Elspeth Sawyer Birdsall

Elspeth Sawyer Birdsall, age 53, of Asbury, New Jersey passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at home and surrounded by loving family.

Elspeth was born in Rahway, NJ on October 16, 1961 to Sewall and Elspeth (Henry) Sawyer. She was a graduate of the Upper Arlington High School class of 1979, graduate of Capital University, class of 1983 [in piano performance] and The Ohio State University in 1987 in occupational therapy. She taught piano at the Conservatory of Piano in Worthington, Ohio and worked for over 20 years as a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey schools.

Elspeth co-founded and served as the first president of The OsteoPETrosis Society, an organization that assists patients and family members, educates physicians, and expands research for this rare disease.

Above all, she was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister, who taught us heartbreak and healing and what it means to have true courage, strength and beauty. She never lost hope, and inspired it in others. Thank you for sharing your life with us. It has been an honor; we love you.

Elspeth was preceded in death by her brother James Henry Sawyer. She is survived by her husband of 26 years Patrick Birdsall; her daughter Erin; mother Elspeth Sawyer; father Sewall Sawyer; and sister Heather Sawyer.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 5:30 pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 98 Sky Manor Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The OsteoPETrosis Society, 448 Mine Rd. Asbury NJ 08802.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to leave an online condolence.