Sarah S. McGinnis

In Loving Memory of Sarah S. McGinnis (1937–2025)

Sarah S. McGinnis, beloved wife, mother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. She was born on March 30, 1937, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to Calvin Bryce Swaim and Gertrude Sarah Holmes. ‘Sally’ lived a remarkable life filled with love, family, and friends.

Sally’s early years were shaped by her loving mother and younger sister, Mary Elisabeth (Betsy.) As a child she loved to watch the circus parade down a nearby street in Philadelphia when it came to town and to spend summers at the family cottage outside of Constantia, NY. Sally was a dedicated student and passionate learner. She pursued her education at Smith College and graduated with a degree in elementary school education. Her intellect and grace inspired those who knew her.

With her first husband, Craig Randolph Bertolett, Sally shared three wonderful children—Craig Randolph Jr., Christopher Robert, and Margo Elisabeth. In the mid-1970s, the family moved to suburban St. Louis, MO where Sally, Christopher and Margo became part of the Principia School community. There Sally worked in the food service department as a catering manager and taught Latin, greatly enjoying the loving school environment.

Later in life, she married Marlin ‘Joe’ McGinnis and together they enjoyed music, summer concerts and traveling. After Joe’s passing, Sally followed Margo to Colorado and built a home just north of Buena Vista at 9000 feet where they enjoyed the beautiful mountains, hikes and road trips. Sally found a nurturing spiritual community at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, BV and served for several years as one of the Readers.

Preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betsy, her husband Joe McGinnis and her daughter Margo Elisabeth, Sally is survived by sons Craig R. Bertolett Jr. (Susan MacKenzie), Christopher R. Bertolett, granddaughter Elisabeth Bertolett (Francis Main), great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Per her wishes, no memorial service is scheduled.