Sarah Louise Rison Coppola

Sarah Rison Coppola , 60, of Lynchburg, Va., passed away on November 20, 2016, after a brief battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Louise Rison. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Noemi (Michael); stepsons, David and Paul Coppola; grandsons, Ethan Carver and Colby Brewer; sister, Ann Yancey (Robert); brother, Townes Rison (Holly); and loving fiancé, Bob Reynolds, who cared for her through the good times and the bad. Sarah loved to learn, earning an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and graduate degrees from Lynchburg College. She cared deeply about social justice and opportunities for all, and taught for many years at  New Vistas School. Her favorite things were family, reading a good book, and mastering a tough crossword. Sarah embarked on a new career with Community Credit Union during the past year, making friends and serving customers with a smile. She will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held for close family and friends at a later date. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any local adoption agency or cancer society. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.