Obituary of Sarah Pauline Gonsalves

Sarah Gonsalves Sarah Gonsalves (Abasciano) of Hilton Head passed away on October 17, 2017 following a courageous and inspiring battle with adrenal cortical carcinoma. Her family and friends referred to her as a “Warrior”. Sarah was the beloved wife of Jeremy Gonsalves and leaves her two young children, Gavin and Logan. She is survived by her parents, Paul and Deborah Abasciano of Hilton Head. She also leaves behind her brother Michael and his wife Jessica, her brother Brian and his wife Theresa and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Born on May 31, 1984, Sarah grew up in Princeton, Massachusetts, and graduated high school from St. Peter-Marian, where she played soccer and lacrosse. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Elementary Education with highest honors from Salve Regina College, where she tutored fellow students in math, and played varsity soccer and lacrosse. In 2008 she was united in marriage to her loving and devoted husband, Jeremy Gonsalves of Marshfield, MA. They originally lived in Durham, North Carolina, where Sarah was a teacher and subsequently received her Master’s degree in Spanish and “ESL” (English as a second language). The family most recently moved to Hilton Head Island to raise their family and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the island. Sarah worked in Bluffton as an ESL teacher for grades 1 – 5. Sarah was a compassionate and dedicated teacher and was admired by her fellow colleagues and students. She guided the “Young Ladies of Bluffton” at her school and was a guest speaker at the fifth-grade graduation ceremony in 2017, where she gave a speech on “What It Means To Be Brave” shortly after her cancer diagnosis. Sarah was devoted to her family, was an incredible mother, loved spending time with her husband and two children, was an amazing Aunt, and was a soccer coach for young children. Throughout her disease Sarah was referred to as a “Hero” by her friends, family, and strangers that met her as a result of her disease. She received a “Courage Award” from the “Marie C. Petrilli Cancer Research & Treatment Memorial Fund”. Sarah was a member of St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. She attributed her incredible strength, courage, and positive attitude throughout her disease to her faith. She lived each day with a smile on her face and left a legacy that continues to live on through her family and friends. One of Sarah’s last wishes was to establish a Memorial Fund in her name in which proceeds would be donated to families with adrenal cortical carcinoma. This fund is currently being set up. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to “Paul Abasciano” whereby all donations will be transferred to her fund, once established. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 12:00- 4:00 pm at The Paddocks Club House and Pool, 11 Paddocks Court, Hilton Head, SC 29926. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Sarah Gonsalves, please visit our Flower & Gift Shop.