Sarah Moss

Sarah Ann Moss (Richardson), 56, joined a brigade of exceptionally fierce (and funny) angels on February 16, 2026. Her family and friends kept a devoted and emotional bedside vigil for Sarah, brimming with song, laughter, story telling, tears, the 2026 Olympics, and overflowing love. 

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Mary Ann (DeMark) and Mike Richardson, Sarah grew up in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, graduating as salutatorian, homecoming queen, National Honors Society President, and esteemed soccer player from Hoffman Estates High School in 1987. Sarah’s jobs were rooted in her enthusiasm for service and music. She guarded lives at the local pool and ushered patrons to their seats at Poplar Creek Music Theater, catching free concerts all summer. She graduated from Saint Norbert College with a BA in Psychology and from Penn State with a Masters in Kinesiology, later teaching classes in health and fitness at multiple colleges, as well as yoga upon earning her instructor certification. 

She met her husband, Chris, at Saint Norbert College in 1989 after transferring from the University of Iowa. They married on September 16th, 1995 in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin. Sarah and Chris spent a few years living in and around Madison while she took more classes in pursuit of a Ph.D in Positive Psychology. They then planted roots in Neenah, Wisconsin, where they have been raising their most wonderful children.

Sarah moved through the world with abundance, sunshine, and generosity. The consummate cheerleader, Sarah made it her mission to brighten other people’s lives with her dazzling smile, shining clear eyes, and a festival of color. She possessed a special talent to infuse any space with joyful hues, elegant warmth and impossibly precise design; her artistic eye was unparalleled. She shined brightest when she was helping others, and she had the rare ability to make everyone feel like an old friend.

Sarah loved life with a singular passion, engaging it with her whole being. She transported teenagers to and fro, joyfully volunteered in the school cafeteria, and gardened with a purpose. She celebrated family and friends through campfire songs, creative activities, zany schemes, and thoughtful “this made me think of you” gifts. She loved to play her music loud and rockin’, but she also loved the quiet sound of crashing waves. She invited stray animals of all kinds into her yard, and more than one into the house, and she loved hosting and making breakfast for the kids’ friends at the Moss Home.

Sarah’s untimely death leaves a wake of broken-hearted friends, family, and acquaintances in her orbit. In honor of her legacy, spread a ray of sunshine through a word, a kind gesture, or a simple smile. And, wear a splash of color. Preferably orange. 

Sarah is survived by her husband, Chris; her children Grace DeShambo, Cooper, Satchel, and Mercer; son-in-law Kennan DeShambo; parents Mike and Mary Ann (DeMark) Richardson; brother David; sister-in-law Lara LeVoy; niece Ella and nephew Ray; brother-in-law Jonathan; stepmother Elaine Moss; mother-in-law Vicki Moss; stepfather-in-law Doug Austin; and countless adoring aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Marshall Moss.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Neenah Animal Shelter.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 620 Division St, Neenah, WI 54956, on Saturday, February 28th at 11am. Visitation will begin at 9 am. In memory of Sarah’s vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to dress in bold colors.