Savannah Noel Zabriskie

Savannah Noel Zabriskie, our precious sister, daughter, granddaughter, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully last week in her childhood home in a room full of family, flowers, and so much love.

During her short 39 years she left an outsized amount of sunshine in her wake, blessing us all with her wit, charisma, and positivity. Born on December 15th, 1985 to Julee and Doug Stewart in Millcreek, UT, Savannah was the first of four children and she took that role very seriously. As each of her siblings grew, she taught them what she knew of the world—be that how to skateboard with your feet duct taped to the board, how to fool people passing you on a hike with a fake Australian accent, or how to blend colored pencil shades when drawing a sunset.

At seven years old Savannah was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Although that burden was heavy throughout her life, she never let it overcome her. The superhuman grit and compassion that she gained from her health struggles led her to pursue a career in pediatric nursing and a life driven by easing others’ burdens. Throughout her teens and early adulthood, she volunteered with her mom at Primary Children’s Hospital delivering “Bags of Hope” to newly diagnosed families.

In high school she was part of a Future Health Professionals club and a captain of several school and club sports teams. After graduation, Savannah chased the thrill of being an EMT for Gold Cross Ambulance and also enrolled at Ameritech College of Nursing. Later as an RN, she fulfilled her dream of helping sick kids at Primary Children’s and later worked at Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake. In 2012, she married Jason Zabriskie and together they lived in Houston, Oakland, and San Diego while she worked as a travelling pediatric nurse.

Soon after moving back to Utah, their first son Braxton came into the world. Later they welcomed twins Kolton and Kyler into the family. Some of her fondest memories were of trips with her immediate and extended family, whether it was camping around Utah or beach trips to the Caribbean. After her divorce, Savannah remained a rock for her sons, buying a house and giving all of herself to Braxton, Kolton, and Kyler while she worked as a phone triage advice nurse for Sutter Medical Foundation. Together with Jason, she skillfully co-parented and continued to be the most fiercely loving mama even through her final weeks of life.

Savannah fought many demons throughout her life, but was kept alive and steadied by the unconditional love of her parents. Her cancer diagnosis in 2022 introduced her to a community of fighters and survivors that she quickly embraced. Savannah loved everyone she met and would want us to express love to those who supported her at every stage of her life—from diabetes camp to paint nights to cancer retreats. Her doctors and caregivers deserve a special thank you for their constancy and dedication. To the lowly, the infirm, and the struggling—and to all of us in pain after her departure, Savannah would have said “just keep swimming.”

Savannah is survived by her beloved Grandma B, whose positivity Savannah has always emulated and her ever-loving parents, Julee and Doug Stewart, along with her brother Brandon (Danielle), sister Ashlee (Jeff), brother Alex (Erin), seven nieces and nephews, and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Most importantly, she leaves behind the loves of her life: Braxton, Kolton, and Kyler.

In lieu of flowers, a trust has been set up in the boys' name and donations can be made to it by checking social media or contacting Savannah’s family.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 1st from 6-8pm at the Cottonwood Heights Utah Butler Stake at 7035 Nutree Drive, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. The funeral will be held in the same location the following day, Wednesday, April 2nd at 11am with a brief viewing beforehand at 10am.

This service will be broadcast over zoom. The link is provided in the service scheduled section.

Savannah will be interred at the Heber City Cemetery.