Sara Roosevelt

Sara Ann Roosevelt (née Delano) was born on September 21, 1854, at the Delano Estate in Newburgh, New York. She was the daughter of Warren Delano Jr. and Catherine Robbins Lyman. She had ten siblings, with some dying during childhood and others in early adulthood. In 1862, she, her mother, and six siblings traveled to Hong Kong aboard the clipper ship Surprise, where her father was engaged in opium trading, a profession he resumed after their arrival. During this voyage, Sara spent time in the sailmaker's loft, listening to tales from the sailmaker. Her brother Fred later discovered her mother's journal recounting the voyage in 1928. The family returned to Newburgh in 1865.

Sara was educated at home, except for a brief period in Dresden, Germany, in 1876 when she attended a girls' school. She was described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a reputation for intelligence and purposefulness.

In 1880, she married James Roosevelt I, who was 26 years older than she. The marriage took place in 1880, and in 1882, she gave birth to their only child, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, on January 30. Following Franklin's birth, medical advice recommended that Sara refrain from having additional children. She dedicated herself to her son's upbringing, choosing to home-school Franklin and employ tutors instead of sending him to a conventional school.

After James Roosevelt I died in 1900, Sara moved temporarily to Boston to be near her son, who was studying at Harvard University. She was actively involved in Franklin's personal life, particularly regarding his romantic relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt. She initially opposed their engagement and insisted that he keep it secret for over a year.

Sara maintained a close relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt during the early years of her marriage to Franklin. The two women grew close, with Eleanor often consulting Sara on maternal issues. Sara supported Eleanor during Franklin’s affair with Lucy Mercer, which nearly caused the marriage to end. Their relationship became more distant after Eleanor became more involved in politics and activism.

Throughout Franklin Roosevelt’s political career, Sara remained supportive. In 1906, she commissioned the construction of two connected houses at East 65th Street in New York City as a wedding gift to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. She stipulated that she could move into the adjoining house, which she did, with connecting doors allowing her access to the family’s spaces. She continued to live nearby until Franklin Roosevelt assumed the presidency in 1933, when her son and daughter-in-law moved out of her residence.

Sara Roosevelt was present at her son’s inauguration and supported his career, including voting for him in multiple elections. She often expressed positive sentiments about Franklin and was protective of him and his family.

She died on September 7, 1941, at age 86, with Franklin Roosevelt, who was President at the time, at her side. Her death was followed by her burial at St. James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, New York. Notably, immediately after her passing, the largest oak tree at Hyde Park fell during a windless day. Her memory is commemorated with the Sara Delano Roosevelt Park in New York City’s Lower East Side, established in 1934, and her former residence on East 65th Street was restored and designated as the Sara Delano Roosevelt Memorial House by the City University of New York in 2003.

Sara Roosevelt has been portrayed in various media, including stage and film. Notable depictions include portrayals in "Sunrise at Campobello" (1960), "Eleanor and Franklin" (1976), "Warm Springs" (2005), "Hyde Park on Hudson" (2012), and "The First Lady" (2022).