Sarah Emily Vorder Bruegge (nee Whitley) born September 27, 1931, died peacefully in her sleep on February 26, 2022.
Daughter of James Julian Whitley, Sr, and Irene Whitley, sister of James Julian Whitley, Jr (deceased) and Walter Howard Whitley of Tennessee she was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Carl Martin Vorder Bruegge, Sr. and son-in-law Fred Hudson. She is survived by her children Carl Martin Vorder Bruegge Jr., (Margi), Angela Vorder Bruegge Hudson, John Whitley Vorder Bruegge (Carla), and Richard Walsh Vorder Bruegge (Susan). She is also survived by grandchildren, Cate, Sarah, Alexandra, Fred, Charles, Adam, Tanya, and Charlotte, and great-grandchildren Julia and Natalie.
Sarah graduated from the University of Tennessee on June 8, 1953, with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and from the University of Southern California on June 11, 1955, with a Master of Science in Education. She married Carl on June 21, 1955, and while raising her 4 children became a professional artist and devoted student of Isabel O'Neil, at whose studio she worked in New York City. An accomplished cook, her many interests included reading, gardening, world travel, and the decorative and performing arts especially porcelain, needlepoint, opera, and ballet. She dedicated herself to multiple volunteer organizations, including parent-teacher organizations and the Junior League of Greenwich, but especially to the First United Methodist Church, Greenwich, where she worshiped and studied the Bible for over 50 years. Her greatest passion was always her beloved husband Carl and her family.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Greenwich. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to First United Methodist Church, 59 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830, or athttps://www.fumcgreenwich.com