Obituary of Sara A. Fugate

The family of Sara Ann Fugate (Pankratz) of Honeoye Falls, NY announces her passing on November 23, 2025, at the age of 44, following a courageous battle with a recurrence of cancer. A proud lifelong resident of Honeoye Falls, Sara lived a life grounded in curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved. Sara is survived by her husband, Jim; her cherished children, Brooke and Braden; her father, Gary; her siblings, Vicki (Peter Griffith) and Eric (Shannon) Pankratz; her mother-in-law Linda Fugate; and her adored dogs, Daisy and Ginger. She was a beloved aunt to Lucia, Jackson, Alexandria, and Austin, and a devoted dog aunt to Wayne and Ruby. She also leaves behind a wide circle of loving extended family and dear friends, all of whom were deeply touched by her generous heart. She was predeceased by her mother, Meri, and her grandparents, Elmer, Dorothy, John, and Norma. Above all else, Sara was a loving and devoted mother, the role she treasured most. After many years dedicated to raising her own children, she extended her care to others by becoming a paraprofessional in the Pittsford School District, where her warmth and patience enriched the lives of countless students. Sara approached life with a love for learning and a boundless curiosity, always seeking to understand, grow, and share what she knew. She had a strong passion for holistic healing, nutrition, and fitness, and was known for offering thoughtful guidance to anyone who asked. Her joy came from bringing people together—she loved coordinating family gatherings, surrounding herself with those she cared about, and creating lasting memories. She found peace in nature and the outdoors, especially in sunrises and her cherished vacations in the 1000 Islands. Her personality was a beautiful blend of being genuine, thoughtful, caring, joyful, inquisitive, warm, selfless, forgiving, and always ready to help. Sara was the person you could bring any problem to—she listened with her whole heart. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 28, from 4–7 p.m. at Elim Life Church, 1679 Dalton Rd, Lima, NY 14485. A service to celebrate her life will also take place at Elim Life Church on Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery. In honor of Sara's bright and joyful spirit, her daughter requests that attendees wear bright, joyful colors. Sara's presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and curiosity will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. In addition to flowers, the family will be creating a fund to support holistic and alternative healing in Sara's honor.