October 24, 1928 to April 26, 2023

With family by her side, Sarah H. Geiser passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023 at the age of 94. A force of nature if ever there was one, Sarah leaves a lasting legacy of generosity, practicality, and love. She is survived by a large family from Orcas and beyond, seventeen of whom were with her in her final days.

Born on October 24, 1928 to George D and Meta Hubbard, she was raised in Seattle with her brother George D Hubbard Jr. who preceded her in death, nieces Gail (Hubbard)Ford, Nancy (Hubbard) Hitchcock and Jane (Hubbard) Stitzinger. Family, gardening, and Mariners baseball were of paramount importance throughout Sarah’s life. Adding to the rich story of her family life were her three great loves, her husbands Dale Smith, Ed Simonson, and Gill Geiser, who have all preceded her in death, and who allowed her to sew the beautiful tapestry of her extended family together.

In 1961, she moved to her forever home, Orcas Island, with her husband Dale and their daughter Diana Miller, whose dedicated care allowed Sarah to continue living on Orcas in her final years. Granddaughter Denise Miller and grandson Dale Miller (Stefanie) and great-granddaughters Mia and Noelle were by her side in her final days. Also with her were grandchildren Zachary Simonson-Bond (Alea Robertson), Zarek Simonson, and Cavan Simonson, along with nephew Dick Hansen (Deborah) and her grandnephew Erik Hansen and grandniece Kate Hansen.

Becoming synonymous with Rosario, Sarah was the last remaining member of the team that turned Robert Moran’s beautiful home into a renowned resort, opening the healing estate to locals and travelers alike.

A story collector and storyteller, she always wanted to hear what was going on with others—and truly listened to what they had to say. This quality, combined with a mind like a steel trap, made her a human encyclopedia for Rosario, Orcas Island, and family history.

Sarah walked through life with strength and inspiration and will be forever loved and missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orcas Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 1484, Eastsound, WA 98245. A memorial is in the works for July 29, 2023, Saturday.