Sarah Ortolani, 99, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at home in Rehoboth Beach after a brief illness. She lived a life of faith and service, caring for family, friends and neighbors.

She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and family. She was a compassionate, supportive person and, during her years in Rehoboth, was active at Westminster Presbyterian Church, volunteering at Beebe Healthcare's thrift shop and Beebe Healthcare Auxiliary, the Alzheimer’s support group, being with friends and knowing her neighbors.

She was born in Cumberland, Md., and lived through the Depression, the 1936 flood and World War II.

After completing her nursing education at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., she practiced obstetrical nursing for several years. 

She met and married her husband Frank Ortolani in Washington, D.C. They raised their family in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Wilmington before retiring to Florida and finally Rehoboth, where they had spent summers since the 1970s. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank (2001), and son, Frank Jr. (2017), her parents, two brothers and numerous relatives. 

She will be deeply missed by her family, her daughter, Melinda Sledd and son-in-law Bob; daughter, Nancy Ortolani; son, Mark Ortolani and daughter-in-law Theresa; daughter-in-law, Eileen Ortolani; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a cousin; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach, and interment will be held later at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.

Arrangements are by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.