Sarah Connor (Norbeck)

I met Sarah in the FLH my freshman year (1997-98) and I remember her as a quiet but strong influence in my first year at Iowa. I only saw her occasionally in the years after that (often on her motorcycle if I remember correctly), but as one of the first openly gay people I met at the U of I, she made a lasting impression on me. I'm saddened to hear of her death, and I hope she found the peace she was looking for.

Obituary

Sarah A. Connor (Norbeck) age 40, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Iowa City, chose to end her life this week.
A celebration of Sarah's life will be held at 7 pm Friday, September 23, 2005, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. A gathering of her family and friends will begin at 6 pm Friday and continue after the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Sarah's memory. Online condolences may be sent for Sarah's family through our Web site at www.gayandciha.com.
Sarah was born June 2, 1965, in Iowa City, Iowa. She attended Horace Mann and Central, and graduated from City High in 1983. She went on to Iowa State University in Ames and received her BA degree from the University of Iowa in 1987.
Sarah and her partner, Carmela "Alfie" Alfonso moved to Cedar Rapids in 1999. They recently celebrated their ninth anniversary. Sarah had many talents and gifts; she was a certified auto mechanic, drove school bus for the Cedar Rapids School District, was a rural route carrier for the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and was a strong and passionate leader in the gay and lesbian community. Her vivaciousness will be remembered and greatly missed.
Her family includes her partner, Carmela "Alfie" Alfonso of Cedar Rapids; mother, Betty Norbeck of Iowa City, brother, David Norbeck of Iowa City; sisters, Susie Nehring and her husband, Ed, of Iowa City and Martha Norbeck of Iowa City; nephew, Navaro Nehring of Iowa City; and her aunt, Jan Alan of Iowa City.
Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Sarah's family and her services.