Sarah M. Altman
Sarah Martha Carmela Altman (nee Busa), 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Franklin, N.C.
Born on Sept. 11, 1944, in Baltimore, Md., Sarah lived a life of dedication to education, creativity and service to her community.
Sarah earned her master’s degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
Her career was marked by a profound commitment to helping others. She served as the director and educator of the Human Services program at Southwestern Community College.
After retirement, she authored and published several books including her first, titled “My Heart’s Desire: A Love Filled Marriage.”
Sarah also devoted herself to leading women’s support groups, offering guidance and encouragement to those in need.
A woman of many talents and passions, Sarah found joy in designing and making wedding dresses, writing, painting, basket weaving, and doll making. Her artistic pursuits reflected her vibrant spirit and love for creating beauty in the world.
Faith played a central role in Sarah’s life. She was a long-time active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Her dedication extended beyond the church walls as she provided faith-based counseling at the Franklin County Jail and the Methodist Children’s Home. Through these efforts, she touched countless lives with compassion and understanding.
Sarah is survived by her loving husband, Arthur Altman; her children, Christine Kryger (Gary Kryger) of Maggie Valley; Richard Gordineer (Nikaya Gordineer) of Tulsa, Okla.; Janet Sanchez of Florence, S.C.; Raymond Altman (Brenda Altman) of Asheville; Nicholas Altman of Waynesville; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, John and Martha Gibby; her mother, Nieldre Snyder; her father, John Busa; her sisters, Margie Roehl and Gina Schuler; and her grandson, Giovanni Gordineer.
Sarah’s legacy is one of love, creativity, faith and service. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
Born on Sept. 11, 1944, in Baltimore, Md., Sarah lived a life of dedication to education, creativity and service to her community.
Sarah earned her master’s degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
Her career was marked by a profound commitment to helping others. She served as the director and educator of the Human Services program at Southwestern Community College.
After retirement, she authored and published several books including her first, titled “My Heart’s Desire: A Love Filled Marriage.”
Sarah also devoted herself to leading women’s support groups, offering guidance and encouragement to those in need.
A woman of many talents and passions, Sarah found joy in designing and making wedding dresses, writing, painting, basket weaving, and doll making. Her artistic pursuits reflected her vibrant spirit and love for creating beauty in the world.
Faith played a central role in Sarah’s life. She was a long-time active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Her dedication extended beyond the church walls as she provided faith-based counseling at the Franklin County Jail and the Methodist Children’s Home. Through these efforts, she touched countless lives with compassion and understanding.
Sarah is survived by her loving husband, Arthur Altman; her children, Christine Kryger (Gary Kryger) of Maggie Valley; Richard Gordineer (Nikaya Gordineer) of Tulsa, Okla.; Janet Sanchez of Florence, S.C.; Raymond Altman (Brenda Altman) of Asheville; Nicholas Altman of Waynesville; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, John and Martha Gibby; her mother, Nieldre Snyder; her father, John Busa; her sisters, Margie Roehl and Gina Schuler; and her grandson, Giovanni Gordineer.
Sarah’s legacy is one of love, creativity, faith and service. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.