Sarah Smiley

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Sarah Elizabeth Smiley announces her sudden passing on March 15th, 2021.  Sarah, also affectionately known as “Snare Bear” to her family, was born in Dawson Creek, BC.  When she was an infant she moved from Dawson Creek to Tumbler Ridge, BC with her parents and brother Blake. They lived for a short time in Perth, Ontario and then moved to Peterborough and spent her childhood growing up in Peterborough and Ottawa. Sarah enjoyed listening to classical music as a little girl when she was living in Peterborough. She learned to play the piano at Warne's music studio and her parents purchased a Heintzman upright piano for her and eventually her sister Kristen to use for practicing their lessons. Sarah also loved paintings by Monet, especially the ones of his garden.

Sarah was a social butterfly and easily made friends in all the places she lived in Canada and across the U.S.  She had an adventurous nature and was always up for trying new things.  Sarah lived in Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota for five years and then lived in Edgartown, Massachusetts for a few years before moving to Vermont in December.

Sarah loved animals, particularly dogs and was a proud dog Mom to many dogs over the years; Jake, Saphira aka Nugget, and Black Jack.  Her sense of humour was unmatched and she made people laugh wherever she was.  We still laugh to this day at her childhood review of a Leon's commercial when she sarcastically declared, "Leon's?! What kinda name is that?".  Sarah was a loyal daughter, beautiful sister, and a fantastic friend.    

Sarah will be lovingly remembered by her father, Peter, mother, Elizabeth, siblings Blake (Dinah), Ian (Liz), and Kristen (Keith), and nephews Raidon and Eli, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.   

Sarah, we are grateful for the time we had together and will cherish our memories forever.  To quote one of her favourite childhood books, "It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that" (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day).

The family welcomes those who knew Sarah to share stories, photos, videos, and condolences, but request privacy at this time.  In light of the current pandemic, and in efforts to adhere to public health guidelines, the decision has been made to have a private graveside memorial at a later date.  Details will be shared with family and close friends at a later time.