Sarah Gelish, a 32-year-old school psychologist at Meeting House Hill School in New Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023. Gelish, who was pregnant with her second child, was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child. The cause of her death is not immediately known. Gelish is survived by her husband, Andrew Gelish, and their daughter, Ava Emily.
Gelish was born on January 15, 1991, to Delia and A. Henrique Pinheiro in Danbury, Connecticut. She attended Western Connecticut State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Gelish was passionate about her work as a school psychologist and was known for her compassion and dedication to helping students. She was highly regarded by her colleagues and students alike and will be deeply missed by the community.
The news of Gelish’s passing has shocked and saddened the New Fairfield community. Faculty and staff at Meeting House Hill School donned purple ribbons in her memory and to raise awareness for epilepsy. Gelish’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Life and Legacy of Sarah Gelish
Sarah Ashley Gelish was born on January 15, 1991, in Danbury, Connecticut, to Delia and A. Henrique Pinheiro. She grew up in Danbury and attended Danbury High School, where she was a standout student. After high school, she attended the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
Sarah went on to earn a Master of Science degree in School Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. She began her career as a school psychologist at Meeting House Hill School in New Fairfield, Connecticut, where she quickly became a beloved member of the faculty and staff.
Sarah was a passionate advocate for her students, and she worked tirelessly to help them succeed. She was known for her kindness, her compassion, and her infectious smile. She was always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand, and she made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Tragically, Sarah passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of 32, from epilepsy. She leaves behind her husband, Andrew Gelish, and their daughter, Ava Emily. They were also expecting a son in July. Sarah’s sudden passing has left her family, friends, and colleagues devastated.
In honor of Sarah’s life and legacy, faculty and staff at Meeting House Hill School donned purple ribbons to raise awareness for epilepsy. A GoFundMe campaign was also launched to help provide financial relief for Sarah’s family during this difficult time.
Sarah’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact she made on the New Fairfield community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Details of the Car Accident
On Sunday morning, February 12, 2023, Sarah Gelish was involved in a fatal car accident on Danbury Road. According to reports, 22-year-old Brandon Forlastro was riding a motorbike when he struck the pickup truck that Sarah was driving. The accident resulted in the death of both individuals.
Immediate Aftermath
After the accident, Sarah was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Brandon Forlastro was also declared dead at the scene. The accident caused a traffic jam on Danbury Road, and the police had to divert traffic to other roads.
The cause of the accident is still unknown, and the police are investigating the incident. It is unclear whether any charges will be filed in connection with the accident.
Sarah’s family and friends were devastated by the news of her death. She was a beloved member of the community and had touched the lives of many people. Her colleagues at Meeting House Hill School, where she worked as a psychologist, expressed their condolences and remembered her as a compassionate and dedicated professional.
The Gelish family has requested privacy during this difficult time and has not released any further statements to the media.
Sarah’s Impact on Community
Sarah Gelish was a beloved member of the New Fairfield community, known for her compassion and dedication to her work as a school psychologist. Her sudden passing due to epilepsy on February 13, 2023, was felt deeply by those who knew her.
As a school psychologist at Meeting House Hill School, Gelish was passionate about supporting students and making a difference in their lives. She spent nearly a decade advocating for children, families, and school communities in the state of Connecticut through her various positions on the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists (CASP) board.
Gelish was a graduate student liaison for Fairfield University in 2014 and later held the positions of Chair of Professional Learning and 101st Secretary (2018-2019). Her dedication to her work and her advocacy for children and families in the community will be deeply missed.
In honor of Gelish’s life and to raise awareness for epilepsy, faculty and staff at Meeting House Hill School donned purple ribbons on the day of her passing. A GoFundMe campaign was also set up to help cover the costs of her funeral services.
Gelish’s impact on the community will not be forgotten. Her kindness, dedication, and passion for her work will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Condolences and Tributes
The sudden loss of Sarah Gelish has left many in the New Fairfield community and beyond mourning for the beloved school psychologist and advocate for epilepsy awareness. Her colleagues, friends, and family have expressed their condolences and shared heartwarming tributes in honor of her life.
Meeting House Hill School, where Gelish worked, organized a purple ribbon day to raise awareness for epilepsy and celebrate Gelish’s life. The faculty and staff donned purple ribbons on Friday, February 17, 2023, in honor of Gelish’s compassion and zeal for life.
Gelish’s obituary on Dignity Memorial has received numerous condolences and tributes from friends and family. Many have expressed their shock and sadness at her sudden passing and shared memories of her kindness, dedication, and love for her family.
One tribute reads, “Sarah was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She was always willing to help anyone and had a smile that lit up the room. Her dedication to her work and her family was inspiring, and she will be deeply missed.”
Another tribute reads, “Sarah was a true advocate for epilepsy awareness and made a positive impact on so many lives. Her legacy will live on through the countless people she touched during her life.”
The outpouring of condolences and tributes for Gelish is a testament to the impact she had on those around her and the legacy she leaves behind.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Sarah Gelish’s family and friends held a private funeral service to honor her life. The service was held at Green Funeral Home in Danbury, CT, which took care of the arrangements. The funeral was only open to family and close friends.
In addition to the funeral, a public memorial service was held at Meeting House Hill School in New Fairfield, CT. The memorial was attended by faculty, staff, and members of the community who wanted to pay their respects to Sarah. Attendees wore purple ribbons to raise awareness for epilepsy, a condition that Sarah was diagnosed with as a child and that ultimately led to her passing.
To help with the expenses related to Sarah’s passing, a GoFundMe page was set up by her friends and family. The page aimed to provide financial support to her husband, Andrew, and their daughter, Ava, who was only four years old at the time of Sarah’s passing. The page raised a significant amount of money, demonstrating the outpouring of support for Sarah’s family and the impact she had on those around her.
Overall, Sarah’s passing was a tragic loss for her family, friends, and the community. The private funeral and public memorial provided an opportunity for those who knew Sarah to come together and honor her life. The GoFundMe page allowed people to provide financial support to Sarah’s family during a difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sarah Gelish?
Sarah Gelish, a 32-year-old psychologist at Meeting House Hill School in New Fairfield, died on February 13, 2023, from epilepsy, a condition she was diagnosed with as a child. Her sudden death has left her family, friends, and colleagues in shock and mourning.
Was Sarah Gelish involved in a car accident?
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There is no information to suggest that Sarah Gelish was involved in a car accident. Her cause of death was attributed to epilepsy.
Is there a GoFundMe for Sarah Gelish?
At the time of writing, there is no active GoFundMe campaign for Sarah Gelish.
How can I donate to Sarah Gelish’s family?
If you would like to make a donation to Sarah Gelish’s family, you can reach out to them directly or consider making a contribution to a charity that supports epilepsy research and awareness in her honor.
Are there any updates on Sarah Gelish’s situation?
As of now, there are no updates on Sarah Gelish’s situation. Her family and loved ones are still processing their loss.
Where can I find more information about Sarah Gelish’s passing?
You can find more information about Sarah Gelish’s passing in the obituaries published by Dignity Memorial and CT Insider.
