Salakházi was born in Kassa (now Košice, Slovakia) and received her education there. After Kassa became part of Czechoslovakia following World War I, she did not swear allegiance to the Czechoslovak state and had to leave her teaching career. However, she remained in the city and began writing, focusing on the plight of Hungarians in Slovakia through newspaper articles and short stories. In 1927, she joined the Social Sisters' Order, dedicating herself to charity work and applying for mission work in Brazil. While her mission work did not materialize, she continued her charitable endeavours. In the late 1930s, she moved to Budapest to obtain Hungarian citizenship. During World War II, she and the Social Brothers sheltered and saved Jews from persecution. Tragically, she was captured by Hungarian Nazis and executed, becoming a martyr for her selfless actions. Sára Salkaházi was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2006, recognizing her sacrifice and dedication to helping others during a dark period in history.