Sarah J. Spinella

Dr. Sarah Joy (Freemantle) Spinella, 57, of Urbana passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. She was born in England on September 10, 1966, the daughter of Alan and Linda (Heale) Freemantle. On September 12, 1996, Sarah married the love of her life, Dr. Michael J. Spinella, he survives.

Sarah is also survived by her mother, Linda; children, Megan, Jack, and Henry Spinella, and brother, Andrew Freemantle.

She is preceded in death by her father, Alan.

Sarah grew up in England and obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular-Biology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She then did advanced training at Richmond Virginia and New York University. Her research career was in Cancer Pharmacology and Therapy first at Dartmouth College and then as an Assistant Professor of Comparative Biosciences at the University of Illinois. Sarah was a well-respected scientist who published over 65 research articles, taught Pharmacology, and mentored many, many students, which she truly enjoyed doing. In her spare time, Sarah adored spending time with her children, volunteering at the local theater, and traveling. She also loved swimming, reading a good book, and watching Ru Pauls Drag Race.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Sunsets Champaign Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the funeral home. The burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana.

Please join Sarahs family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Friday June 14, 2024 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Funeral Service Friday June 14, 2024 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820