Sara Marie Kallock, born on April 15, 1987, in Boston, MA, passed away on July 1, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sara's tenacity, originality, and fierce love defined her life and endeared her to many. Alongside her community, Sara fought tirelessly against cancer, seeking the best available care with unwavering determination.
Sara was an accomplished author, scholar, artist, and seasoned political and social activist. Sara completed her Ph.D in Politics from the University of Manchester in 2015. Her areas of research and teaching centered around social and political philosophy (with a focus in feminist and queer theory), global political economy (with a focus on gender), public policy (with a focus on the United Kingdom), global studies (with a focus on transnational feminism), and public administration and the welfare state (with a focus on applied theory). Sara received her MA with distinction in Political Philosophy from The Queen’s University in Belfast, and an Honors BA in Liberal Studies of the Great Books at Saint Anselm College.
She is survived by her life partner, Paul Weiskel of Somerville, Massachusetts; her mother, Maria Duke (née Smith) of Middleton, Massachusetts; her stepfather, Richard Duke of Medford, Massachusetts; her maternal grandmother, Marie Smith (née White) of Middleton, Massachusetts; and her siblings, Stephen Kallock of Middleton, Massachusetts, Mary Kallock of Golden, Colorado, and Kevin Duke of Middleton, Massachusetts. Sara also leaves behind dozens of loving aunts and uncles, nearly 30 cousins, and countless friends, colleagues, and comrades.
Sara’s father, Stephen Kallock, who was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, predeceased her on October 5, 2023. Sara served as Stephen’s dutiful proxy in the last years of his life and lovingly advocated for his care. She is also predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Joseph “Greg” Smith of Middleton, Massachusetts; paternal grandparents, Albert Kallock and Virginia Kallock (née McCarthy) of West Springfield, Massachusetts; and maternal aunt, Lisa Fijal (née Smith) of Clifton Park, New York
Sara devoted her 37 years to defending the vulnerable and forging her own path with unyielding purpose. From a sensitive and bright adolescent, she grew into a passionate adult with interests that spanned reading, wildlife, nature, spirituality, volunteer work, gardening, farming, activism, printmaking, ceramics, poetry, singing, crafts, politics, and philosophy. Her thirst for knowledge and creativity were central to her identity, and to the communities of which she became a central part.
Sara authored or contributed to notable works including; "Livable Intersections: Re/Framing Sex Work at the Frontline" and; "Sex Work" in the Handbook of the International Political Economy of Gender. She taught and mentored students at various institutions across the United Kingdom, New England, Minnesota and served as second faculty at the Brooklyn Institute of Social Research. During the final months of her life, Sara designed and authored a children’s book called “World Makers,” which will be published posthumously.
A member of the National Women's Studies Association and the Massachusetts Sex Worker Allies Network, Sara was also involved with numerous other organizations such as Dignity Health Alliance, United Kingdom of Sex Work Projects, Northern Irish Green Party, and campaigned for the Fair Share Amendment in Massachusetts in 2022. She was a dedicated participant in the anti-war movement, labor and workers' rights movement, and served as President and Board Member of the Littleton Community Farm.
Sara embodied the essence of an engaged and compassionate global citizen. Her strong moral code and dedication to her passions inspired those around her to strive for their best selves. Sara's presence brought a contagious buzz of enthusiasm and imagination.
Sara will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her distinctive influence and vibrant legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those whose lives she touched.
Please see the memorial links below:
Tuesday 7/9 wake from 4-7PM at Mackey Funeral Home at 128 South Main Street in Middleton, MA.
Wednesday 7/10 funeral services at 10AM at North Shore Unitarian Universalist Church at 323 Locust Street in Danvers, MA. Followed by light refreshments at the Church.
Refreshments to be followed by burial at Oakdale cemetery at 1PM at 82 Maple Street in Middleton, MA.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Sara, please visit our floral store.
Sara Marie Kallock, born on April 15, 1987, in Boston, MA, passed away on July 1, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sara's tenacity, originality, and fierce love defined her life and endeared her to many. Alongside her community, Sara fought tirelessly against cancer, seeking the best available care with unwavering determination.