Sara M. Banyai

Sara M. Banyai, 35, of Cavalier, ND passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. vigil service at St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church, Cavalier. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Sara Banyai Scholarship Fund. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Mott, ND. A Rosary Service will be held Friday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Mott, ND.
Sara Margaret was born January 17, 1979 in Elgin, ND, to Leslie and Maggie (Schatz) Banyai. She grew up in Mott, ND where she graduated from high school in 1997. While enrolled at Valley City State University, she was active in any organizations that could use her talents such as, speech, theater, student government and education association. She also worked in the library and computer lab, and coached the speech team. Sara student taught at Century High School in Bismarck, ND. After graduating from college in 2001, with degrees in History and Speech, she taught high school social sciences, coached speech and worked as the technology coordinator in White Shield, Wimbledon and Cavalier.
Sara was active in the NDEA throughout her education career and was awarded the James Madison Fellowship in the spring of 2010, working towards her Masters Degree in US Government. She enjoyed family time, playing cards, reading, traveling and tatting.
Survivors include her mother, Maggie, Mott, ND, and brother, Steven Banyai, Fargo, ND.
Preceding her in death was her father, Leslie; maternal grandparents Daniel and Cecilia Schatz; paternal grandparents; Frank and Sophie Banyai and other extended family.
Celebrants: Rev. Fr. Robert Pecotte, Rev. Fr. Charles Zins; Music: Geri Beckman, John Dungan, Ann Kraft, Vocalists, Larry Collins, Accompanist; Honorary Pallbearers: All of Sara's Classmates, Current and Former Students; Casket Bearers: Ben Bernard, Justin Boen, Jerry Dickson, Tim Fleck, Derek Heck, Mark Schatz, Greg Worm.