Sage Tower Mumma, 80

March 01, 2024

Sage Tower Mumma, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday March 1, 2024 in Lancaster, PA, after an extended illness. Born October 6, 1943, in Boston, MA, to James Wilson Tower and Dorothy Parsons Moore Tower, she spent her formative years (1945-1966) in Darien, CT. She graduated from The Brearley School in 1962 and from Chatham College in 1966. While at Chatham, Sage assisted Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, with production offices in Oakland (Pittsburgh). She also assisted the Pittsburgh Superintendent of Schools in establishing a poetry program for elementary-level students. Poetry remained a theme throughout her life.

Sage worked in chemistry and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh, residing in Squirrel Hill (Pittsburgh) until 1970 when she relocated to Maryland, first in University Park and then Glen Oban in Arnold. She earned a Master’s in Math Education at the University of Maryland (College Park), thereafter teaching advanced math at Severn School and Broadneck High School. She was known as a gifted teacher, and in later life was often greeted warmly by former students. In 2019, Sage and her husband relocated to Willow Valley Communities (Lancaster, PA).

Her involvement in civic affairs was well recognized. She founded the University Park News, co-founded the Junior League of Annapolis, MD, co-founded the Arnold Preservation Council, and served in Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for many years. She was a Deacon of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD. She was also an avid sailor, enthusiastic traveler, and rescuer of strays and others in need.

Music was a central interest throughout Sage’s life. At college she sang as a founding member of the Midnight Ramblers folk trio and later sang soprano with the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel Choir, the Senior Choir at Woods Church, the Encore Chorale for older Adults, and the Chorale at Willow Valley Communities, among others.

Sage was predeceased by her brother Steven Tower (Heather). She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Michael Jon Mumma of Willow Valley; son Peter Robb Mumma of Norwalk, CT; daughter Amy Mumma Raskopf (Mark) of Darien, CT; sister Susan Hollis of Penfield, NY; and, brother David Tower of Annapolis, MD. She is also survived by grandsons Alexander and Robertson Mumma of Stewartstown, PA, and John, Charles, and William Raskopf of Darien, CT, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 (contact www.comet_man@verizon.net). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (www.theaftd.org) or to the Memory Care Center https://foundation.WillowValleyCommunities.org).