Sarah C. Hafensteiner, aged 70, of Selkirk, NY, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on January 9, 2025.
Sarah was the beloved wife of her late husband Marc Hafensteiner of 33 years. She was born and raised in Belmont, MA, the daughter of the late Joan (Gradison) Coe and the late Christopher Coe.
She is survived by her four children, Benjamin Hafensteiner and his wife Amanda (Webster, NY), Jacob Hafensteiner and his wife Amy (Andover, MA), Samuel Hafensteiner and his wife Kaitlin (Pensacola, FL), and Abigail Jamula and her husband Matthew (North Reading, MA); her brothers David, Jotham, and Samuel Coe and their spouses; her sister-in-law Bonnie Hafensteiner; her grandchildren Noah, Tanner, Scarlett, Xander, Ada, Lorelei, Olivia, and Eloise; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
She graduated from Belmont High School in 1971 and earned her degree in Mathematics from Skidmore College in 1975. After a career in banking, Sarah found her true passion in taking care of others, especially her family and friends. She relished any opportunity to support young imaginations, and she spent countless hours advocating for kids while on the Board of Education in the RCS School District. Her heart overflowed with joy as she spent cherished moments with her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, embracing the role of a mother not only to her own children but to many others who were touched by her boundless love and nurturing spirit. This love could always be found on Friday nights with endless homemade pizza. Happiest on Panther Pond with her family and friends, Sarah enjoyed card games, swimming to the Big Rock, and slalom skiing every year into her 60s. She was a long-time active member of The First Reformed Church of Bethlehem where she ran the food pantry, kept the books as the treasurer, served on the Consistory, and was an ever-present volunteer. In her later years, you could find her happily sitting on the back porch in Selkirk, soaking up the morning sun with a hot cup of coffee, her lab Annie, a good book, and a knitting project.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who helped her on her final journey. Friends and relatives are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, January 25th at 10 a.m. at The First Reformed Church of Bethlehem, 38 Church Road (off Rt. 9W), Selkirk, NY followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people consider memorial donations to The First Reformed Church of Bethlehem firstbethlehem.com or the Loon Echo Land Trust lelt.org.