Matushka Sarah Gascoigne: A Life of Service, Artistry, and Love
Matushka Sarah Gascoigne: A Life of Service, Artistry, and Love
After an excruciating struggle with terminal cancer, Matushka Sarah Gascoigne, wife of Protopresbyter Serafim Gascoigne, peacefully passed away on January 15th, coinciding with St. Serafim’s day, at her home in Seattle.
Born in Oxford on June 30th, 1950, Matushka Sarah attended a private girls’ school before pursuing her passion for art at the Central School of Art in London, where she specialized in jewelry fabrication and design. She later applied her artistic talents to repoussé work on icons, undertaking significant projects such as crafting coronas in bronze and brass for Pokrov Church and St. John the Wonderworker in Eugene, Oregon.
Additionally, Matushka was commissioned to create rizas for OCA churches and received numerous secular commissions, including being featured in the jewelry collection of Her Majesty, Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Matushka and Father Seraphim were united in marriage at the Russian Cathedral by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh in 1976.
“As a Bishop of the Western Diocese, I fondly recall Matushka Sarah, whose noble presence, alongside Fr. Seraphim, graced Pokrov parish with tireless service. Whether she stood at the kliros or welcomed all with a gentle smile, her devotion knew no bounds. A mother to ten children, she embraced all who sought solace, enfolding them in her maternal care,” said Bishop Maxim. The overwhelming attendance at her funeral attested to the impact she had on those around her.
May the Lord bestow upon Matushka Sarah eternal repose and grant her a place in His heavenly Kingdom!
