Saratoga Springs, NY - Sarah Blackwell Foulke, J.D., MBA was born December 10, 1955 in New Rochelle, NY, and died at her home in Saratoga Springs on March 13, 2016. She was married to Donald Earl Bemus on July 9, 1988 and survived his death on April 21, 1989.

A graduate of Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Arts Double Major - Philosophy & English, Sarah was awarded her Juris Doctor in 1982 and her Masters of Business Administration in 1997. Sarah was a sole proprietor of a general practice firm, located at 229 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, specializing in all commercial and residential real estate matters, zoning and planning, business and small corporation law. She practiced law for over 25 years in Saratoga Springs. Sarah was a Hearing Examiner, New York State Department of Equalization and Assessment - Small Claims Assessment Review Hearings (1989 – 1997) and Real Property Tax Administration Compliance Hearings (1990 – 1991). Sarah was a kind, giving, compassionate and courageous woman with an outgoing personality, strength of spirit and a great heart and soul.

Perhaps the best example of her character is found in a motto that she quoted often: "We are all messy rooms sometimes. That is why we need love, faith, peace, and each other." She will be greatly missed.

Her significant community activities include the following: Saratoga Springs Economic Development Council: Board Member, City Finance Commissioner Appointment, 2003,

Soroptimists International of Saratoga County (Member, 1985 to date), Fund Raising Chair, 1986. Saratoga Springs Planning Board: Mayoral Appointment 1990 – 1992, Leadership Saratoga Program Graduate, 1990, Leadership Saratoga Alumni Board of Directors: Member, 1990 – 1993, Newsletter Editor, 1990 – 1993,ENYDCTA/Saratoga Association for Retarded Citizens Annual Dressage Competition, Craft Fair and Trade Show Chairman, 1989 and 1990.

Saratoga Horseworks: Advisory Council member, 1989 – 1991. Significant Special Recognitions include Outstanding Achievement Award for Rehabilitation and Restoration of 182 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, 2000 and Outstanding Achievement Award for the Historic Preservation of 215 Elm Street, Saratoga Springs, NY by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, 1989.

Survivors include her mother, Maureen H. Foulke and her brother, John H. Foulke, both of Mamaroneck, NY and her niece, Kirsten K. Foulke of Stamford, CT.

Memorial services will be conducted at 12 noon Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.