Of McLean, Va., passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 5, 2016, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Sara Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Grover Eckstein; her parents Howard Henry and Beatrice Leona Dabler Peterson of Yakima, Wa.; and her brother Robert J. (Pete) Peterson of Santa Clara, Ca. She is survived by her sons, Howard W. (Julie Ann Roscoe) Eckstein of Richmond, and Robert Grover Eckstein of Falls Church; her granddaughters Elisabeth Allana and Julianne Janette; her sisters-in-law, Jessie Marie Peterson of Santa Clara, Ca., Billie Jean Chisick of Wilton, Ca., and Joanne Potter of San Lorenzo, Ca.; her brother-in-law Stephen Potter of Chandler, Az.; her nieces, Ginger Largent-Brogan of Los Gatos, Ca., Krissy Bolt of Lynden, Wa., Sara Peterson of Redmond, Wa., Rachel Potter of Denver, Co., Stephanie Murata of Honolulu, Hi., Alessandra Murata Scott of San Mateo, Ca; and nephews Will Potter of Belmont, Ca., Scott Murata of Sacramento, Ca., and Patrick Murata of Minden, Nv.; and many loved great-nieces and nephews. Sara Mae was born on December 28, 1932 in Yakima, Wa. to Howard and Beatrice Peterson. She met her husband, Allan, in Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, and they were married in Switzerland in 1962. After living in Europe and Asia, the family moved to McLean, Va. in 1972. Sara Mae joined Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in 1972. She enjoyed singing in the choir and was a member of the Bell Choir for 25 years. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, P.E.O. Sisterhood, the Northern Virginia Social Club and an alumni sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority. She received her undergraduate degree from
University of Washington and a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from the University of the Pacific. She was employed by the Department of Defense Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Program overseas, nicknamed "DOD Overseas Shows". She taught Music and Special Education children for Fairfax County. Sara Mae was a generous woman who made lasting friendships with people worldwide, and treated her family and friends as precious gifts. She will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service to be held at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11 a.m., with a reception at the church to follow. The family will receive visitors beforehand from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
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