I remember Sarah and how she would throw her whole body back in laughter when I would sing her the SARAH song.  When I was is Croatia this Spring I saw and bought a little ladybug magnet because it reminded me of her.

Sarah Hunter was surely one of God's special spirits.   She was sent to earth with challenges that I don't know that I could have handled.    But she was sent to a strong mother that adored her and would move heaven and earth to make sure that she had every available advantage.  They shared an unconditional love that was beautiful to see.   
Donna and I had a lot of fun times that included that sweet girl right in the middle of it!  Victorian Country Christmas (Sarah like to grab people's bums!  I laugh every time I think about it!)  Salmon Days (so fun to share all the excitement) and any other festival we might want to attend!  She would get this impish look on her face every time she thought she was being naughty!  The time you came over to Spokane was SO fun!  My mother was so excited to see Sarah!  She would sit and talk with her and hold her hand.  Donna, you said one time that my mother had "kind hands."  I treasure that statement and can echo that so did Sarah.  You introduced her to my brother and wife and they were amazed at what a bright spirit she was.  They were so sad to hear of her passing.
I smile to think of mom wrapping Sarah up in a big hug when she saw her in heaven!  I'm sure she immediately introduced her to dad!  (talk about BIG hugs!)   
She is free to run and dance and sing to her heart's content now. I have no doubt that her Heavenly Father is so pleased with her and her sweet mama.  She fulfilled her mission here on earth and now she is the one caring for her mama from above.   When you need her she will be there.  She is always listening.  
Love you Donna!  


Sarah is my youngest grandchild and spent a lot of time with me through the years and I have so many wonderful memories.  When Sarah started school at the age of 3 until 21, I remember we would wait every morning for the bus to pick her up and then I would wait for her to arrive back home.  Some of my favorite memories are when I would sit by Sarah’s side and we would practice saying Grandma.  Sarah’s version ended up sounding more like Gamma.  I read out loud to Sarah her story books, and she loved to help turn the pages.  Sarah loved when I would rub lotion on her hands and feet.  She loved the pampering of having her fingernails painted, good smelling lotions and lip gloss administered.  I took Sarah on many walks all over Lake City going to places such as Fred Meyer and the little parks around Lake City.  Sarah especially enjoyed the clothing section at Fred Meyer and walking over to Value Village where she just had to stick her hands out to her side and feel all the different textures of clothes.  She would giggle when her hand would get tangled up in the clothes and I would stop to free her hands and try and put them to her side.  Those hands would shoot right back out while she had a gleam in her eye and a smile to let you know she knew.  When we moved to Lynnwood, I would take Sarah to the Fred Meyer store almost every day, or on days when it rained too hard, we walked up and down the halls of our complex walking up and down the different floor levels in the building.  Sarah’s eyes would close and would seem to be asleep when taken into the different stores, but the minute she sensed we were leaving, her eyes would pop open and she would pay close attention to see if we were heading home.  I even started walking different routes, but Sarah knew the minute we would get onto our street, she would let me know she was not ready to head home.  I have so many years of stories and memories of my girl.  She was all joy and is terribly missed.  Love, Grandma

I first met Sarah, with her infectious smile and curly fiery red hair, when she was three years old. That is when she joined "Team A" at Green Lake Elementary where I had the pleasure of being her physical therapist. I continued to serve as her PT well into her high school years. As a young child, Sarah sported shoes with flowers painted by her mother. Ever social, Sarah's smile lit up the room. My favorite memories, though, were the years when I brought my therapy dog to Green Lake. "Anni" was a cuddly Bernese Mountain Dog who adored Sarah. Sarah took steps in her gait trainer with Anni by her side. They also played ball together by Sarah knocking the tennis ball onto the floor and then pushing a switch programed to say "Anni, here" to get the dog to bring her the ball. Perhaps Sarah and Anni are cuddling together now.
-Katy

      Sarah was such a sweet young lady. I had the pleasure of being her teacher in her last school year before she graduated. Each day she was so happy to be at school. Her smile was contagious. It would light up the room. It was always a goal of mine to make her smile throughout the day. One of my most favorite memories of her smile was during a warm, spring day. We went outside for recess and were enjoying some sunshine. While outside, the staff decided to make a flower crown for her and placed it on her head. She was ecstatic as we gushed about how beautiful she was with the crown on. She was so happy and that memory I cherish. 

