Sarah Aydt

Dr. Sarah Ann Aydt, beloved physician, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Cape Girardeau community, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. She was born on November 27, 1959, in Cairo, Illinois, to Louis T. Aydt and Elizabeth Archie Aydt.

Sarah was the youngest of three children growing up alongside her sister Elizabeth “Beth” Pace and late brother Tom Aydt. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Paducah, Kentucky.  She graduated with undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Murray State University before earning her Doctor of Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1984. She completed residencies in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, beginning a lifelong commitment to patient care.

In September 1984, Sarah married Dr. Michael Jedlinski. Their loving marriage spanned more than 40 years. After completing their medical training, they relocated to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in 1988, where they became respected pillars of the local medical community, dedicating decades to compassionate care.

Sarah and Michael welcomed their sons Matthew in 1994 and Andrew in 2003.  Throughout their childhoods, she and Mike supported their adventures as they learned sports, scouting, music and other activities that piqued their interest.  They welcomed Matthew’s wife Taylor to the family in 2017 and Eleanor, their first grandchild in 2022.

Outside of her medical career, Sarah was an avid pickleball player and a proud member of the St. Louis Shock Minor League Pickleball team. Most recently, she earned a gold medal with the Shock MiLP team in June, highlighting her competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. She traveled nationwide, competing and winning numerous tournaments over the past five years.

A devoted member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, Sarah served in the broadcast ministry and was a longtime chair of the Cathedral’s Dinner Auction, supporting many parish and community initiatives.

Known for her commanding spirit and joyful nature, Sarah was a Disney fanatic who cherished family trips to the parks. She was also an avid collector of antiques and memorabilia from her hometown of Cairo, preserving its history close to her heart.

Sarah is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Dr. Mike Jedlinski; sons, Dr. Matthew Jedlinski of Westville, New Jersey (and wife Taylor), and Andrew Jedlinski of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; granddaughter, Eleanor Jedlinski; sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Pace of Cape Girardeau; sister-in-law, Janine Coffey of Petersburg, Illinois; nieces and nephews — Scott Pace, Stephen Pace, Maria Borchardt, Jon Aydt, and James Myers — as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 24th from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.  In anticipation of a large attendance and high temperatures, in the order of their arrival, guests will be seated in a receiving line for their comfort and convenience.  A reserved section of seating will be available for guests with mobility concerns.  Your patience will be appreciated.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cape Girardeau.  Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, Humane Society of Southeast Missouri (SEMO Pets), or St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

Sarah’s life was a testament to dedication—to family, faith, medicine, community, and the simple joys that enrich our lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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