Sara was born in Eugene, Oregon, to Rick Gorsky of Heppner, Oregon and Diana Courtwright Matlock of Philomath, Oregon. She was the youngest of three children, brother Chad Gorsky of Central Point, Oregon and sister Selina Marshall of Albany, Oregon.
Sara started her education at Oakridge Elementary school for kindergarten and first grade after which she and her family moved to Philomath, finishing her education in the Philomath School District, graduating from Philomath High School in 2004.
Sara attended Oregon State University receiving her bachelor of science in animal science. She worked at OSU Veterinary Hospital as an animal attendant while attending college and after receiving her degree.
Sara’s love of horses started at a young age, motivating her to purchase her first four-legged friend, Highland Gentry, when she was 12 years old. She participated and excelled in equine 4-H and enjoyed being a member of both her high school and college equestrian teams.
Sara met her husband, Joseph Santora, in the summer of 2008; they dated for four years and bought their first property together in 2012, making it possible to have a home that included her horses.
Together, Joe and Sara would improve and develop their property into a beautiful country oasis where they would hold their Aug. 26, 2012, wedding. The ceremony reflected Sara’s love for Joe, as well as her love of the simplicity of the outdoors and the country way of life. Although Sara was quiet and private to those who were not in her inner circle, she allowed people to see her adventurous side when she arrived at her wedding on horseback. In true Sara style, she hopped from the horse’s back to her dad’s side for her walk down the aisle to Joe; together they had many adventures on quads, horseback and hiking.
In 2015 the couple moved to Lexington, Oregon where they once again purchased property and built a country sanctuary that included a house and barns that housed two highland cattle (George and Scotty), two horses (Brandy and Aspen) and enough space to allow two dogs (Cooper and Gus) and two cats to play. Sara had a love for the outdoors, hiking, photography and simply taking walks with her dogs. She enjoyed her job at Bank of Eastern Oregon as a loan processor; she excelled in her area earning her a step up in her career ladder as a credit analyst.
On July 19, 2024, Sara was living the country life alongside Joe and taking care of her animals when she suddenly passed from this world. Unfortunately, professionals are unable to determine the cause at this time.
Sara’s Celebration of Life events will be held:
- Sept. 7 at 2 p.m., Beazell Memorial Forest, 37283 Kings Valley Highway, Philomath, OR 97370.
- Sept. 21 at 1 p.m., Heppner Elks Lodge, 142 N. Main St., Heppner, OR 97836.