Sarah Wadsworth, 51, beloved daughter of Oliver and Ellen Wadsworth of Prides Crossing, died suddenly on February 1, 2012, in Reno, NV, of a brain aneurysm.
She was born August 21, 1960, at Beverly Hospital and attended Shore Country Day and the Ethel Walker School, Georgetown University and graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1982. She received her teaching credential from Sonoma State University and went on to become a respected and dedicated teacher of French Language and Culture at Petaluma High School in Petaluma, CA.
Over the course of her 26-year career "Madame", as she was affectionately known, also taught English and Drama, but her first love was always French. Sarah's contributions to Petaluma High were numerous and included serving as Chair of the Foreign Language Department, WASC Coordinator, Site Council Coordinator, Peer Assistance and Review Coordinator, Prom Coordinator and coached the Girl's Tennis team to four undefeated seasons.
She originated a program that for over 20 years took Petaluma students to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and brought performers from there to the school. Her efforts to bolster the study of foreign languages within the Petaluma schools included serving as the Advisor for the French Club and escorting scores of students on numerous cultural exchanges to France.
These accomplishments, coupled with the respect and "Bon Ami" she garnered from students and colleagues, contributed to her being named Petaluma High School Teacher of the Year in 2011.
Sarah was a long-time resident of Sebastopol, CA with husband Gregory Brausen, Daughter Jordan (20) and son Cole (16). An avid skier and tennis player, Sarah was known and recognized for her impeccable taste and sense of style.
In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her parents; brother Oliver and Kirk Jackson of New York City; sister Eliza also of New York City; and brother John, wife Patty and nephew Murphy of Carlsbad, CA.
ARRANGEMENTS: Hundreds of students and colleagues, past and present, gathered at the Petaluma High School football stadium on February 11th for a public memorial celebrating Madame's signature "joie de vivre".
