Sarah’s story began on July 28, 1978. She was born to Shelley (Osolin) Drake and Garry Drake at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Sarah was joined later by brother Trevor (nephew Levi), and her sister Tania (nephew Malcom).
She grew up and went to school in the Nanaimo/Parksville area. Sarah would joke that she was educated at PMS (Parksville Middle School)! She was a fun loving, bright child with a real personality right from the start.
Sarah met Jim through work in 1999 and although they lived in Nanaimo and Mill Bay respectively, their love story had already begun to write itself and the distance disappeared. Sarah and Jim married on January 17, 2001, on the island of Maui at a beautiful waterfall in the North Waiehu Valley. They soon settled in Shawnigan Lake and welcomed their son Denton in June 2001. Life began to revolve around many of the sports Denton joined. Sarah became involved in many different volunteer roles over the years through Denton’s ongoing participation in hockey and lacrosse as Jim coached, and many treasured friendships formed during that time which have continued.
In 2016 they moved to Victoria where jobs and Dentons schooling had taken them. Most recently Sarah worked at Camosun College and formed close bonds with her coworkers, leaving behind fond memories and a lasting impact on those she encountered.
There were many trips over the years throughout the United States that involved Dentons sporting adventures but also some wonderful vacations including their most recent trip to Hawaii in January 2023 to celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary. Louisville, Kentucky became a place they enjoyed a few trips to after Denton began attending Bellarmine University there in 2020.
Sarah Loved Life! She loved music, humour and above all her family and friends. Many a conversation would have to pause for a minute as
she played a line or lyric from a song that suited the moment! Sarah taught us all to see the good, the “glimmers”, that were everywhere no matter the kind of day or type of struggle we faced. She would not want us to be sad so in her honour we should live life as Sarah did – tell a joke; enjoy your favorite songs (out loud!); dance; spread kindness; joy; friendship; (and maybe even crash a wedding!). Sarah spent her life giving away small pieces of herself in the form of memories and moments to all who knew her. May those memories now be a comfort to those who are struggling with the absence of her in their lives. Let her be the glimmer you see as you remember a funny joke, hear a song, or watch one of her favourite sunrises.
The story of Sarah came to a peaceful close on April 12, 2024, with Jim at her side and Denton in her thoughts. Her body may have lost the courageous battle it had been fighting but her spirit remained undefeated. That spirit (and sharp sense of humour) lives on in Denton and everyone else who loved her.
It was always Sarah’s wish to be an organ donor but due to her Crohn’s disease she was not able to participate. She was eligible however to donate her corneas to the Eye Bank of BC which she enthusiastically agreed to, (“who wouldn’t want these…. eyes!”), so that others may benefit from her generous gift.
Sarah’s Story | (eyebankofbc.ca)
Confidential messages of condolence can be sent to the family thru the McCall’s site.
A Celebration of Sarah’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at The Wardroom CFB Esquimalt from 11am to 1pm.
Address; 1586 Esquimalt Road, Victoria, BC.
Sarah’s requests:
No flowers please
Dress is casual but please try to include some black and white.
If anyone is wishing to donate to a charity in Sarah’s honour, please choose the charity that means the most to them.
Sarah’s family is extremely grateful for all the staff on the 8th floor at Royal Jubilee Hospital; the Victoria Cancer Clinic; Dr Vallieres; Dr Brooks; Dr Randhawa; the Bellarmine Knights and Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse families as well as the many other family and friends who supported Sarah during this journey.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mcccallgardens.com
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Sherry Henry
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Krista Benjamin My deepest condolences to Sarah’s family. I went to elementary school with Sarah until she moved to Parksville. But we always kept in touch through the years by letters and phone calls. Even though we didn’t get to see each other, we still kept each other up to date with our lives and always reached out on our birthdays since day one of knowing each other. I always remember July 28 I loved seeing her social media over the years and what a family person Sarah was. She was such a proud mom and wife. We chatted not too long ago over the phone and will always treasure that phone call. Sarah was such a strong and positive person and I will always admire her for this among many other things. Sending hugs to everyone whose lives she touched. ️
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Blaze Bateman My condolences to the family, I first met Sarah when me and Denton started kindergarten in the same school and Sarah was always involved with all the programs and all the field trips that took place throughout all the years, she was so nice and such a great person with a big heart and always had a smile on her face which always put a smile on everybodys face around her, Hugs to the family!! ️
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Claire Roberts I was so very sorry to see the sad loss of Sarah. I am an old acquaintance of Sarahs Mum and Auntie. Sending our deepest condolences.
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Sandy McClary Sweet Sarah! I first met Sarah during COVID while I was working from home at Camosun. When we returned to the office, we had to wear masks, which covered Sarah’s HUGE smile! From there, we moved on to finally see each other’s faces almost 4 months later. Sarah was soooo funny! I have a twin sister, and Sarah was always so interested in my family, and adventures I had gone through. Some people have “work husbands, or work wives”….Sarah, well, she was my “work twin”. We shared the love of sports, the love of humour, and the love of our families. Everyone in the office loved Sarah deeply, and will miss her. I feel honoured to have known Sarah, even for such a short time. Dance on my sweet Sarah. Hugs to the family.
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Stefanie My heart goes out to your entire family. Hugs and love!
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Kathy falvai Sarah. Your bright eyes snd sunny smile did not change as you grew from a baby on to your woman years. I kept in the loop from your mama, who loved you beyond the moon and the stars. I know you will throw glimmers whenever you can. Always be near and close to the heart. I’ll help to look after your mum. Peace sweet Sarah, peace. “ Joy to the world. To all the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea. Joy to you and me. “
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Judy Hager What a tearful read,,,such a beautiful child of God….I pray you are in Gods care….
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Milo Anstey Sarah always added some light to the day. If you had even a short conversation with her you knew she loved her family with all her heart!
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Roxanne So sorry for your loss, what a beautiful sole May she rest easy now and she’s with you now and forever in your hearts Roxanne Schiefer-Rolph
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Ezmmer Saban & Cheryl Lees Our condolences to Sarah’s family and friends. May you find comfort in the fond memories you carry and keep her forever in your hearts.
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Kimberly Keck I haven’t seen Sarah in a very long time, however I remember her as a bright full of energy young lady. She was always smiling. I’m so sorry for her family and friends to have lost such an amazing young woman. When you come across a dime, pick it up. It’s Sarah’s way of saying she is with you.
Kimberly Keck
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Lesley Latimer My deepest condolences! My thoughts are with you all as you continue life without Sarah!
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Carol Levasseur A beautiful tribute. My heart felt condolences to all her loved ones.
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Marge Macdonald Gone, but not forgotten. For ever in my heart.
Such beautiful words of memories of such a kind individual. I met Sarah when our boys went to kindergarten and later playing lacrosse together. She was always smiling, willing to help out and seemed to be at all functions that were kid orientated. I always looked up to her as a parent that I wanted to be for my family.
Sherry Henry