Obituary
Born in St. Louis, MO, in 1942, to Sam and Ida Schneider, Sara attended University City High School and then earned a degree in education from Washington University, before moving to the Chicagoland area to teach English as a second language at Holmes Jr. High.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elliot Kalina, and is survived by her sister, Beverly Schneider, her three sons, Ira (Susan), Gary (Abbe), and Steve (Jessica), and her seven grandchildren, Bree, Eliza, Tatum, Sadie, Aubrey, Max, and Duncan.
Sara was an inspiration in how she lived her life and always found ways to help others. She was a passionate advocate for education and women’s rights and constantly took classes in her endless pursuit of knowledge. Beyond devoting countless hours to volunteering at the local library, among other organizations, she truly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bernie’s Book Bank, berniesbookbank.org, a nonprofit organization that enables positive life experiences for children through books and book ownership or to Emily’s List, emilyslist.org, a nonprofit organization focused on electing pro-choice women to office.
Chapel service, Wednesday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Wednesday, July 16th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
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August 11th, 2025
I remember Sara fondly, both as my mom’s friend and as a valued colleague. Sara was always ready and willing to help any child who needed support. I would call her and ask her to come volunteer at one of the District 21 schools, specifically to support ELL students who needed her. And every time, she would agree! She spent her time working with students who had limited schooling, needed a mentor, or just someone to believe in them. Your mom was a gifted teacher and a wonderful human. I will miss her funny anecdotes and commentaries about everything.
Noreen Segal
~Noreen Segal
~Colleague/Neighbor, Deerfield, illinois
July 19th, 2025
Bev ,
My sister, who graduated with your sister, sent me a notice about your sister‘s passing.
Even though we haven’t talked for many years, it made me think about the times we spent together at your house close to Hanley Road.
So many of us had sisters and brothers the same age as your sister. .. the one person living, who still knew us the longest with so many family stories.
Sending heart felt condolences and the loss of your sister.
Cissy Lacks
~Cissy Lacks
~Friend of her sister, Beverly, Evanston Illinois
July 18th, 2025
Sara was our flower—she gave everyone love, loyalty, and strength through her example. The Mann family was deeply saddened by her passing and will forever cherish her friendship.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Mann
~Marilyn Mann
~Friend, Arlington Heights, IL
July 16th, 2025
Dear Kalina and Schneider Families,
Thank you for allowing others to Zoom into Sara’s beautiful and heartfelt service. Although I didn’t spend a great deal of time with Sara over the years, particularly given that we lived in different parts of the country, the service was a testament to what a positive and hopeful force Sara was for good in the world. I loved hearing what a difference she made in the lives of others, including her 7 grateful grandchildren. Sara was a model of the life we all should live! I am confident her memory will always be a blessing!
Fondly, Susan Morawetz in Maryland
~Susan Morawetz
~distant cousin, Silver Spring
July 16th, 2025
Growing up together, in early years when your family lived on the first floor of Baba & Zada’s house, and then your family moved around the corner from us. Sara was always ‘the boss’. We had so many good times together.
Ira, Gary. and Steven, your loss is great but your memories full, may you be consoled by knowing you had a great mom.
Bev, my special Bev, you were ever the devoted, pragmatic sister and there will be a voI’d in your life , but take comfort in the loving family Sara left behind. Blessed is the Eternal Judge of Truth.
~Judy Kruter
~1st Cousins, Passaic, NJ
July 16th, 2025
Ira, Gary, Steve, and family;
My heart goes out to all of you. Please know you are in my warmest thoughts. May your mom’s memory forever be for a blessing.
~Ellen Levy
~Retired Cooper Educator, Lake in the Hills, IL
July 14th, 2025
Sara was a one of a kind individual, who was bright, energetic, and inspirational to all who knew her. I’m proud to have called her a friend and her memory will be with me forever. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Michael
~Michael Shapiro
~Friend, Deerfield, IL
July 14th, 2025
We are lucky to have had Sara as a good friend, who we have many wonderful memories of. We love you Sara. Rest in peace.
Bobbi, Larry
~Bobbi and Larry Goldsmith
~Friends, Arlington Hts.
Guest Book and Memories
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