I only met Sarah through her mother, Donna, but her joyfulness brought me light and happiness and for that I am grateful.  Donna, please always share your stories and so then Sarah's messages of loving life no matter it's difficulty will live on and on. She sits in The Lord's kind and warm embrace and Heaven is better because she is there. Angels sing with her now. Prayers and peace to Mom and Grandmother. 

I had the privilege of working with Sarah for several years at school. I loved her wonderful smile, and the jokes she would say using her yes/no switches. She loved the days that I was able to bring a therapy dog to her classroom to visit - that was a highlight for both of us. Sarah, you are loved and will be missed. 

Dear Donna,
The tragedy of losing your beautiful daughter, Sarah, is only lessened slightly by all the wonderful memories you have & the joys you shared, together. It's so very hard to put into words the loss felt by so many, but especially of your (& your mother's) loss--that of a mother's deep & profound loss of her dearly loved-for daughter (& granddaughter).
So many shared love for your lovely Sarah, but especially so from you, Donna--so very devoted to give Sarah all that was humanly possible to give. My heart aches so for you, Donna, as your Sarah's life on earth cut short so soon. I know of your fun adventures together by all your tales shared on many occasions. We all could hear & see your love emanate from you for your sweet Sarah. We knew her well before we met her--Sarah, so much a part of your heart & soul. 
When I did meet Sarah, she shared all her God-given beauty from within--her radiant smiles, joyous laughter, squeals of delight, dancing eyes, & her fire-feistiness--that could only be your Sarah.
Thank you for sharing Sarah with us on our 2017 Girlfriends' Getaway Oregon weekend! We enjoyed meals, crafting, & shopping together--with Sarah experiencing it all.  Donna, your loving-kindness patience & devotion to all of Sarah was very heartwarming & wonderful to experience. Another time shared together was at the craft studio where I changed so many florescent bulbs--Sarah was my cheerleader! Her big smiles & fun squeals kept me going when my arms about gave up!
Donna, I know there's a huge hole in your heart & life--I pray God continues to fill your loving heart with His love, peace, & comfort--that He restores your soul through His continual, everlasting mercy & grace in your life, & you take heart for your lovely, sweet Sarah is now whole & in the presence our very loving Father, whom thinks the world of Sarah. He gives her peace, joy, & love that will be eternally for Sarah!
Donna--your Bug Bug will be with you forever!
With much love, Kimberlee xo

Sarah was a ray of sunshine!  I always looked forward to seeing her when she was at Maplewood School.  Her smile was infectious and she always loved my silly jokes or antics.  She touched so many of us while she was here on earth.  
Most warmly,
Ms. Harriet

Sarah gave us all a reason to smile with her bright shining eyes and smile. Her laughter was a gift that I remember well. She and her classmates took turns in her physical therapy session hitting a switch and watching the dune buggy and school bus race across the lunch table. When I realized both switches made the remote work for both cars, she found my consternation hilarious and squealed with laughter. It was a win win, literally ;-) I miss her and am thankful to her family for sharing her with us. You have my sincere wishes of joyful peace in the memory of her smile. 

I remember Eilish and I meeting Sarah and Donna at NW Center around 1998.  Sarah had such a glow about her, her infectious smile and beautiful hair.  Both Sarah and Eilish were so small.  I can remember looking back watching Donna with Sarah sending her off with so much love.  Sarah and Eilish continued to be in school and daycare for many years.  A memory that always brings smiles to my face is picking Eilish up at school and Eilish trying to push Sarah around in her wheelchair like she was going to take her home with us.  I think about Sarah and know how deeply she was loved and how much she will be missed.  She was an angel on earth and I am happy our worlds crossed paths. 

I will always remember Donna dropping Sarah off at my house early in the morning so she could go take classes for her new career as a court reporter.  Sarah loved to sit in the swing and be rocked and my daughter Kirsten would wake before school for a chance to hold and initially feed her.  Sarah started off taking bottles at that time. She was so tiny and precious. 
I used to play music for her during the day as Sarah loved John Denver, one of my favorites. 

I still chuckle when I remember Sarah’s doctor thinking my sister and I were a “couple” when we went together to Sarah’s doctor appointment. We both got quite a laugh out of that! 

Sarah was present for most Christmas celebrations at my home and when she was little she loved to stare up at my ex-husband Chris when he talked to her. It was always fine until Chris sneezed so loudly Sarah would startle and scream until Donna could get her settled again. Sarah never did like loud noises!  

