The world lost a shining light when Sara Marie McDonnell (Voyle) of Byron, MI, passed away on Friday, April 17th, 2020.  In her short 38 years with us, Sara impacted so many lives and achieved much to be proud of. Her successes were earned through deep love and caring commitment to people and the planet, dedication to community, and a strong work ethic. Sara was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Andrew Voyle and their children, Haydn (14) and Breeanna (11) of Byron, MI, and her parents, Mark and Jill McDonnell of Hartland, MI.

Sara was raised in Milford, Michigan, the only child of her loving parents. She was close to her cousins, and built enduring friendships in her childhood that she nurtured throughout her life. She graduated from Milford High School in the class of 1999. Sara was gifted artistically, and was an expert clay artist, but she followed her love of the environment to enroll in Earth and Resource Science studies at the University of Michigan-Flint. She graduated in 2005 having earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Resource Ecology.  Sara was a committed student, earning multiple scholarships, was recognized on the Dean’s List and served as an Officer in the Environmental Sciences Club.

Sara worked all her life for a healthy environment. As a student, she served as a Sanctuary Steward for the Michigan Nature Association. From 2004-2009, she worked as a Research Assistant and Project Coordinator in the University of Michigan-Flint Center for Applied Environmental Research (CAER). At CAER, Sara supported a wide variety of projects in watershed planning, land conservation, trails and recreation, and green infrastructure. She also served on the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Flint River Watershed Coalition where she founded the Golden Gloves Annual Volunteer Award.

From 2009 -2016, Sara’s role at the University of Michigan-Flint transitioned to broader support in the Office of University Outreach (U.O.) She worked to further cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships between University and community partners while serving as a consultant and technical adviser on various projects. While working full-time, and being a very engaged parent, Sara earned her Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from UM-Flint School of Management in 2015. She advanced to Program Manager in U.O where she led UM-Flint’s EDA University Center for Community and Economic Development. Her project management and leadership experience were applied to a wide range of programs and projects in entrepreneurship, environment, sustainability, and community engagement. She coached and facilitated hundreds of students, community members, and friends to create meaningful lives and to positively help others become their best.

While she was highly accomplished professionally, Sara’s deep and meaningful relationships will leave her greatest legacy. She led by example, and her values shaped her actions and often the directions others would take. Sara was respected by all who knew her, and cherished by those who knew her best. She was a dedicated mother and wonderful friend, always quick to support and lend a hand to those in need. Sara’s greatest joy was her family, and she made it a priority to spend time with her best friend and husband, Andy, and her children, Haydn and Breeanna. She always shared stories about her family, featuring Haydn and Breeanna, showing her delight in them as unique individuals. She was very proud of them, and friends always told Sara she was the best Mom ever.

Sara loved music, the outdoors, and good beer. Some of her favorite activities involved the waters and lands that she worked to protect. She loved kayaking, and spending time with family and friends at their property in Glennie, MI. Sara was quick to smile, had the most infectious laugh, a wonderful sense of humor, and a secret love of soulful poetry. Sara was a truly genuine soul, and an amazing light in our lives. We are so very lucky to have shared our lives with her. She has left us much too soon.

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The cause of Sara’s unexpected death is unknown, but it does not appear that COVID-19 was a contributing factor. Due to social distancing constraints, the family is unable to host a memorial service at this time. Please share your memories, stories, and pictures of our dear friend on this page so that we may celebrate Sara’s life and let her family know what an enormous impact she had on all of ours.