My name is Heather Cowie and Sarah was my beloved niece. On May 16, our family’s world changed forever when we lost Sarah suddenly and unexpectedly due to natural causes. There are simply no words that can fully capture the heartbreak of losing a child who was so deeply loved and had such a beautiful future ahead of her.

Even from a young age, there was a softness and beauty about Sarah that people were naturally drawn to. She was quiet, gentle, loving, and deeply kindhearted. She had a calm presence that made people feel comfortable and cared for simply by being around her. Sarah was passionate about many things, but soccer was truly her greatest love. She started her soccer journey at Calgary Rangers Soccer Club and continued her journey at New Frontier Soccer Club. She built many meaningful friendships and connections over the years at both clubs. Her teammates, coaches, and soccer community became such a significant part of her life. Before discovering soccer, she also loved dance and taekwondo, and she carried that same dedication and spirit that she had for ballet and taekwondo into soccer and everything she did.

Sarah was also incredibly creative and artistic. She loved anime, collected rubber ducks, and had a personality filled with sweetness, curiosity, and warmth. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, teammate, cousin, friend, little sister, and big sister.

Sarah dreamed of studying Engineering in University when she graduated high school next year, and her family knew she would change the world one day. Since Sarah will tragically not be able to follow her dreams, Sarah’s family plans to donate a majority of the funds toward establishing a scholarship in Sarah’s memory through New Frontier Soccer Club.

Many people have reached out asking how they can help support our family (and you have no idea how grateful we are for this — thank you) and honour Sarah’s memory.

This fundraiser is being created to help offset the costs associated with her celebration of life and to help fund a scholarship in Sarah’s name to support young athletes pursuing post-secondary education. Through this scholarship, we hope Sarah’s spirit and legacy will continue

to encourage and support other young people for years to come.

No family is ever prepared for the unimaginable loss of a child. During this incredibly difficult time, any support — whether through donating, sharing, bringing food, or sending messages —is welcomed and so deeply appreciated.

This loss is simply too heavy to walk alone.

Thank you for helping us honour Sarah’s beautiful life and memory.

Love you always, Sarah.

-Auntie Heather