I have many fond memories of time spent with Sarah and my kids as they all grew up together. March birthdays, Easter, 4th of July parades and bus trips into Seattle. Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The kids all sitting with Donna and doing crafts.  Sarah will always be loved and missed. 
May you rest in peace sweet girl. 


Sarah with the most beautiful hair-a...and oh, whatta smile🤗

Donna, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for your strength and courage  until you find each other again.❤

Hugs.

My heart flutters when I think of Sarah and the many times we were together.  At school she added that special perk to each day.  For favorite activities I could see "Let's do it!" in her eyes, her smile and body language.  I loved those "No way." responses too and had a hard time hiding my smile when I figured she was teasing or testing.
After Sarah graduated from my classroom, we had dates, mostly shopping at Northgate.  She loved reaching out to touch whatever was on racks and shelves.
The time she shopped for a bathing suit was a riot.  Sarah needed to reach out and look at her choice of tops and bottoms. Sarah loved bright colors and patterns so her choices could up as a wild combination.
We had a lot of good laughs that day.
No big laughs on days in the hospital but it was clear that Sarah was doing her best to get back to fun times.  I felt that she was reassuring me as we held hands...no words but a deep feeling of being connected.
I always felt so privileged and thankful that Donna included me many times after Sarah left my classroom....shopping, graduation from high school and even those times in the hospital.
I will always love that spirited red hair girl!
Love, Cilla

The last time I saw Sarah was at her high school graduation. What a celebration it was!  As a side note, Sarah and I both enjoyed swimming, and there she could go swimming, right at Maplewood school. What a sense of freedom to be in water. Donna
 had made a beautiful picture collage of Sarah's  life for her   
graduation ceremony.  

The last picture picture I choose to remember of Sarah was when she was being discharged from UW Hospital, the last time she was hospitalized. Even though she had been through so much in ICU  she flashed that big smile of hers--knowing she she was going home.

So though we will always have the physical pictures of her, the special memories each of us holds of Sarah will never fade.



  


Silly with Sarah,

My favorite memory of Sarah is the way she would do a full body joyful move whenever I would come up to her and sing her Sarah song.  She threw her whole body back and would smile with her whole being.  I knew she was laughing but never did figure out if it was with me or at me.  She also liked it when I would sing K sera, sera, only as hey Sarah Sarah.  This did not guarantee a smile though.  

Another favorite memory was when I first met her, I was meeting up with Sarah and Donna at Pacific Fabrics.  Donna asked if we would be o.k. together while she went and looked closer at the Christmas samples for the Holiday event we were attending.  As soon as Donna went up front I turned to Sarah and said "O.k. kid, do you want to make a break for it?"  She lit up and imagine my surprise when she pushed a button on her wheelchair that said yes.  I asked if we should play hide and seek, but we decided that if we did Donna might not let as be alone again for lack of a responsible adult.

I have so many great memories from travelling to Oregon, Santa at Amante's, to her prep for her prom and a wonderful graduation just for her.  

Donna, thank-you for sharing your daughter, your heart, and so many memories that have truly enriched my life.

Love always,  
Sue

I am so sorry Sarah has left your presence but your memories will live on a lifetime.  Her infectious smile and gorgeous hair certainly remain in my memory of her.  Ed & I got to meet her the first time when you lived in Seattle.  We sat around the table of a yummy sparerib meal you had prepared with you, your Mom and Sarah. We talked a lot and I sat next to Sarah and she held my hand. When she felt we weren't including her in the conversation she would certainly let us know! She didn't want to be left out.  The next time I spent time with her was when we visited on our way to Hawaii.  I sat the better part of the day with her, by her bed.  She loved to watch cartoons and just listen to my voice as I chattered and didn't dare stop.  Hopefully, her spirit and your memories of her and the trips and outings will comfort you. She is  a very Special Angel.  Much Love, Elizabeth

Donna, 
I am  so utterly heartbroken for you and your sweet mother . Nothing can compare with the pain of losing a child. 
I pray for you to find peace in your memories of the most amazing mother, of a child with special needs, that I have personally ever known.
You made sure that Sara was able to experience the most incredible things in life.
More so than many  children have the opportunity to enjoy. I was so impressed with all the stories you told us of all the places you had taken Sara.
One sweet memory I have with you and Sara, is when we went to Portland for girlfriends getaway weekend. I saw first hand how patient and attentive you were to the needs of Sara, as well as just the loving kindness you gave to her with your whole heart. It was so much fun, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved with, but one of many, great memories with Sara.
I will be sending you a card as well, so I will have more to say then, but I wanted to share a memory for this book!
Love you
Jodi

Our family trip to Oregon Coast for 4th of July. We made amazing stops along the way and got to experience Sarah going into the ocean. 

