Sarah F. Brian's Obituary
On November 1, 2025, Sarah Brian passed away peacefully with her husband, Fritz by her side. She was 86 years old and residing in Tavares, Florida.
Sarah was born March 31, 1939, in Vincennes, Indiana to Dr. Edward Ahrens Fahnestock and Helen Lucas Fahnestock. She grew up and lived all her life in Bridgeport, Illinois. Sarah graduated from Bridgeport High School then attended Murray State University in Kentucky where she majored in home economics. She returned to Bridgeport High School as a business economics instructor and later obtained her master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She loved to teach and to be in charge!
Sarah married James Frederick (Fritz) Brian on November 5, 1960, and she passed just a few days prior to their 65th wedding anniversary.
Sarah led an amazingly busy life. She was devoted to her family, her church and her business. She always felt best when she was overwhelmed by her many obligations. And Sarah loved dogs. Dogs of every kind. Over the years, she had many and always seemed to center her life around their care and happiness.
Although Fritz and Sarah never had children of their own, they were parents, nonetheless. They provided a second home for their nieces and nephews, Nancy, Brian, Robert, John and Brett and their extended families. She was at once, aunt, mother, grandmother, coach and guardian. She helped them all throughout their lives and except for her brother, John E Fahnestock, they all survive her.
Affectionately known as “Sarge”, she and Fritz bought the Brian Lumber Company in Bridgeport in 1975. Brian Lumber Company was founded in Sumner, Illinois in 1885 by Fritz’ Great Grandfather, John Brian. Sarah managed everything and carried on with the family business with pride and determination.
Additionally, Sarah was the first female to be elected as President of the Illinois Lumber Dealer’s Association and served on the Board of Directors for several years. She was also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) since the 1950’s and served in many capacities in that organization.
Also, importantly, Sarah always had time for her church, the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport. Her faith and sense of community was central to her being. She served as lay minister among many other duties at the church.
Over the years, nearly all the family’s next generation (or two) worked at the lumber yard, and they are all grateful for the life lessons they learned there. Those experiences play an important part of so many lives today. We are all indebted for the kindness and generosity Sarah and Fritz gave their extended family.
In 2007, Fritz and Sarah sold the lumber yard and their long-time home in Bridgeport and retired to their family farm just south of town. For several years thereafter, Fritz and Sarah split their time between their farmhouse and a cottage on Little Lake Harris just outside Tavares Florida.
Sarah is survived by her husband, James (Fritz) Brian, nieces, Nancy Fahnestock Price (Stephen), Ashley Young Burgardt (Phil), nephews, Brian Fahnestock (Julie Hendricks), Robert Fahnestock (Toni), John Fahnestock (Theresa), Brett Fahnestock (Maria), JB Young (Billie) and Jeff Young.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local humane society.
A private family service is pending.
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