Live like Rose, Think like Dorothy, Love like Blanche, Speak like Sophia -The Golden Girls
Sarah Gavlenski, left us far too soon on Thursday June 26, 2025, at the age of 40.
She was preceded in death by her father, James H. Gavlenski.
She is survived by her mother Jamie Cireddu Gavlenski, her sister Amy (Chris) Merzbacher and niece Wren Merzbacher.
Sarah was born in October, 1984 in Kettering, Ohio. She was five years old when her family moved to Chattanooga from Murfreesboro. Sarah attended Westview Elementary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School and graduated in 2003 from Notre Dame High School. She went to college in both Georgia and Tennessee.
Sarah was a beloved daughter, loving sister and the best “Auntie” in the world. It brought her great joy to be an aunt to her Wrennie-Pooh. Amy will forever treasure the time they had together from impromptu sister trips to raiding each other’s closets but most of all having a big sis who always had her back. Jamie will hold dear to her heart; their countless late-night living room chats and Thursday night Bruster’s banana split runs. There will always be a piece missing in her mother’s heart. Sarah’s appreciation for golf began when she joined her high school team and her passion continued when she spent time on the course with her late father.
Sarah’s family will cherish their memories of the Grand Canyon vacation, many road trips to Ohio and the beach together. Sarah was a character and found a solution to any problem even if that meant jumping out the window of her tree house when the door was stuck so she could make it to her swim meet on time. Never a dull moment with her especially during a tornado watch when you would find Sarah wearing her motorcycle helmet.
Sarah was a Jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed jobs where she interacted with others. She loved working with the public, in her many years as a bartender, you may have known her as Geezy. Sarah seemed to know half of Chattanooga. She worked in the medical field as she continued her education and recently went back to school to become a surgical tech. Sarah’s late-night study sessions were fueled by her favorite candies: jelly beans and Nerds. (She would have graduated in May 2026.)
Sarah found joy in being outdoors, it seemed to calm her. She valued her many friendships and went out of her way to make others feel welcome. Sarah had a way of making every moment feel special just by being herself. She had a love for crocheting and enjoyed sharing her finished projects. On the weekends you would find Sarah on a hike by the water, anxiously watching a GA Bulldog’s football game or out listening to live music. She took pleasure in watching her favorite old sitcoms, such as The Golden Girls, Will & Grace, Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory.
Sarah will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the Medical ICU staff of Erlanger Hospital and the staff of TN Donor Services for their wonderful care of Sarah and their compassion to Sarah and her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in August, please reach out to the family if you would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sarah’s memory to The American Heart Association and The American Stroke Association. (Division of AHA) Please take a moment to consider becoming an organ donor for Sarah’s selfless decision has given others life.
Arrangements have been made by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road. Please share your thoughts and memories at
www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com