We have been so very blessed to have had Sarah in our lives, from a very early age.  We were always struck by her fiery spirit, lovely red hair, and beautiful smile.  She was the luckiest girl in the world, as her mother Donna was and is the best mom in the world.  Heaven has taken back one of its angels, much too early for all of us.  May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to Donna and to all who knew her as she will not be easily forgotten, but rather cherished and beloved in our hearts.

So many good memories you have of Sarah, Donna.  I remember  Sarah's good cheer and interest in being included when you brought her to our sewing meet-ups and the stories of all the things she was doing at school.  And the trips you all went on together - just hearing about them made me smile.  They sounded so interesting.

Yes, she was well-cared for and loved deeply during her time here on earth.  I'm so sorry her physical self is no longer present in your life, but I'm sure she will be with you always in other ways.  

Much love,
Margaret

During this crazy pandemic, we would all scrap or craft together on Zoom Saturday afternoons. Sarah could be heard singing along to either music or the songs of the show she was watching. She may not have had words, but she let us know that she was there. I am going to miss her singing or talking to her Mom in the background while we scrap and chat. She always made me smile

Where to begin. The first time I saw a picture of Miss Sarah, she was such a tiny little thing, so full of fight and a desire to bless us all with the privilege of  knowing her. She was the angel that had come to teach us the meaning of pure joy and happiness, even in the toughest of times. I didn't get to actually meet Sarah for many years since we lived in different states, but her wonderful Mama and I would have many, many phone calls for hrs usually. I would make many barnyard animal sounds for her and could hear her laughing, which made us all laugh. I am so thankful I got to do that chicken one more time before she had to leave us. 
It was so wonderful to finally get to meet Sarah in person. Donna, Sarah and I all got to go to San Diego for a couple days. What a fun time we had, at Sea World Sarah got to have a private encounter with a Dolphin, it seems the dolphin knew how special this girl was and came right up the edge of the pool, raised itself up and gave Sarah a kiss on the cheek. It was a special day for all of us. Next was onto the Wild Animal Park, to see the many beautiful animals. But my favorite memory of the trip was just sitting in the hotel room, Sarah stretched out on one of the beds nice and comfy. It was like a slumber party, we laughed for hours and I got to actually see all of the real Sarah, so full of happiness. When we came home from San Diego they got to come to my house where she was greeted by many friends that she didn't really know. Someone had spoke of her a lot I guess. I asked her mom if she could go into the spa for a little while, and of course she said yes. Luckily there were a few men there, oh and Sarah loved men, to get her in. It was so funny to watch her turn into a little noodle in that warm water. So nice to see her little body relax completely. I only got to see Sarah in person 1 more time after that and wish it could have been longer, but we still had a great time. Sarah, you will always be in my heart, love you! 


Here we were, a new group of acquaintances fast on our way to becoming forever friends out for dinner in Seattle. Donna introduced us to her then young daughter.  Not knowing any of us, it would be understandable that Sarah would be shy and quiet, especially as we were all Mom's "older" friends whom she had never met before and would of probably preferred to of stayed home. But not so, with her quiet grace and warmth, this young lady quickly stole my heart.  I will always remember Miss Sarah as an inviting, warm and beautiful person with a talent for finding and sharing joy. And oh, that killer smile that lit up a room and instantly drove away  the glums.  As Sarah grew from a child to a teen and then into a lovely young women so did her capacity to be welcoming and a giver of quiet joys . Sarah had to endure tough obstacles  throughout her life which she faced courageously with her unwavering Mom at her side.  Thus teaching me that no matter what, with a courageous heart, a loving heart you can have a rich life and leave a positive imprint on the lives of others. 

