Sarah Burke

Sarah Burke Lupinski 1940–2022

Sarah was born on Dec 10, 1940 in Lebanon Missouri, and died on June 12, 2022 in Seattle WA. Soon after her birth, her family moved to St. Louis, where she spent most of her childhood. In 1956 her family moved to Ft. Worth Texas, where she completed high school and was admitted to the University of Texas in 1958. In 1962 Sarah graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Russian and English. She was also admitted to Phi Beta Kappa, as well as being named a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. From 1962 to 1965 she was an NDEA Title VI Fellow.

In 1966 she received a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship, and that same year earned her Ph.D. in Russian Literature and Linguistics. After short stints at other universities, Sarah arrived at Trinity University in 1973 to join the Modern Languages Department, where she taught Russian language, literature, art, and culture. Her main interests were literature and art of the Silver Age of Russian culture (from the late 19th century to the purges of the 1930s). Her interests also included Russian folk art and so-called non-conformist art of the 60s, and 70s, which she helped promote through numerous exhibits, lectures, and publications. She served for many years as a co-director of the Institute of Modern Russian Culture.

While at Trinity Sarah received an NEA Fellow grant to participate in a Modern Art and Tradition Seminar at Columbia University for the 1977–78 academic year. In 2008 she received the Trinity University Outstanding University and Community Service Award. Sarah was also a long-time enthusiastic supporter of Trinity Soccer and sponsor of the Russian club until her retirement. Outside of Trinity, Sarah was a member of the Fiber Arts Association of San Antonio.

She volunteered for the PTA at her son’s school, including lecturing to seniors about what to expect in college. She served on the Castle Hills Architectural Review Board. She volunteered for San Antonio Meals on Wheels. 

Sarah is survived by her husband Stephen Lupinski of Seattle, son Andrew Lupinski, daughter-in-law Jade Lupinski, and grandson Zane Conely of San Antonio, and brother Antoine Predock of Albuquerque, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Those wishing to memorialize Sarah are encouraged to donate to the American Cancer Society.

Please share memories, photos & condolences on the tribute wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral & Cremation Services of West Seattle
 

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