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Local business owner remembered
The community of Columbus was saddened by the death of local business owner and philanthropist Sarah Bottecelli Koller, who passed away Aug. 25 at the age of 40.
Social media posts about her passing included the following statement from Colorado County Habitat for Humanity: “In loving memory of Sarah, who left us far too soon. Your presence was a beacon of light in our lives, especially for those first two years when you supported Habitat for Humanity and our Pumpkin Patch events. Your dedication and kindness made a difference that will never be forgotten.”
A transplant to Columbus from Ann Arbor, MI and later the Houston area, Sarah shared her passion for cultivating community and inclusion wholeheartedly.
Sarah’s infectious smile, warm heart and generous spirit were staples she shared with two and four-legged friends at her coffee shops, Columbus Porch Sitting and Little Milam. “I took a chance, moved to Columbus and opened a coffee shop. My goal was to create a gathering place. “We created a community,” Sarah said in her LinkedIn profile about six months ago.
Her enthusiasm for life and people were evident in her involvement with a number of local civic, arts and cultural organizations including local Chambers of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Pride events, and advocating in Austin for cancer patients, biking cross country to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and finding homes for foster animals.
“You are not supposed to lose friends at 40. Especially not someone like Sarah,” Brittney Duncan said. “I have never met someone so passionate about unifying people. Sarah loved it with her whole heart. None of us know how much time we have left. I know Sarah knew her time on the clock was shorter than others, but she did not let this define her.”
Sarah fought a brave and quiet battle with breast cancer, and the news of her passing sent shock waves through Columbus as friends, colleagues, and customers learned of her passing.
“I mean, so many of us did not know. I love that Sarah died, exactly how she lived - in her own way. She lived and loved so freely,” Duncan continued.
In a 2022 Texas Highways interview, Sarah said, “I moved here by myself, and the community has helped me grow. I could not have done most of what I have without the town’s support.”
Former Colorado County Citizen Publisher and Editor Alesia Woolridge said, “Sarah was genuinely kind, generous and humble.
Always ready and willing to help, offer a fresh cup of coffee and a pastry, a hug, and a smile. To any and everyone - wealthy or poor, Christian or atheist, LGBTQ or straight. I remember when she moved here about four years ago. She just dove right in and became part of the community. Not in a pushy way, just with love.
When she hosted the Live with Pride art exhibit in 2020, it was a hit because she pushed that event to success. And she was not this way because it was the noble thing to do. Sarah lived this way because it was how she was, and we are all better because of the time we had Sarah in our community.”
As Sarah was known to say, “Here’s to the memories.”
She is survived by her mother, partner, siblings, niece and nephew.
Funeral services for Sarah were Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Congregation Brith Shalom in Bellaire. Burial is in Congregation Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery in Houston.
Donations may be made in Sarah’s honor to Healthcare-NOW (healthcare-now.org).
Sarah’s obituary can be viewed at www.houstonjewishfunerals. com.
