Sara Piazza

Sara (Frese) Piazza passed away on her 88th birthday, completing the circle of a life centered on bringing light and comfort to the world through her care for others.

Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business and was a lifelong Razorback fan. Sara worked for Procter & Gamble, which gave her the opportunity to travel. After moving to Dallas, she met her husband, Louis, whose career led them to residences in Houston, Baton Rouge, Tustin, Carlinville (IL), Bethlehem (PA), and back to Tustin and Irvine.

In addition to her busy role as a mom of four, she was an active member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Tustin Assistance League, P.E.O., Alla Gitana Guild of Segerstrom Performing Arts Center, and Shepherd of the Hills UMC. All of these organizations spoke to her deep desire to give back to her community.

Sara and Louis loved to travel and visited all 50 states. Spending time at Lake Mohave with the kids, grandkids, and friends was a favorite getaway. Up until three years ago, Sara walked two miles every morning for the prior 30+ years.

Her son Jason preceded her in death in 1993 at the age of 22, and Louis passed in late 2017. She is survived by her children Kevin (Bonnie), Courtney (Norm), Kirby (Gina), and their children Caitlin, Jaden, and Cali (Kevin); Declan, Chloe (Courtney); and Siena, Nikki, and Zeno (Kirby); and their grandchildren Dylan (Kevin) and Waylon (Kirby). Sara was preceded in death by her sisters Patsy and Brenda, and her brother David. 

Thank you to her loyal and steadfast friends who loved her and supported her throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform a random act of kindness for someone in her memory.