Sarah Bethany Saponara

Sarah Bethany Saponara, 21, of Ashland, VA, left this world too soon on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 after losing a battle with her mental well-being and substance abuse disorder. She was born on September 27th, 1999 to Patricia Reagan and Michael Saponara in Hagerstown, MD. She was our beloved daughter and sister as well as a shining light to so many friends. Sarah graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2017 and completed two years as a student at Randolph-Macon College. She was a true force of nature and had a lasting impact on every life she touched. Sarah will always be remembered for her charismatic personality: from her musical talent, to her ability to light up a room, to her passion and compassion for others, and her electric influence over everyone with whom she interacted. She illuminated the stage and field in band and brightened people’s lives with her powerful voice, dimpled smile, and contagious laughter as evidenced by her being voted senior class clown. As a member and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, Sarah had a gift for teaching all types of people acceptance wherever she went. These lessons went a long way—she was voted the first openly gay homecoming princess. She was always the life of the party and was known for pulling out her guitar and bringing people together, although she could also play over 17 other instruments. Sarah also had a passion for creating awesome foods in the kitchen. She loved attending outdoor adventures with the Blue Sky Fund and Camp Sandy Cove. Sarah found a new friend in every room she entered, and she taught people to be comfortable being themselves. Her family and friends will miss the love she shared with them through her personality, food, music and laughter. She was epic. Her absence will be sorely felt. Tricia, Sarah’s loving mom, raised her alongside her siblings Liliana Reagan and Miles Lucier in Ashland, VA. She is also survived by her father, Mike, stepmother, Tina Saponara, and sister, Annalisa Saponara, who reside in Hagerstown, Maryland. She is survived by maternal grandparents, Dianne Justis and Michael Reagan, aunts and uncles Michael Reagan Jr., Toni Reagan Turnbaugh, Shawn Reagan, Richard Joseph Wagner, and Erin Reagan Lundvall and many cousins. Sarah is also survived by so many friends who considered her family. She is predeceased by her uncle, Brion Reagan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 28th from 2-4 and 6-8 at Nelsen Funeral Home in Ashland, VA. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, March 7th at Poor Farm Park. In lieu of flowers please donate to a non-profit organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community, mental-health support services, or substance abuse disorders such as The Trevor Foundation, The Amy Winehouse Foundation, or The Jed Foundation.