Search by Name

Search by Name

Sarah Hafensteiner Obituary

Hafensteiner, Sarah
SELKIRK - Sarah C. Hafensteiner, aged 70, of Selkirk, N.Y., 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, Mass., 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, N.Y.), Jacob Hafensteiner, and his wife, Amy (Andover, Mass.), Samuel Hafensteiner, and his wife, Kaitlin (Pensacola, Fla.), and Abigail Jamula, and her husband, Matthew (North Reading, Mass.); 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 R.C.S. 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 longtime 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 25, at 10 a.m., at The First Reformed Church of Bethlehem, 38 Church Rd. (off Rt. 9W), Selkirk, N.Y. 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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Hafensteiner

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Margaret Craven M.D.

January 30, 2025

I had the privilege of being with Sarah during her first pregnancies. She was a person who lit up every room with a twinkle in her eye and a loving humor. She was supportive of me when I went through a difficult time. I am forever grateful
Margaret M. Craven, M.D.

Cathie Searles

January 27, 2025

Ben, Jake, Sam and Abby,
Your mom was the best and I am so proud of you all for being able to remember her as a force of nature and use that force for good within your own lives.
She was so proud of each of you. Folks quickly learned not to ask "how are the kids doing?" unless they had a full 5 minutes to hear the entire story. And I loved to hear all the stories. Her entire faced glowed with pride as she told them.
She will be missed, as all the good ones always are. She lives on in the hearts of so many, mine included.
(So sorry I missed seeing you at the service....you are not sorry I missed it...Covid, as it turns out)
PS Abby, the dress was perfect and really sparkled in the church light as I watched online. SO very glad you chose to put the service online. Also, Abby, you were very much wanted by your mother. She risked having another BOY, in an attempt to have her daughter!!! And she never wavered from her assertion that you were a GIRL. Never chose another male name. You were Abigail from the moment of conception. I don't recall if I put your name on the shower cake (I'll have to check the pictures) But if she could wait a day to give birth to Jake, she could will you into her life. And that's exactly what she did.

Jane LeBlanc

January 25, 2025

Today was quite a memorial to a wonderful woman.
Ben, Sam, Jake and Abigail and your family you did an outstanding job honoring her.
Paul and I knew your folks through AWBecker, then RCS Middle School and High School.
She truly was a force, and friend. An advocate for children, the district and community.
She recruited Paul to become a volunteer Board Member to the cemetery where she was placed as her forever resting place.
We will watch over your folks while you carry on their legacy.

We never got a chance to speak with you however you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Abby - you looked beautiful in the glitter dress.

Jane and Paul LeBlanc
( better known as Daniel, Timothy and Drew LeBlanc parents)
Selkirk, New York

Kathleen Economides

January 19, 2025

To the Hafensteiner Family,

I was sad to hear of Sarah's passing. I remember Sarah from The Children's Place when our children were very young. May Sarah rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Sarah Hafensteiner's name

Memorial Events
for Sarah Hafensteiner

Jan

25

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

The First Reformed Church of Bethlehem

38 Church Road (off Rt. 9W), Selkirk, NY

How to support Sarah's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Sarah Hafensteiner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more