanda (Ethan), Morgan, McKenna, Julie Sager (Kirk), and Jay Wingate (Amy); 19 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride. 

She also leaves behind her dear brother, Tom Gassen (Beverly), and sister, Janie Gassen (Larry), along with many nieces, nephews and extended family who will forever treasure her wisdom, warmth, and kindness. 

Sara was the heart of her family—a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her gentle spirit, sharp wit, and unwavering love will be remembered always. 

A Private Interment will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.