Sarah M. Dean

Sarah M. Dean, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 23 leaving behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and service to her community.

Sarah dedicated her life to advancing health care and strengthening Milwaukee’s civic and philanthropic landscape through her visionary leadership and commitment to public service.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Baltimore, Sarah entered the congregation of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul and served as a nun for 17 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from St. John’s University in New York, and Master of Science in Administrative Medicine from Columbia University. Sarah served in administrative leadership roles, overseeing hospital pharmacies along the east coast and elevating standards of quality control. She developed a reputation for integrity, innovation, and empathy toward patients and colleagues alike.

Sarah came to Madison, Wisconsin, to lead Governor Patrick Lucey’s new Policy and Planning Task Force. She was later appointed to a cabinet position and served as Secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing. While she was there, she met Phil Lerman and the rest is history. They married on November 20, 1976 and moved to Milwaukee when Governor Lucey left office.

After leaving public service, Sarah held key leadership roles at Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee. During her tenure as CEO, Sarah oversaw the merger of Mount Sinai with Good Samaritan, leading to the creation of Sinai Samaritan Medical Center and the establishment of Aurora Healthcare. She was also proud of her role in establishing the Wisconsin Regional Geriatric Center at Sinai, serving as its first administrator. Her vision and ability to unite institutions around shared goals helped shape the future of healthcare delivery in Milwaukee.

Rounding out her career, Sarah was named Executive Director of the Faye McBeath Foundation. Her leadership ensured the foundation’s resources were used to create innovative programs supporting children, families, the elderly, healthcare and local government.

Throughout her distinguished career, Sarah leveraged her talents, knowledge, and deep commitment to community service. She served on a variety of committees and boards including the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging, Cardinal Stritch University, Catholic Community Foundation, and was the only woman serving on the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission. Sarah was also the proud recipient of many honors and awards including the Sacajawea Award.

Sarah will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for her warmth, integrity, and unwavering dedication to improving lives. Her colleagues admired her intellect and grace; her friends cherished her kindness and humor.

Sarah was the beloved wife of the late Philip E. Lerman, dear stepmother of the late Richard (the late Mona Higuchi) Lerman, Liz (Jon Spelman) Lerman, and the late David M. (Sharon Marcus) Lerman. She was also special Maga (grandmother) of Jesse (Teena) Lerman, Joshua (Katrin) Lerman, Anna (Peter Prix) Spelman, Ilana (James Schaffer) Lerman, Rabbi Noam Lerman, Rachel Lerman, and great grandchildren Maya, Ezra and Judah Lerman, Lily and Maggie Lerman, Emunah and Aydn Azamra Schaffer, and a little one on the way. Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Anthony A. and Kathryn Flannigan Dean, and dear sister, Kathryn (David) Thompson. Sarah is further survived by family, friends, and countless individuals whose lives were touched by her work and compassion.

Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 1901 N. Farwell Avenue, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 beginning at 4:00 PM and concluding with a vigil service and sharing of memories at 6:30.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Old Saint Mary Church, 844 North Broadway Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Three Holy Women Legacy Fund, 1716 N. Humboldt Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Sarah led with both her mind and her heart. Her wisdom and kindness guided institutions as well as individuals. She was a gourmet cook, loved to entertain friends, and thoroughly enjoyed a glass of Maker’s Mark. You could always count on her for an honest opinion! She made the world a better place – not just through her work, but through the way she lived. We will love and miss her always.

Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.

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