Sara Anne (Donlan) Brooks

Sara’s Funeral Mass will be Live-streamed Here:

Peacefully and surrounded by love, Sara Anne (Donlan) Brooks, 45, of Nantucket, MA passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, after a brave four-year journey battling colon cancer. 

Sara was born on July 13, 1976, to Thomas Donlan and Mary Anne (Hartigan) Donlan in Stamford, CT. In 1978 the Donlans moved to MA raising their three children in Hingham. After graduating from Hingham High School in 1994, Sara went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Science of Nursing from Saint Anselm College, Class of 1998. Sara’s early nursing days were spent at South Shore Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital working in the cardiac care unit.

Sara’s love for Nantucket began at a young age while summering on-island with her family. In 2000 Sara accepted a position through a traveling nurse program at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. During this time Sara began to form long lasting island friendships. In 2002 Sara and Justin were introduced at a mutual friend’s wedding. Sara was instantly hooked by Justin’s sense of humor and British accent. They married in 2006, ultimately making the happy little island their home. They welcomed two beautiful children, Charlotte and Thomas, in the following years. Sara continued her nursing career at the Cottage Hospital before joining the staff of Nantucket Middle School where she served as the school nurse for the past five years. Also, during that time, despite her illness, she was determined to earn a master’s degree all while balancing her family, work and constant treatment. 

Sara had an immense passion in caring for others. Her warm smile and boisterous, recognizable laugh would fill any room. You couldn’t help but feel love when in her presence. Reveling in bluebird days at Eel Point Beach was her favorite way to spend summer. She graciously opened her home to all so they too could share in her love of Nantucket’s beauty. When winter came, Sara enjoyed annual ski vacations with family and friends. She was an exceptional skier teaching both Justin and their children to ski. 

Sara deeply loved living on Nantucket and was grateful for the unending support of her island community. 

Sara will lovingly be remembered by her husband Justin and beloved children Charlotte and Thomas, the joy and greatest blessings of her life. She is survived by her loving mother 

Mary Anne (Hartigan) Donlan of Hingham, dear brother Brendan Donlan and his wife Danielle Donlan of Topsfield and adoring nieces Emma, Caroline and Hannah; as well as numerous other family members each of whom were as dear to her as she to them.  

Sara is predeceased by her father Thomas Francis Donlan III; and her brother Thomas Francis Donlan the IV. 

A celebration of Sara’s life will be held at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle, Catholic Church, 3 Federal St, Nantucket on Tuesday, December 7 at 11am.  A reception to immediately follow from 12pm-3pm at the Nantucket Hotel. A private burial will be held for immediate family only. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sara’s name to: Marla Ceely Lamb Cancer Travel Fund, c/o PASCON, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Prospect St, Nantucket, MA 02554.