Sarah Martha Carmela Altman (née Busa), age 80, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Franklin, North Carolina. Born on September 11, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, 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, Oklahoma; Janet Sanchez of Florence, South Carolina; Raymond Altman (Brenda Altman) of Asheville; Nicholas Altman of Waynesville; 21 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 2 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.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville located at 525 Hwy 64 in Hayesville, North Carolina. Burial will be in Hayesville Baptist Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nicholas Altman, Marcus Lumpkins, London White, David Orlovitz, Keith Gibby and Stephen Gibby.
The family will receive friends from 12pm to 1pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 prior to the funeral service.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
