Sara Louise Bundy Braaten

Sara Louise Bundy Braaten, 90, of Bedford, Virginia passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Reuben Oscar Bundy and Daisy Lee York.

Sara was born in High Point, North Carolina. She attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke but returned to North Carolina for her senior year, graduating from Greensboro Senior High School. Sara went on to complete her undergraduate studies with honors in History and Early Childhood Education at Madison College and later pursued graduate studies in education at Hollins College.

A beloved teacher, Sara devoted much of her life to educating elementary students in Roanoke City Public Schools. She especially cherished the more than 25 years she spent at Roanoke’s PLATO program at Fishburn Park Elementary School, where she was affectionately known as “Ms. B.” Former students would often run into her wherever she went= sometimes in other states and once in another country. An avid reader and a joyful lifelong learner, she remained in many ways a consummate student herself-always questioning, always curious, always learning.

A dedicated community member, Sara exemplified civic engagement. A member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke for more than 40 years, she served in many capacities, including president of the congregation, and took an active role in numerous educational programs. After relocating to Bedford and retiring from teaching, Sara continued her commitment to service by becoming deeply involved in the Bedford community. She served on the board of the Bower Center for the Arts and spent nearly 10 years as its volunteer director, during which time the center flourished through her tireless efforts. Sara was and remained active in a variety of civic groups, including Bedford Christian Ministries, Bedford Democratic Party, Bedford Get Together, Bedford Urban Garden, and WAVE. Her dedication to education, the arts, and community service touched the lives of many and will leave a lasting mark.

A treasured family member, Sara was a loving wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Johannessen and a wonderful blended family, including her daughter, Katherine Dillon and husband, Jim Dillon; her step-children, Kristen Shelor and husband, Barry Shelor, Jason Johannessen and wife, Ashley Tyree, Lia Braaten Hager and husband, Bruce Hager; her grandchildren, Ben Dillon, Zoe Dillon, Noah Zeppelin Shelor, Joe Shelor, Lula Morales, and Sully Morales; her sister, Jane Godfrey; and by her many nieces, nephews as well as many loving friends and colleagues. Sara-mom-grandma will be deeply missed by all.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford. To send online condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.