SARAH COLES

SARAH COLES September 26, 1962 - November 13, 2023 Daughter of Heidi and Don (deceased); sister of Luke; aunt of Sawyer, and friend, teacher, colleague.... all devotedly. Sarah listened more than she spoke, doing both with clarity and intelligence. Her modesty and selflessness could mean some might miss her underlying strength. It was missed by none, though, who witnessed how bravely and positively and on her very own terms she died. Sarah loved to travel and did so widely with lifelong friends and family; the American Southwest finally becoming her favourite. She started teaching in 1990 and retired from McKee Public School in 2020 as a beloved teacher who found much joy in her students, directed school shows, and championed that school's proud Terry Fox Run. Sarah was a prodigious reader, enjoyed her shows (Supernatural and West Wing topping the list), and was a magnificent aunt to Sawyer, as well as devoted dog-mom to Amy, Portia and most recently, Bear. During her short time in hospital care, the love and appreciation for Sarah flowed. The team at Sunnybrook was magnificent, Dr. Selby an outstanding example. Sarah left this life choosing appreciation for all she experienced over any regret for what she will miss. Her mom, brother, nephew, deeply committed friends, aunts Anke and Carolyn, extended family across North America and Europe, colleagues, students, and so many more will miss her deeply. We will take her gently offered advice and example into the future. Donations in lieu of flowers to The Terry Fox Foundation greatly appreciated. (https://give.terryfox.ca/inmemory-sarahcoles). A celebration of life will be held at Mt. Pleasant Funeral Home on Saturday, December 9th, 2-4 p.m. 375 Mt. Pleasant Rd.