Memorial

Sara Jane Peiffer Sorensen left this world peacefully on September 10, 2023, at Cottage Grove Place at the age of 95 surrounded by her family. We were blessed to be at her side.

Sara was born on February 24, 1928, in Mt Pleasant, Iowa, to the late Rosario and Francesca Bacino.  She graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College and then taught third grade in Cedar Rapids for several years.

Sara married Leo Peiffer and together they adopted their daughter, Mary.  They later divorced.  She then found the love of her life Al Sorensen and they were married in 1988.  They had a great life together, traveling and spending time with family and friends. They especially enjoyed their time at Lake Namakagon in Wisconsin and attending Iowa State football and basketball games.

Sara was a remarkable lady who lived life to the fullest. Full of energy and creativity, she had a unique perspective on the world. She had a passion for art and expressed her creativity through her beautiful watercolor paintings. She was involved in many showings and exhibits and her paintings reside in many area businesses and private homes. Her commissioned works include the Cedar Rapids Symphony program covers for 1997-1998 and 2001-2002 and the Athletic offices at Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State University. Sara also had a talent for cooking and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for family and friends. Her orange rolls were a holiday staple!

She is survived by her loving daughter, Mary Ann Peiffer Weems, and son-in-law Mark Weems. Sara's memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren: Jacob Weems (Trisha), Daniel Weems (Jordan), Austin Weems (Kelly), Rachel Perez (Andy), her great grandchildren: Asher, Jaella, Salem, Adalai, Titus, Malachi, Havilah, Jubilee and Ezran Weems, Willow Weems, Harper and Teagan Weems, Lillian, Mason and Aaron Perez - all of the Cedar Rapids area. She is also survived by her brothers Dr. Vincent Bacino of San Diego and Joseph Nick Bacino (Sally) of St. Louis and a niece and many nephews and their families.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Al, sisters-in-law, Gay Bacino and Rosanne Bacino.

Sara was involved in many community organizations.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Alpha Xi Delta sorority, PEO, past member of Elmcrest Country Club, and a former Cedar Rapids Ambassador.  She was a longtime volunteer for Mercy Medical Center and a member of the Mercy Axillary Board. She and Al were proud supporters of the Iowa State Athletic Department.  Other previous community involvement included the Cedar Rapids Symphony, Mt. Mercy University, YMCA, Creative Artists, Iowa Watercolor Society, Kirkwood Community College, American Cancer Society and many more. However, Sara’s most important focus was her family and spending time together.


Sara will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant spirit, creativity, and love for life will forever be remembered and cherished. Her soul now finds eternal peace with Jesus.

The family extends gratitude to the compassionate staff at Cottage Grove Place, Dr. Melanie Stahlberg and Hospice of Mercy for their loving care of Sara.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Monday, September 25th at 4pm with a visitation and reception to follow at the Cedar Memorial Family Center & Library.

In honor of Sara, contributions may be made to the Mercy Medical Center Foundation (701 10th St. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403)