Sarah Dixon Shanks Peterson (Sadie), age 88 died peacefully holding the hand of her beloved son, John John on May 28 ^th 2020 at the Greenway Manor in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

Sadie was born October 21 ^st , 1931 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to John and Sarah Shanks. Sadie grew up with 2 brothers and 2 sisters in the city of Belfast. After she completed her schooling, she went to work at an Irish Linen factory. Her sister Carol met Vic Steiner during the war, they married and made their home in Mazomanie, but that's a whole other story. Sadie immigrated to the United States in 1962 with Vic Steiner as her sponsor. She met the man of her dreams at Mazomanie Wild West Days. He was nice, they rode the Tilt-a-Whirl, she became dizzy and fell for his charm. Darrell and Sadie married August 15 ^th 1964, made their home in the Arena countryside and raised two boys. She would do anything for her boys and totally adored them.

Sadie worked her entire career at Graber's Window Fashion in Middleton, it later became Springs Window Fashion. Her many work friends came to call her Sally and she retired in 1997. Sadie enjoyed her family, weekly Bingo games, a good card game, Daniel O'Donnell and could never pass up a deal at a garage sale.

Although she lived here in the states, home was always Ireland and it held a special place in her heart. She loved her evening tea with lots of sugar. Sadie was a people person, loved a good conversation and told a good story. Some stories even became better with age. To know her was to love her and we were lucky to have had her.

Sadie is survived by sons, Skip (Kristen) Peterson, Madison and John Peterson, Arena; brother, Samuel (Alice) Shanks, Belfast Northern Ireland; nephews, Richard Shanks, Robert Shanks, John Shank, Vic Steiner, Dennis (Debbie) Steiner, David (Lona) Steiner, Kevin (Rosalie) Steiner, Dean (Michelle) Swenson; nieces, Patty (Reuben) Borgen, Linda Bradshaw, Carole (Deaki) Spence, Jean (Kallen) Schwartz, Bonnie (Rick) Garner, Kathy Gruber, Diane Richardson, Debbie (Greg) Hogan, Kim (Richard) Wisden and so many other friends and family.

Sadie is preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Darrell; parents, John and Sarah Shanks, brother, Bobby Shanks; sisters, Carol Steiner, Barbara Shanks; brother in-laws Victor Steiner, Sonny Swenson; Sister in-laws, Nancy Shanks, Donna Schlough, Joyce Richardson.

Because of the Coronavirus protocol we will not be able to have a normal visitation or funeral services. This is so unfair and not the way we would have ever envisioned for Sadie. She loved people and people loved her and are now are being robbed from saying good-bye. There will be a private graveside service. We will video the services and put together a memorial video in a few days. Hopefully later in the year we can have a celebration to share memories. We are sincerely sorry, it's the best we can do…. Special thanks to Greenway Manor and their staff for the exceptional care they gave our mother. We appreciate you more than you know.

In lieu of flowers, take an extra helping of corn beef and cabbage every St. Patrick's Day, play an extra couple cards at bingo for her, take a chance – try a lone hand in Euchre, even with an ace high, listen to a Daniel O'Donnell song every Sunday and a shot of Irish Whisky never hurts every once and while…. Be Kind, Life's too short.