Rosa Lee Ireland Sarachek

Rosa Lee Sarachek, affectionately known to her sister as “Cissie,” a devoted philanthropist and longtime supporter of the Wichita community, passed away at Ascension Via Christi on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following injuries sustained in a fall at her home.

Rosa Lee was born June 6, 1942, in El Dorado, Kansas, to John M. Ireland and Rosa E. (Holt) Ireland. She and her sister, Mary Ann, grew up in Leon, Kansas, where Rosa Lee developed a lifelong love of gardening. As a girl, she enjoyed playing in the dirt, helping in the garden and canning vegetables with her family. Mary Ann fondly remembers the year the sisters ran out of quart jars and began using pint jars instead—prompting their mother to finally declare that they had done enough canning.

Rosa Lee earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Wichita State University. She later worked at the university as a student counselor before becoming a medical technologist at St. Francis Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital.

Throughout their lives, Rosa Lee and her beloved husband, Dr. Alvin Sarachek, were known for their extraordinary generosity, quiet compassion and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Together, they were dedicated benefactors of numerous charitable, educational and cultural institutions, including Botanica, PBS Kansas, the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita State University, Kansas State University and the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre, as well as many other organizations they supported quietly and without recognition.

Rosa Lee and Alvin believed deeply in the power of education, culture, scientific research and community engagement to enrich lives and build a stronger society. Their generosity strengthened organizations throughout the community and helped create opportunities that will benefit future generations.

Beyond her community involvement, Rosa Lee treasured the time she spent with her sister, Mary Ann. The two shared many adventures over the years, including a two-year commitment to Sweet Adelines, where they indulged their mutual love of singing before deciding, with good humor, that it had become a full-time job.

The sisters also loved to shop and occasionally discovered that their tastes were so similar they had purchased the exact same outfit. Because they lived near one another, Rosa Lee often visited Mary Ann’s home, where she happily supervised the planting of flowers—and sometimes even purchased the seeds for Mary Ann to plant. Mary Ann would simply smile and say, “Bless her heart.”

Rosa Lee and Mary Ann also had a special gift for making family beyond the bonds of blood. Over the years, their circle grew to include people they lovingly considered brothers and sisters. Rosa Lee’s personal trainer, Jack Cotter, became their adopted little brother, sharing a bond with the sisters that was every bit as meaningful as family. In those final days, Jack came to the hospital to see Cissie and they cried and hugged as siblings do. Though they were not born to the same parents, the love between them could not have been any stronger. Both sisters felt blessed to have him as their little brother.

Rosa Lee also found an adopted little sister in Terri Brooks, whom she met through PBS Kansas. What began as an immediate friendship grew into a deeply meaningful bond, and Rosa Lee lovingly claimed Terri as her little sister.

The sisters also shared treasured memories of growing up near their cousin, Johnny Wayne, whom they thought of as a little brother. Mary Ann still remembers the small white handprint he left on a door after getting paint on his hand, as well as the time he was asked to sift flour for baking and carefully pressed all the sifted flour back down again. These simple moments remained among the family’s most precious memories.

Another special friend was Ann Hillard, Rosa Lee and Mary Ann’s longtime water aerobics instructor. The sisters shared many happy hours in her classes and treasured the friendship, laughter and affection they found there.

We had a wonderful relationship with Dr. Melissa Hodge. She was also like a very special sister. She was OBGYN to both sisters for many years. What other doctor would laugh, cry give hugs and come visit Cissie in the hospital? She is special, all three ladies loved each other a great deal.

Rosa Lee was also blessed with several very special friendships—and, as Mary Ann fondly notes, many of them were with some wonderful gentlemen.

Her morning breakfast group included Kevin Henderson and Daryl Spurgeon. They shared countless mornings filled with laughter, conversation and good times. Through Daryl, the sisters also came to know his wife and their dog, Buddy, who would even “save up his money” to treat Cissie to a special ice cream outing or dinner. Kevin and his “wifey” also enjoyed meeting Cissie and Mary Ann for meals, and Kevin and Cissie stayed in regular contact. Their friendship became another extension of the family they created around them.

Another cherished circle of friends was affectionately known as the “alphabet group”—Greg, Ricky and Louis. For more than 30 years, these special friends gathered for meals, choosing restaurants by working their way through the alphabet—A, B, C and so on. Of course, they occasionally abandoned the alphabet altogether and simply returned to the places they liked best. Someone always made sure Cissie was picked up and safely returned home. Their kindness and devotion meant so much to her, and they have continued to surround Mary Ann with that same love and friendship.

Another treasured friendship was with Lori Rose, whose connection to the family began years ago when she was one of Alvin's students. When Cissie underwent surgery in December, Lori immediately asked what she could do to help. She traveled from Texas and helped organize Cissie's kitchen—a simple act of kindness that reflected the generous spirit of their friendship. Lori has since become like a sister to Mary Ann. She and Mary Ann now share daily texts and frequent calls, with Lori often sending uplifting messages and words of wisdom from Charles Spurgeon a well-known 19th century Baptist preacher. Mary Ann treasures Lori Rose as both a wonderful sister and a dear friend.

And then there was Mike. When Mike and Mary Ann married, Rosa Lee gained a little brother and Mike gained a sister. Rosa Lee even happily allowed him the special privilege of calling her “Cissie.”

Mary Ann and Rosa Lee had lived together for many years, and the sisters shared names for one another that reflected their lifelong bond. To Mary Ann, Rosa Lee was always “Cissie,” while Rosa Lee affectionately called her younger sister, “You’re my Baby.”

During the final weeks of Rosa Lee’s life, she and Mary Ann were nearly inseparable. They spent their last day together on Tuesday, the day before Rosa Lee passed away. Mary Ann fondly remembers the two of them “pigging out” on one of their favorite treats—Black Walnut ice cream. It would become one final, precious memory of two sisters who shared a lifetime of love.

And finally, from Mary Ann to her beloved Cissie: “I love you so much. You’re my baby.”

Rosa Lee was preceded in death by her parents, John M. Ireland and Rosa E. (Holt) Ireland, and by her beloved husband, Dr. Alvin Sarachek. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Ireland, and Mary Ann’s husband, Mike Hafer, as well as countless friends with whom she shared many happy hours and cherished memories.

Services will be held Monday, July 20, 2026, at Old Mission Mausoleum Chapel, 3424 E. 21st Street in Wichita. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.

A memorial has been established with the Hereditary Neurological Disease Centre, 9300 E. 29th Street North, Suite 350, Wichita, Kansas 67226.