In Memoriam: RFH Grad, Fair Haven-Raised Sara Rita Mackin, 56

There will be one more empty chair at the next Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) reunion.

RFH Class of ’83 graduate and Fair Haven-raised Sara Rita Mackin died at home on March 4, her 56th birthday, due to complications from a stroke she suffered three years ago.

Sara Rita Mackin
Photo/loved ones via Thompson Memorial Home

“Sara was sharp-witted and voiced strong opinions in the most humorous ways.
She loved cats in all walks of life whether strays or purebreds, and had several she adored over their lives.
She loved the beach, the ocean and a lifetime of boating, starting very young with her Dad and continuing through life
with Brian (her partner).
She enjoyed gardening and flowers, especially her peonies.
She had a great eye for fashion and colors. And she loved elephants in any form — in the wild, of porcelain, Christmas Tree ornaments, but most of all her dear stuffed elephant Ellie. More than anything, she loved Brian, her family and her close friends from school and the memories of good times had by all.
Loved ones of Sara Rita Mackin in her obituary

Those classmates, childhood friends, flooded social media with messages of remembrance about a life filled with antics, laughter and a love like no other.

Sara’s friend Sandi Burns encapsulated it all, recounting “a loss of a childhood friend, one who could have me laughing ’til I peed my pants, (and) late night chats that went much later than intended, she was a night owl too. I will miss you more … Be Free. RIP – my dear friend. ‘Talk Soon.'”

The sentiment of that irreplaceable childhood friendship was echoed by Burns’ adulthood friends.

“A very close friend is the extended family we choose,” said someone commenting on the loss to Burns.

“A loss of someone who shared so much of your growing up and becoming who you are,” said another. “I’m sure there are special things you shared you will carry with you for the rest of your life.”

“Sara Rita was truly one of a kind,” said Jill Morgan Sears, Sara’s friend.

More about Sara Rita Mackin …

The youngest daughter of Nancy Lee and Edward H. Mackin Jr., both deceased, Sara loved and is survived by: her partner of 21 years, Brian Meyer; her brothers, Edward Mackin and wife Wendy, Charles Mackin and wife Missy; her sisters, Olivia Trible and husband Preston, and Valerie Brooks and husband Bill; three nephews and six nieces; her aunt, Mary Catherine von Glahn; three cousins and one grand niece.

After graduating from RFH, Sara earned her bachelor of arts degree (BA) in Sociology from George Washington University.

A memorial will be held for Sara at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rescue Ridge animal rescue in Spring Lake, NJ, or to your local SPCA.

RIP, Sara. You are remembered.

— Edited/rewritten obituary provided by loved ones to Thompson Memorial Home