Sarah Alyce Youdell

Sarah Alyce Youdell, age 36, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  Sarah was born in Oxnard, California on October 29, 1987, and was preceded in death by her mother, D’Ann Hartsook Youdell of Ozark, Arkansas and her grandparents R. Nicholas and Susan Youdell of Cumming, Georgia.  

Sarah is survived by her parents: Mark and Marjorie Youdell of East Granby, Connecticut; her brother: Joshua (Shannon) Virgadamo of Arlington, Virginia; her sister: Heather Potter of East Granby, Connecticut; her sister: Elizabeth Youdell (Sam) Edwards of New London, Connecticut; nieces: Margaret, Gretchen, and Eleanor Virgadamo; and Avery Edwards; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins across the U.S.

Sarah was fortunate to have lived in several areas of the U.S., including her home state of California,Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. A 2006 graduate of Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, Sarah was an enthusiastic and active member of the marching band, choirs and thespian groups. After graduating she continued pursuing her love of music and theater withperformances in local community theater. Sarah recently joined the Georgia Mountains UnitarianUniversalist Church in Dahlonega, Georgia, where she was actively engaged in attending and learning about her new, loving church community.

A lover of animals and the outdoors – Sarah loved cats, dogs, birds and wildlife, and also adored fishing with her father and grandfather. She had a deep and spiritual respect for nature, and remained open throughout her life in learning about the care of our planet.  A voracious reader and lover of all things Harry Potter, Sarah also enjoyed many areas of crafting, particularly knitting and needlework.

Sarah leaves behind a legacy of generosity, love, and laughter; she truly attempted to live the ideal ofcharity and tolerance. She treated everyone she met with kindness, respect, and love.   Devoted to her family, friends, and creatures great or small, Sarah’s warmth and presence will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Georgia MountainsUnitarian Universalist Church, or to your local animal shelter in Sarah’s memory.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church, 3155 Morrison Moore Pkwy E, Dahlonega, GA 30533, at 1:00 pm. Light refreshments will follow at the church.