Sarah Strom 1949 ~ 2022

Our beloved Sarah passed away on June 8th, 2022, three months after a terminal cancer diagnosis, surrounded by her family at home. Predeceased by her parents, Helen and Warren Stannard, Sarah is survived by Danny, her loving husband of 51 years, her children, Jennifer and Peter, her siblings, Susan, Laura, Claire, Peter, Megan and Bill, and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sarah Jane Stannard was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in a hospital founded by her grandfather. The eldest child of parents who met studying music at Yale, Sarah and her younger siblings moved many times around the USA as her father pursued his career as a professional oboe player. Sarah’s favourite childhood memories were of staying at her grandmother’s Victorian house in Connecticut, and two magical summers spent in Norfolk attending concerts and roaming the countryside outside Yale Music School. She fell in love with the operas of Puccini at a young age, and memorized them in Italian.

In 1960, Sarah’s family immigrated to Vancouver, BC when her father accepted a position with the VSO, and they settled in the Dunbar area. Some of her favourite memories of that era include time spent at the Stratford Festival, and walking the neon-lit streets of downtown Vancouver, and working at an advertising agency. Sarah attended the Vancouver School of Art in 1967-68, where she focused on hard edge painting, and in 1971 she married Danny.

Sarah had a deep, lifelong connection  to horses. In the late 80s and early 90s she worked with PRDA, an organization that offers equestrian therapy to people with developing abilities. She treasured the experience both for the friends she made, and the time spent caring for the horses. Sarah’s illustrations lent character to the PRDA newsletters for several years. She also later volunteered for the Stroke Club.

Sarah was an artist, a ballet and music lover, a reader, collector, dog lover, a fantastic cook, and was well-researched on many topics. She was dedicated to her family, and often showed her love through creative acts of service, bringing beauty to everyday life. She supported her loved ones in their times of need and showed up to cheer them on through their efforts and accomplishments. Known in her family as a warm, knowledgeable and talented sister/auntie who made people feel welcome and valued, Sarah will be dearly missed.

In her own words: “I am very grateful for the many blessings I’ve had in my life, especially my precious Danny, Jennifer, and Peter, my large and loving family, and dear friends.  I love you all so much, and my love will always be with you.”

No service by request.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, or charity of your choice. Thank you.