Sara Anne Albert (Newby)

Sara Anne Albert (Newby) 80, passed peacefully on April 12, 2021. Sara was born December 28, 1940 in Abilene, Texas to J.D. “Jack” and Johnnie Rae Newby. After relocating to San Angelo, Texas at the age of 5, Sara spent her formative years attending Austin Elementary, Robert E. Lee Junior High and San Angelo Central High School. After graduating, Sara attended Southwest Texas State University and San Angelo College (now Angelo State University) majoring in Art. Around this time, she married Terry Albert on her birthday in 1961 and they remained by one another’s side until Terry’s passing 58 days prior to hers. Sara devoted her life to Terry, raising their three children and being an active member in the community. Sara’s strong faith guided her throughout her life. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she also taught Sunday School classes and was involved in Youth Fellowship as a chaperone. She was active in PTA throughout her children’s early schooling and functioned as a den mother and troop leader for Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scout troops. Volunteer work was close to her heart as she maintained involvement in Meals on Wheels, was a board member for The J.P.W. Memorial Foundation and a long time member of the local Chapter of P.E.O. Sara’s love of animals and nature began at an early age and led her down many paths. She became licensed through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a wildlife rehabilitator and received a federal permit allowing her to work with raptors and migratory birds. She was always appreciative of the many volunteers and friends who offered their time and energy to help support to this endeavor. Sara also founded the non-profit: Because It’s Right, which provided treatment and care for orphaned, sick, and injured animals, with the goal of recovery and return to the wild, as well as outreach programs for educational purposes. Despite her dedication to this effort, she ultimately had to step away due to her diagnosis of lung disease; however, she never lost her desire to help in any way she could all the way until her passing. Sara opened and operated The Green Heron for several years, which offered pet lodging, event rental and gift shop. She also loved gardening and took great pride in creating beautiful spaces that when working in them, she found it to be wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing. Sara is preceded in death by Terry, her parents and brother Jim Newby of Grapevine. She is survived by daughter Karin Childress (Ira) of Ozona, son Devin Albert (Sherry) of San Angelo, son Scot Albert (Stacy) of Coppell, grandchildren Karys Albert, Reagan Albert, Claire Childress, Emory Albert, Laney Albert all whom Sara loved with all her heart, sister Becky Abel (Barry) of Georgetown, sister-in-law Pam Newby (Grapevine), nieces Robin Graff (Fort Meyers, FL), Jessica Spann (Istanbul, Turkey), nephew Jay Newby (Grapevine) and great nephew Kenji Graff. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the wonderful people from Kindred Hospice and Visiting Angels for their care and attention of Sara during her final weeks. With special thanks to Myra and Julie. In honor of the lives of Terry and Sara, a gathering of friends and family is planned for May 1, 2021 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Ruffini Chapel, 11 E. Avenue B, San Angelo, TX. 76903.