Sara Garrigan Burr

MADISON/VERONA

Sara Garrigan Burr, died on November 27, 2023, after losing her battle with cancer.  She was born on July 7, 1945, in Evanston, IL, to John G. and Irma G. Burr.

After Sara graduated from Corvallis High School in Studio City, CA, she earned her BA in Political Science from the University of California Riverside.  During her college career she spent one year abroad studying at the University of Bordeaux in France.  She then went on to teach primary school students in South Central Los Angeles, followed by two years teaching Political Science at the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Kenosha, WI.  In 1977, Sara earned her PhD in Political Science from the University of California Riverside.  She spent the majority of her career working as the Small Business Ombudswoman for the state of Wisconsin, helping others secure financing for their businesses.  She completed her career working with the Department of Natural Resources as an environmental educator for the state.  Sara married the love of her life, Joseph Renville, on August 14, 1993, in Madison, WI. 

Sara loved to travel and visited destinations around the world.  She maintained close ties with her family. The family traveled together often and spent time reminiscing about their trips and especially about their childhood experiences living abroad.

Sara’s personality was one of a joyous love of life.  Sara maintained a large circle of very close friends.  Most importantly, Sara was a gifted writer and a published poet.  It was with immeasurable joy that she shared her writing gifts with family and friends.

Sara is survived by her husband, Joseph Renville; brothers John (Sharon), Mark (Lisa), and Matthew, all of Austin, TX; sisters Maryellen Burr (Los Gatos, CA) and Katherine Burr Oliver (Gil Callaway).  In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Burr, and sister-in-law, Maryann (Matthew) Burr.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Interment will take place after the luncheon at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, WI.

Please share your memories of Sara here on her Tribute Wall.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406