Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Sarah
Carlson
Jun 24, 1958 — Oct 27, 2026
Sarah Jane Carlson Madison was born on June 24, 1958, sharing her birthday with her beloved sister, who was eight years her senior. Sarah lived a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, and laughter. With her sharp wit and unmistakable sense of humor, she had a way of making herself unforgettable to everyone who knew her.
A person of remarkable capability, Sarah brought creativity and relentless drive to every endeavor. Alongside her beloved husband, Kirk, she demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by establishing Registration Systems, turning their common goals into reality. Their journey together included traveling the world and sharing countless memorable moments, though no destination captured her soul quite like Hawaii.
At the heart of Sarah's life were her family and friends, and she especially cherished the connections she made with the many customers at the ice cream stand. Her customers were more than familiar faces; they became part of the community she helped create. Whether serving up a favorite flavor or delivering one of her famously sharp comebacks, Sarah knew how to make people smile.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a laugh or a perfectly timed remark, Sarah had a sense of humor all her own. Her signature line said it best: "Pay for the Ice Cream, the Abuse is Free." Those who knew Sarah can imagine the grin that went along with it. Her humor was part of her charm, and her laughter and spirited personality will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and customers alike.
Above all, Sarah leaves behind a family that was central to her life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Kirk; her daughter, Leyna; her sons, Noah and his wife, Mahtab, Elliott and his wife, Melonie; her extended children, Nina, Cindy and her fiancé, Dan, and Andy; and her grandchildren, Esme, Evan, and Mars.
She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Nancy; her sisters-in-law, Lynn, Kristi and her husband, Patrick; and her siblings Betty and her husband, Hank; Guy and his wife, Jan; Fred and his wife, Eileen; and her brother Lee and his wife, Pam. She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom are part of the extended family she loved.
Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved sister Elaine, brother John, sister Joan, sister-in-law Lee, her father, John and mother Vivian.
Sarah will be remembered for the many lives she touched, the adventures she shared, her love of family and friends, her entrepreneurial spirit, her quick wit, and her readiness with a laugh. From traveling the world with Kirk to sharing a joke across the counter at the ice cream stand, she filled ordinary moments with personality and created memories that will bring smiles for years to come.
Her reign as the Pinochle Queen will be eternal. We can picture her waiting for us in the next adventure, cards in hand and everyone's order ready, prepared to welcome us with that familiar smile and, undoubtedly, one more sharp comeback.
Until then, we will carry her laughter, her love, and her unmistakable spirit with us. We will remember the adventures, the family gatherings, the games of pinochle, the ice cream, and all the moments that made Sarah uniquely Sarah.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Memorial Service at a later date, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties.
Arrangement were under the care of Colonial Bryant Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363
Visits: 458
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors