Sarah Burns, 84, Noblesville, died Nov. 13 at home surrounded by her children. She was born May 12, 1932 to Charles H. and Martha (Hussey) Boden in Noblesville.
Sarah attended Durbin Elementary and Noblesville High School, graduating with honors in 1950. She then attended Herron School of Art Indianapolis on a full scholarship and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Upon graduation from Herron, Sarah married fellow student William Burns on June 18, 1957, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Noblesville. Together, they became founding members of the 1444 Gallery in Indianapolis in 1957. In 1962, Sarah became the first female full-time instructor hired by Herron. She retired from the school in 1996 after inspiring many generations of artists. She was also a member of the Art in Hand Gallery in Zionsville until 2009.
She is survived by her children, Quentin (Toni) Burns and Claire Coons, grandchildren Sarah Hartman, William Hartman and John and Sarah Sears, and great-grandsons Liam Whiteman and Christopher Sears. Sarah’s great-grandchildren will have fond memories of “Gigi.” She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William ‘Will’ Burns, who died in 2004, and brother Joe Boden in 2011.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, 444 South Harbour Dr., Noblesville, IN 46062; or, to give a gift to scholarships at Herron School of Art and Design, please address to Kim Hodges, Director of Development, Herron School of Art and Design, 735 W. New York St., HR 224B, Indianapolis, IN 46202 ([email protected]).
