Sarah Whelan Blake, 88, of Monona, Wisconsin was born on August 8, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Margaret and Augustine Whelan. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on April 22, 2026.

When asked, “What do you want your obituary to say?” she said, “They charge by the word, so just say ‘She had a good run. Google me’”. We wanted to add a bit more.

Sarah was known by many names. The “Grand Dame” of Madison theater, “The Queen”, Mom, Grammy, Grandma and friend. Her theater career spanned eight decades and touched countless lives.

She began her acting career at age 8, when she walked up to a local radio station in Shreveport, and joined a morning kids show. She studied drama at Northwestern State College. After college, she moved to Texas where she continued to grow her acting career, met Jack Blake, and began her family. In 1970 she and Jack moved their three kids (a fourth came five years later) to Madison, WI.

From the moment she arrived on the Madison stage, she was unstoppable and loved by audiences both locally and internationally. She has acted in Community Theater and Professionally both on stage and screen. But her true love was everything Community Theater. Being a founder of The Bartell Theatre fulfilled a lifelong dream for shared Community Theater dedicated space.

She served as Director and President for over six different community theaters. She was also National and local President of Phi Beta Fraternity for many years.

Sarah opened her home for rehearsal space, housing international students, refugees and others in need. She also volunteered for countless causes including supporting housing and food insecurity and LGBTQ+ rights.

Above all else, she loved her family. She was our Matriarch and was always there for us. We love her deeply.

She was preceded in death by husband Jack Blake, son Sean Blake, brother Paul (Patricia) Whelan, brother-in-law Terry Blake, Adrian Parisy, and grandchild – Corey James Walker

She is survived by her children Gillian Blake (Charley), Olwen Hansen-Blake (Shelley), Meghan Blake-Horst (Geoff); sisters: Marnie Whelan and Alice (Richard) Donohue; sister-in-law Norma Ruth Blake; grandchildren: Ellen Rashke (Kyle Simpson), Neil Rashke (Kiah), Drew Jenkins, Karen Coenraad (Jake), Justin Jenkins, Kai Blake-Leibowitz (Katie Johnson), Lucy Chiaro, Molly Pomarnke-Blake, Lilly Chairo, Sam Pomarnke-Blake, Crosby Blake-Leibowitz (Graham Keys), Dylan Blake-Horst, Harper Blake-Horst; great-grandchildren: Oliver, Evelyn, Gerald, David, Margaret; grand puppies: Moxie, Ziggy, Tina; grand kitty: Kitten. 

There will be a Celebration of Life, summer of 2026, details to be announced. Special thanks to Agrace Hospice, especially Mallory, Grace and Jenifer.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Bartell Theatre or Common Grace for the Community Good.

Please share your memories of Sarah by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434