Johanna Sauer, 73, caretaker for people with intellectual disabilities

When Johanna Sauer wasn't driving a school bus or helping people with intellectual disabilities, you might find her walking her dog, Rocky, or searching the local department store for yet another surprise gift for her daughter or grandchildren.

Mrs. Sauer liked a glass of wine here and again, was a bit of a shopaholic, and wasn't afraid to speak her mind, just like Judge Judy on one of her favorite TV shows.

"She was a 4-foot-10 little powerhouse," said her daughter, Deneen Falk. "She was feisty, told it like it is."

Mrs. Sauer, 73, wife of the late Patrick C. Sauer, of Phoenixville, died Wednesday, July 5, at Paoli Hospital.

She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., to Donald and Margaret Foos.

Before her health declined, Mrs. Sauer had driven a school bus for Wolfington Bus Co. in Phoenixville and had been licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to care for people with intellectual disabilities.

"Generous to a fault, definitely," Falk said.

In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Steven Falk, a photographer at Philadelphia Media Network, Mrs. Sauer is survived by three grandchildren and two sisters.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral at Devlin Rosmos Kepp & Gatcha Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 517 S. Main St. in Phoenixville, on Monday, July 10, at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ride for Kids/Pediatric Brain Foundation.