Sarah Hahn Donalson's Obituary
Weslaco - Sarah Hahn Donalson, 73, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, surrounded by her children. She was born on October 30, 1952, to Charles “CR” and Claudia Hahn in Hickory, North Carolina. At the age of four, her family moved to Tyler, Texas, the place she and her brother Robert “Bobby” called home. She attended Tyler Junior College and Southwest Texas State University, studying art and education.
After graduating from college, Sarah moved to the Rio Grande Valley for a teaching job. A close friend introduced her to Paul Donalson, and they were engaged six months later. The two married on August 4, 1979, in Tyler and became devoted parents to their two children, Dana and Robert.
Sarah’s purpose and passion was teaching young children. What started as playing “class" with her dolls as a young child turned into a 32-year career in education, primarily teaching first grade. She talked about her students often, taking so much joy in watching their growth and development displayed through play and conversations. Sarah shared her love of teaching at the First United Methodist Church of Weslaco, where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a faithful member for the rest of her life.
A lifelong dancer since childhood, Sarah joined the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles and Southwest Texas State Strutters drill teams. She performed at the Super Bowl VII halftime show, as well as a Dallas Cowboys game in Chicago. For years, Sarah danced in the ladies class at the Rita Robertson School of Dance. In retirement, she took on an administrative role at the dance school, where she loved getting to see the young dancers and their families each week.
Sarah was an active leader in her community, serving as President of her PEO chapter for seven years, President of the Weslaco Museum’s Guild, and in various roles with the Literary Review Club.
Caring and generous, she showed up for others and maintained strong friendships from all stages of life. Sarah had a liveliness to her and loved to laugh, often the first person on the dance floor at weddings. She had an enthusiasm for Longhorn football, flying her burnt orange flag at home each game day, and she was a season ticketholder for Weslaco Panthers football games for over 25 years.
Sarah was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her marriage to Paul was strong and supportive until his last day, taking joy in the small everyday outings to stays at the family ranch as empty nesters. Sarah was the little league team mom and fan in the stands for Robert and shared in dance recitals with Dana, always being an active presence in their lives. In retirement, Sarah visited her grandchildren in Austin often, treasuring birthday parties, holidays, and cartoon cuddle time in “Nana’s Room.”
Sarah was deeply cherished by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Dana Such and her husband Chris of Austin, son, Robert Donalson and his wife Sarah of Weslaco, grandchildren, Emma and Henry Such, brother, Robert Hahn and his wife Julie of Dallas. Sarah is preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul, and her parents, Charles “CR” and Claudia Hahn.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with family present from 4-7 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Weslaco.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Weslaco Museum, 500 S. Texas Blvd. Weslaco, TX 78596, in memory of Sarah Donalson.
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