Sarah Symonds Prince (1954-2017)
Sarah Symonds Prince (born July 11, 1954) died unexpectedly of congestive heart failure in late January in her Keene Valley home. A long time resident and well-loved community member, she was active in the Keene Valley Congregational Church choir and handbell choir, the town community garden program; she was a former member of the Keene Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Sarah was an avid photographer and a ceramic artist, and a freelance graphic designer. She was an influential member of the science fiction fan community and publisher (in the 1980's/90's) of her own fanzine. Sarah enjoyed going to interesting places whether around the corner or halfway around the world. She loved the many dogs and cats that were constant companions in her life.
Born in Salem, Massachusetts Sarah was the third child of David Chandler Prince, Jr. and Augusta Alger Prince. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she graduated from Walnut Hills High School. Sarah's love of Keene Valley NY follows family ties that date back four generations as regular summer visitors.
Sarah graduated from the Ohio State University with a BFA degree. She trained in print layout and typesetting and worked in typesetting, layout and graphic arts for several publications; including Adirondack Life from 1990-93, a job which brought her to live full-time in Keene Valley. A deep curiosity about technology and a sustainable world led Sarah to Clinton Community College to study computer technology and earn an Environmental Science AA degree in May 2016.
Sarah lived with disability from mental illness and substance abuse for many years. She worked to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by herself and others. She positively touched many who were also struggling.
Sarah is survived by her mother, Augusta Prince of Hanover, NH; four siblings Timothy Prince, Catharine Roth, Charlotte Hitchcock, and Virginia Prince; seven nieces and nephews; and six grand nieces and nephews.
Donations in her memory can be made to North Country SPCA or the Keene Valley Library.
A memorial service will be held 2:00PM Saturday February 18, 2017 at the Keene Valley Congregational Church in Keene Valley.