Carmella Sabaugh Obituary – Warren, Michigan, Mourns the Loss of a Dedicated Public Servant and Former Macomb County Clerk Who Passed Away on June 8 at the Age of 85 – Death
Carmella Sabaugh, a devoted public servant and former Macomb County Clerk, passed away on June 8 at the age of 85. Her remarkable life was marked by her unwavering dedication to public service, impressive political career, and inspiring personal story. Born in Detroit to Italian-American Catholic parents, Carmella Visconti Sabaugh faced adversity at a young age, being orphaned at eight and raised by her aunt and uncle.
Despite these challenges, Sabaugh’s determination and resilience led her to graduate from Denby High School in 1956. She furthered her education at Wayne State University and Western Michigan University, laying the foundation for her future accomplishments. Her political journey began in 1975 when she was elected to the Warren City Council, where she served for five years. Her effective communication skills and dedication to public service quickly made her a respected figure in the community.
In 1979, Sabaugh was elected as the Warren city clerk, a position she held for 11 years. Her tenure was marked by her commitment to improving public services and her ability to connect with the community. In 1992, she was elected as the Macomb County Clerk, a position she held for six terms until her retirement in 2012. During her time in office, Sabaugh implemented numerous reforms and innovations that transformed the county clerk’s office.
Sabaugh’s most notable achievements include developing a top-tier real estate and fraud detection system, modernizing real estate records, and simplifying jury duty. Her work was recognized nationally, earning her office 65 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Her dedication to public service and her ability to inspire others made her a beloved figure in the community. In 2006, Sabaugh ran for Michigan Secretary of State, although she was defeated by the Republican incumbent, Terri Lynn Land.
Throughout her life, Sabaugh’s positive outlook and dedication to public service inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue careers in politics and public service. Her legacy continues to be felt in the community, with her family and friends remembering her as a remarkable wife, mother, friend, and public servant. Former Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mary Chrzanowski praised Sabaugh as a role model who inspired many women to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.
Sabaugh’s impact on Macomb County and the state of Michigan is immeasurable. Her commitment to public service, her innovative approach to governance, and her ability to connect with the community have left a lasting legacy. As the community mourns the loss of this dedicated public servant, they also celebrate her life and the countless achievements that made her an inspiration to so many.
Carmella Sabaugh is survived by her five grown children, including Judge Matthew Sabaugh, and her extended family. Her family’s reflections on her life and legacy highlight her unwavering dedication to public service and her inspiring personal story. As the community comes together to pay tribute to this remarkable woman, they remember her as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a commitment to making a difference.
In the wake of her passing, the community is left to reflect on the impact Carmella Sabaugh had on their lives. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of dedicationThere was a problem generating a response. Please try again later.
