Ludlow, MA – Sara E. (Call) McCollum passed away suddenly on July 5, 2026, at Baystate Hospital. Sara spent her life working to better the lives of children throughout Western Massachusetts.
Sara was born in Glens Falls, New York, the youngest of Bethel and Marion (Harrington) Call’s children. Sara grew up in Warren County and graduated from South Glens Falls High School, and Adirondack Community College. Sara then transferred to the University of Wyoming, where she met her future husband, Robert H. McCollum, Jr., of Northfield, MA. Sara put herself through college and spent every summer with her beloved brother Lee and his wife, Maxine (who was her best friend since childhood).
Sara was very involved with Campus Crusades for Christ, throughout high school and college. Sara’s dream was to be an attorney, however in the mid 1960’s, women were not often able to obtain positions as attorneys, and Sara was advised by her professors to become a teacher, because she would not be able to find a job after law school. Sara followed their advice, and began her teaching career in Baltimore, MD prior to school de-segregation while living with her brother and sister-in-law. After marrying Robert H. McCollum, Jr., Sara moved to Franklin County where she would reside for over 30 years and took a teaching position at Buckland/Shelbourne Elementary. Sara then accepted a third-grade teaching position at Four Corners School in Greenfield, and that decision would change her life forever. Once Sara met Four Corners Principal Hugh S. Hayden, his beautiful wife Eveleyn and their three daughters, Deborah, Alyson, and Leslie, she met her extended family. After the birth of her daughter, Sara went back to teaching immediately, and Evelyn began caring for Amanda. Her close ties with the Haydens, would continue until her death. Holidays, vacations, and family events would all be shared with the Haydens.
Sara continued her education in the summers and after teaching all day, earning a master’s in education at UMASS, a C.A.G.S. degree from AIC, and ultimately achieving her dream of law school, and earning a J.D. from Western New England School of Law. Sara attended law school along with her dear friend the late MaryAnn Pretto Audette of Greenfield. Following her admittance to the Massachusetts Bar, she began a solo practice in Greenfield, often assisting her former students and continuing to serve her local community. In 1988, Sara took a position which she would hold for the remainder of her life as Western Regional Counsel for The Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Division. Sara was an active member of the Springfield Summit and served on the Father’s subcommittee, which sponsors an Annual Dad’s Make a Difference Day. She often provided community outreach and met with various Law Enforcement agencies and Correctional Facilities regarding Child Support Enforcement. Sara also was the Past-President of Eastern regional Interstate Child Support Association and spoke at various national events regarding Child Support Enforcement.
Sara’s sense of style and adventurous spirit were well known. Sara took flying lessons in Laramie while in college, and later on a vacation back to her beloved Wyoming, she whitewater rafted the Snake River and rode horseback through Yellowstone with her daughter. Sara loved to travel with family and friends, if you were interested in a trip, so was Sara. Sara and Arlana, while traveling in California on a lark went to Mexico. Sara came home with silver jewelry galore and raved about their adventure. Sara, Arlana, and her daughter traveled frequently together, and she made many trips to her daughter’s home in Delaware and loved to visit the beaches.
Sara’s trademark was her style, she was never without her flawless makeup, high heels, and matching purse. Sara’s favorite hobby besides reading, traveling, football, country music, and Nascar Races, was shopping. She planned many trips to New York and Boston for shopping sprees. Everyone who needed a special outfit knew to call Sara for advice and an eventful shopping trip would ensue. Surprisingly agile on heels, she was rumored to mow the lawn of the home in Greenfield that she and Bob built themselves, and bale hay on the family farm in them. Sara loved holidays, and her homemade Halloween costumes were legendary in the Greenfield Court House. Sara and her former husband Bob bought land in Northfield down the road from the McCollum family farm, where they grew Christmas trees, and much before the rage of organic farming, they raised their own beef cows on the family farm. Sara’s love of animals continued until her passing, she leaves behind her dog, Ernie, and cat Muffin.
Sara was pre-deceased by her parents, Bethel and Marion Call, former husband Robert H. McCollum, Jr., sister Dorothy Ingram, Hugh and Evelyn Hayden, Alyson Hayden, Bianca Wilson, Lynn Ingram, and Lawrence Ingram.
She leaves behind her daughter, Amanda Beth, and her husband, Rev. Andrew J. Lyon of Harrington, Delaware. Her brother, Rev. Lee B. Call, and wife Maxine of Palmyra, Virgina. Along with their children, Lisa Williams (Dale), Melissa Lombardi (Tom), and their families, Timothy Call, and Andrew Call. She also leaves behind numerous other nieces and nephews including Scott Ingram (Darcie), and Victoria B. Anderson. Sara also leaves her beloved Arlana K. Cordeiro (Dennis) and her family, along with Deborah Wilson (Karl), Leslie Hayden, Ginger Morawski, and Jerome McCarthy (Meggin), and their families.
Sara shared her deep faith by sending Bible verses daily to her numerous friends and family. Sara would often provide a Bible, Christian books, and meaningful scriptures to her friends and folks that she met throughout her life.
Sara was a founding member of Faith Baptist Church of Warrensburg, NY, and attended Bethlehem Church, Wilbraham, MA and Last Call Worship Center of Milford DE. Sara loved teaching Sunday School, Children’s Church, and volunteering every year for at least a week with Child Evangelism at the Big E.
Sara’s family would like to especially thank Stephanie Gusan Duclos, Carol Lyon, Last Call Worship Center, and Bethlehem Church for all the love, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Grass Roots Rescue, PO Box 922, Milton, DE 19968 or Last Call Worship Center at 727 S. Washington St., Milford, DE 19963
A private graveside service will be held later in the year.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield , Ma is assisting the family with arrangements.
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