Sarajane Hayes

Sarajane “Sara” Hayes, a devoted mother, kind friend, beloved educator, and fierce advocate for justice, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on December 14, 1951, in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and was the cherished daughter of Edith and Hyman Goldberg.

Sara’s early years took her from Milwaukee to Albuquerque as her father was a forest ranger. She often shared that her father was involved in the early development of the Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign—an influence that reflected her family’s commitment to public service. She went on to attend Arizona State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree. Her education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and intellectual curiosity.

For more than 40 years, Sara lived in Long Beach, California, where she dedicated her professional life to education as a high school English teacher at Jefferson High School and South East High School. Teaching was not simply her career—it was her calling. She had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless students, challenging them to think critically, read deeply, speak honestly, and stand firmly in their convictions. Many will remember her as a teacher who demanded excellence because she believed deeply in her students’ potential.

A passionate reader throughout her life, Sara loved both fiction and nonfiction. Books were a constant source of joy, knowledge, and inspiration for her—whether she was immersing herself in literature, exploring history, or seeking deeper understanding of the world and its people. Her love of reading shaped her teaching, informed her activism, and fueled her lifelong curiosity.

Sara was a woman of formidable mental strength and unwavering principles. She was outspoken, deeply opinionated, and never afraid to stand up for what she believed was right. Her passions extended beyond the classroom into lifelong advocacy for social justice, including her fierce support for Native American rights and her steadfast commitment to democracy. She fought with intellect, courage, and heart.

Outside of her work and activism, Sara found joy and meaning in art, photography, hiking, and the natural world. She felt a deep spiritual connection to the earth, trees, and animals. She felt especially connected to wolves, which she considered her spirit animal. Music was another lifelong love—she found joy and solace in artists such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, and many others who shaped the soundtrack of her life.

Above all, Sara was known for her honesty, kindness, and integrity. Though strong and tough, she was also deeply caring, loyal, and compassionate to those she loved. Sara is survived by her daughter, Tikvah Hayes; her nephew, Jim Levine; and her niece, Carolyn Colman; her numerous students. She was preceded in death by her mother, Edith (Appel) Goldberg; her father, Hyman Goldberg; her sister, Joanne Weitzman Kruidenier; her niece, Mindy Levine. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, education, justice, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Sara Hayes will be remembered as a fighter, a teacher, a truth-teller, and a woman who lived her values without compromise. Her voice, her strength, and her love will be profoundly missed.

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