Sarah Emily Pate

I am still in shock about Sarahâ€™s passing. I have a lot to say but donâ€™t really know how to say it or even if what I will write will be enough to express how much I appreciated her as a person and as a friend when I knew her.

Sarah Pate was a significant part of my life for more than half of it. We made a lot of great memories with one another all throughout high school and college. We celebrated special life events with each other and traveled many times with one another ðŸ˜Š.

Iâ€™ll never forget how much she loved music, going to concerts, reading books, horses, drinking Starbucks, drinking wine, and how she liked to travel.

She was a friend who was supportive of the choices we made. She was happy for us whenever we accomplished a personal goal. She had an infectious laugh and a big smile that would light up any room.

After we graduated college, we said our goodbyes to her in Arizona as she started a new life in the Pacific Northwest and little did I know that the last time I would see her in Seattle would be the last time I would speak to her again in person and the last time I would give her a hug goodbye.

To have been her friend for so long/at all, was a privilege. To have known and loved her as one of my best friends growing up was an honor and a gift.

If I had one more opportunity to speak to Sarah again in person, all I would want to say is this:

Thank you for being my friend and for being in my life for as long as you were. You made me happy. You made me laugh. And to quote one of our favorite musicals and the first musical we saw together (Wicked), â€œBecause I knew you, I have been changed for good.â€ ðŸ’š

Itâ€™s been almost a week since your passing and I hope you realize how happy you made everyone you connected with. I hope you are feeling nothing but peace and continue being happy in the eternal life. You were loved and I hope that when we meet again in the next life, we can be each otherâ€™s friends once more.

You deserve all the good things, â€œPahtehâ€. Thank you for loving us the way you did for as long as you did.

We will miss you. â¤ï¸

I was hit in the gut when I read the news. Sarah was one of the first people Iâ€™d met in high school. She was so kind, warm and curious. She had no problem making a joke and she was easily the most smiley person in the room.

I think about her often, and for no other reason than I remember how kind of a person she was at such a young age, and thinking how well that mustâ€™ve worked for her as she grew older and grew even more kind and warm-hearted.

I wish we had kept in touch more than the few times we spoke over Facebook, but Iâ€™m honored that I was given such a great treat in life to have met her and been friends with her at one point.

So sorry for your loss. She will always be in your hearts and mind.

Justin, Kathy and Keith, Aunt Phyllis, Becky, and Kenneth–and to all the extended family–our hearts grieve with you at the passing of Sarah, though we never even knew her. Please accept our heartfelt thoughts as you remember the blessings she brought into all your lives. Love from Illinois, Brenda (Bates) and Bill Dyer, and Family

Dear cousin Kathy we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your daughter. We share your pain and will pray for the entire family. Our love, Ray & Ellen Bates, Buena , N.J.

It is a sad day when we loose a loved one but in many ways their (her) passing brings family closer and helps us remember just how precious the time here on earth is. I pray Sarahâ€™s passing brings her family that much closer. May her spirit live on in all that knew her.

A candle was lit in remembrance

My deepest sympathy to each of you for your loss. Deep sorrow fills your hearts at this time. May you find comfort and strength in Almighty God. He is the Giver of life. It saddens him when we shed tears of sorrow.Â Through his Word he gives us comfort and hope for those who have fallen asleep in death.

John 6:40
John 11:43-44
Psalms 37:29

Thank you to everyone who has posted messages of condolence and remembrances of Sarah. Your posts have lightened our hearts and brought Sarah ever nearer to us.

Kathy,
I am so so sorry for your loss of Sarah. I canâ€™t even imagine your heartache. I have images of both Sarah and Sandy in Girl Scouts. They grew apart after we left Az, but lived so close in Seattle and didnâ€™t know it! I can’t imagine what occurred to cause her passing, but I do know sheâ€™s a glorious angel watching over you and your family. Know that God is walking beside you, supporting you through this grieving time. Call upon him for he is there ðŸ™ðŸ» Debbie Porter

A candle was lit in remembrance