MADISON - With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Sarah Marie Burns, who gained her angel wings on June 22, 2026, after a lifelong battle with epilepsy. She was 40 years old.

While epilepsy was part of Sarah's story, it never defined who she was. Sarah lived with remarkable courage, strength, and determination. She faced every challenge with resilience and never allowed her diagnosis to steal her vibrant spirit. Even in her passing, Sarah's selfless heart continued to shine through the incredible gift of organ donation, giving others the opportunity for life and hope. Her final act of generosity perfectly reflected the way she lived, always putting others before herself.

Sarah was born on September 19, 1985, to Jean Burns and Larry Burns. She was the light of their lives. Before Larry's passing in November 1996, some of Sarah's happiest childhood memories were camping with her mom, dad, and brother, Chad. She loved being outdoors with her family, making memories that stayed close to her heart throughout her life. Although Sarah experienced the heartbreaking loss of her father at a young age, she continued to live with love, laughter, compassion, and an unwavering zest for life.

The bond Sarah shared with her mom, Jean, was truly one of a kind. They weren't just a mother and a daughter; they were best friends. Whether they were spending the day shopping, grabbing their favorite Starbucks, or heading home to spend time with Sarah's beloved "boys," Foxtrot and Delta, they treasured the simple moments together. Even the smallest disagreements usually ended in laughter, becoming just another cherished memory. Their days were filled with humor, most often at Jean's expense, a tradition they both embraced.

Although Sarah lived independently and built a life she was proud of, Jean was always by her side through every surgery, medication adjustment, doctor's appointment, and difficult decision. She was Sarah's advocate, her source of strength, and her safe place. But their love was never one-sided. Sarah cared for her mom just as deeply, always checking in on her, looking out for her, and finding ways to give back the love she so freely received. Their love for one another was unwavering and unbreakable.

For 16 years, Sarah found her place as an early childhood teacher at Animal Crackers. Caring for children wasn't simply her job; it was her passion. She poured her heart into every child she cared for, making each one feel safe, loved, and valued. Her coworkers became family, and together they created a place where children and one another were deeply loved.

Sarah was especially grateful for the unwavering support, love, and encouragement of her boss, Christie Howell-Yrios. Christie believed in Sarah, loved her fiercely, and gave her the confidence to become the very best version of herself. Their relationship was built on trust, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional support, a bond Sarah treasured deeply.

Sarah was bold, fearless, compassionate, and an undeniable force of life. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen. She never met a stranger, and by the time you walked away from a conversation with Sarah, you felt like you had known her for years. When Sarah walked into a room, she made everyone feel like they belonged. Her laughter was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her heart always had room for one more person. She stood up for those who needed someone in their corner and never backed down from what she believed was right.

Family and friendships meant everything to Sarah. Her best friend, Jennifer, was far more than a friend; she was the sister Sarah chose. For more than twenty years, they built a friendship rooted in unconditional love, endless laughter, unforgettable adventures, and unwavering support. Alongside their dear friend Megan, they formed a beautiful bond that became family. Sarah also adored Jennifer's daughters, loving them as though they were her own and cherishing every opportunity to watch them grow.

Sarah shared an extraordinary bond with her grandmother, Alva Davis. From the time she was a little girl, Grandma Alva was by her side through every milestone and every challenge. She was there for Sarah's first seizure and remained a constant source of strength, guidance, and unwavering support throughout Sarah's journey with epilepsy.

Sarah and her brother were blessed to spend many of their growing-up years with Grandma Alva and Grandpa Laverne, whose home provided stability, guidance, and love during an important chapter of their lives. Together they created countless memories in the simple moments, catching up while Grandma watched her soap operas, cheering alongside Grandpa during WWE wrestling matches and NASCAR races, especially when Dale Earnhardt was on the track, and filling the house with conversation and laughter. There was rarely a quiet moment when Sarah and Grandma were together. Over the years, their relationship grew into an unbreakable bond rooted in love, resilience, and a lifetime of cherished memories. While Grandpa Laverne passed away fifteen years ago, our hearts find comfort in knowing he was there to welcome Sarah home.

Sarah's heart was also filled with love for her two beloved cats, Foxtrot and Delta, her "boys." They brought her endless comfort, companionship, and joy. Her boys will continue to be loved and cherished with Grandma Jean.

Sarah leaves behind her loving mother, Jean Burns; her brother, Chad Burns; her nephew, Sean; her niece, Haley; her grandmother, Alva Davis; her aunts, Jane (Bill) Hinrichs, Julie Davis, and Linda (Larry) Burns Lewis; her uncles, Steve Davis, Scott Davis, Tom (Julie) Davis, Robert Burns, and Gilbert (Pam) Burns; many loved cousins; countless cherished friends who became family; her Animal Crackers family; and the many children and families whose lives she touched throughout her career.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her father, Larry Burns; her grandpa, Laverne Davis; her grandma, Lucille Burns; her grandpa, Gilbert Burns; her step grandma, Kathy Burns; her uncle, Steve Burns; and her beloved cats, Ava and Richie.

Sarah's legacy lives on not only through the lives she saved with her gift of organ donation but also the countless lives she changed simply by being herself. She taught us to stand up for what we believe in, to be unapologetically ourselves, to love without conditions, to make room for others, and to find joy even during life's hardest moments.

Although our hearts are shattered, we are profoundly grateful for the gift of having Sarah in our lives.

Sarah would want each of us to love a little deeper, laugh a little louder, stand up for those who need us, and never take a single day for granted. The greatest way we can honor her is to live with the same fierce, compassionate heart that she shared so freely with all of us.

Until we meet again, Sarah, thank you for teaching us how to love so completely. You will be loved forever, missed beyond measure, and carried in our hearts every single day. Your light will continue to shine through every life you touched and every life you saved.

A Celebration of Sarah's Life will be held on her birthday, Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at HARVEY JOHN AND LUCILLE TAYLOR MEMORIAL PARK, 5280 Bishops Bay Parkway, Middleton, WI 53562.

Please join us as we celebrate Sarah's beautiful life, share memories, and honor the incredible love, laughter, and light she brought into all of our lives. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Sarah Burns

September 19, 1985 - June 22, 2026

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