Sarah Elizabeth Chester

SARAH ELIZABETH CHESTER
June 26, 1934 to Oct 30, 2026

Sarah Elizabeth Chester passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich legacy of creativity, dedication to helping others, and deep love for her family.

Sarah was a lifelong artist. Her passion for expression began in junior high and stayed with her throughout her life. A gifted painter, she specialized in portraiture, capturing the warmth and spirit of her loved ones on canvas and taking on personal commissions as well. She gave away her artwork generously, so that family and friends all had cherished portraits of loved ones. Her creative spirit extended into music and crafts as well. When she purchased a piano for her family, she took up playing it herself, often practicing and playing music with her children. She explored photography and was an accomplished seamstress, spending years taking on sewing projects for extra income when her children were young.

Sarah devoted her professional life to taking care of others. She provided compassionate care to veterans in her role as nursing aide at the Philadelphia VA Hospital. Later, after relocating to Maryland, she continued her healthcare career as a sterilization technician, ensuring safety and care behind the scenes before taking a well-deserved retirement.

Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Chester (and “bonus” stepdaughter Phyllis Major); her parents, Thomas Chase and Ethel Rocker Chase; her son “Butch”, her brothers Thomas, Melvin, and Eddie, and her sister Norma Gordon, with whom she shared a close bond and a home for many years. Sarah was the last of her generation.

She is survived by her son Billy Chase (wife Donna), her nephew Ron Gordon (wife Renee), niece Aiesha Beasley (husband Ronald “Jay”), 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, family friend Carlton, plus a loving circle of extended family and lifelong friends who will deeply miss her presence in their lives.