Sandra Presar

Sandra Eileen (Hablitzel) Presar, 85, of Buckhannon, W.Va., passed away surrounded by family on Friday, May 29, 2026.
She was born on Aug. 18, 1940, in McCutchenville, to Ira and LaVere (Healy) Hablitzel. On Oct. 12, 1962, she married Charles Irvin Presar, her beloved husband and best friend.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; and her four brothers, Neil, Milford “Bud,” Gary and Lowell Hablitzel.
She is survived by her children, Stephanie (John Smith), Craig (LeAnn), Jennifer and Jeremy; her grandchildren, Tyler Polk (Angelina), Margaret Presar, Margaret Dallman (Zachary) and Charles Presar; and her great-grandchildren, Ava and Cooper Dallman.
Sandra graduated from Bowling Green State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in theater. Shortly after their marriage, Sandra and Charles worked together in the Hall of Free Enterprise at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. In 1967, they moved to Buckhannon, where Charles joined the faculty of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Sandra soon joined the faculty as well, and together they became pillars of the speech and drama department until their retirements. While Charles directed and produced countless theater productions, Sandra worked alongside him as a costume and makeup designer, choreographer and stage mom to hundreds of their “college kids.” In addition to her contributions to the theater program, she distinguished herself in the field of communication studies, presenting scholarly papers, chairing and participating in professional panels, and serving as an elected officer of both the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Eastern Communication Association (ECA). She and her colleagues grew a program that earned the distinction of National Program of Excellence. Sandra was equally devoted to her community. While raising her active family, she served as a 4-H leader, Cub Scout den mother and band booster. She was also a charter member of the Upshur Arts Alliance and later served as its president. Throughout her life, she remained committed to supporting the arts, education, equality and civic engagement. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church.
For nearly 86 years, Sandra remained a beautiful blend of class and crass, a tomboy who grew to possess the elegance and grace of a dancer. She lived as an illustration of how to appreciate the differences and beauty in other people and cultures, served as an advocate for equality and justice, and was an active example of service to her community and her profession. She was equally at home attending a ballet performance or cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. She possessed both an appreciation for all things beautiful and a wicked sense of humor. Those who knew Sandra will remember her intelligence, creativity, generosity, resilience and wit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former students, colleagues and community. Her children take comfort in knowing how fortunate they were to call her Mom and how proud they are of the life she lived and the example she set.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Upshur Parish House or West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.