Sarah, you will be missed.  I only met you a couple times, but I heard lots about you from your mom at our craft group meetings.  Your joy of life and living was obvious to see.  It was also inspiring to see the close bond you had with your mom.  I loved hearing about all the adventures you two shared.  
Donna, thank you so much for sharing Sarah with us.  You have been an amazingly dedicated mom and caretaker for Sarah - she was blessed to have you as her mother.  May the memories of your shared lives and many adventures carry you through these dark days as you grieve losing her.  
With hugs and love,
Catherine Shepherd

We were so happy that Donna and Sarah were able to make the trip to California for our wedding!  We had an especially good time at Doctor Hoggly Wogglies Tyler Texas.  Although Sarah could not eat the food she loved the tastes of barbecue sauce and a picture of her silly grin with barbecue sauce across it is forever in my memory!  

A few years ago we were able to share our home with Donna and Sarah for about a week!  My husband loved teasing Sarah with the YES and NO buttons on her wheelchair.  It drove me crazy but that made Stephan and Sarah laugh all the more! 
Sarah and I both love Harry Potter and our trip to Universals Wizarding World of Harry Potter will always hold special memories for me!   

We love you Sarah and we know you were very well loved your whole life!  Donna, we are always here for you!  
Love and Hugs - 
Rene and Stephan Nijinsky

The first time I meet Sarah was about ten years ago at Richmond Beach Library. I am pretty sure it was just Donna, Sarah and I at that Meetup and like the glass slippers in Cinderella, she let us know when our time was up and we needed  to return home. Even on that first day, I knew Sarah was someone special. There was nothing better than seeing the light in her eyes and the huge smile when she heard a fart noise,  or, the conversation wandered to something that she enjoyed. 

I know that the school worked hard to teach Sarah how to communicate with the buttons on her wheelchair, but anyone watched and payed attention to Sarah knew she had a way of letting you know what she wanted. I remember one time at a CKC convention we wandered a little to far away from Donna and she let me know quickly that the cute stamp set had to wait. I had so much fun with Sarah on a trip to Ben Franklin. Two girls wandering down the mermaid aisle and laughing at the poop slime. 

I was so grateful that I was able to see Sarah graduate at Maplewood. It was incredible to see the teachers who made the final years of Sarah's education so special. I know that day was bitter sweet because it meant that Sarah would not have as many opportunities to socialize and be part of a community. But it was also a huge accomplishment. Sarah was now a woman who clearly had not listened to doctors' predictions and lived long enough enough to graduate. It was so amazing to see Sarah around so many people who valued her for the strong, loving and bright star that she was. I know that I only meet a fraction of the people whose lives Sarah touched that day.  

I feel blessed that I had a opportunity to be a small part of Sarah's life. If I could only capture some of her grit and ability to make others smile. In a world that feels so dark right now she was one of the people who glowed like a star making this world such a better place. She has touched the lives of so many people.



Sarah was such a bright spirit. I remember the first time we met; her smile lit the entire room. When Donna left us alone for a few minutes, Sarah and I made  jokes about where Donna was and what she was doing. We both started giggling. Her laugh was infectious and made me laugh too. 

She had a huge personality. I wish I’d had the chance to get to know her better.

With much love,

Paula 


I was privileged to meet Sarah when Donna brought her into Ben Franklin where I worked. Ben Franklin is a craft store in Monroe, WA. There was definitely an angelic spirit when I was with Sarah. She had a beautiful light of pure love surrounding her. Her smile was contagious. What a blessing she was to all who felt her wonderful spirit. I will never forget her.

My deepest condolences to you Donna as well as your Mom. I will always remember how you were able to give Sarah as many truly happy moments in life as you could. She would not have that smile if she didn't know real, intense joy in her life. 
Take consolation that for her whole life, all she knew was a mom and a grandma who adore her.  Being in a loving family gave her the confidence to express her feisty personality which we at the studio were privileged to meet and witness on the times you brought her there. 
Despite her disabilities, there were ways where Sarah was the spitting image of you. The red hair, the features, the feistiness - that's all you. I know you will always miss her. It was our privilege to get to know her through your constant stories and updates. 
Even though we can't hug in person hopefully you can take some comfort from a virtual hug and know that all of us at the studio are joined in our support of you. Friends forever.

When I visited in November 2019 I was immediately mesmerized by Sarah's smile, her angelic eyes, glowing completion and beyond the most gorgeous soft golden red hair I had ever seen.  Although Sarah had never met me before she had the uncanny ability to make me feel so welcome with her radiant warm smile.  Sarah invoked love the minute you were near hear.  I remember well Aunt Isabel lit up when she saw Sarah and how very proud Donna was to introduce her to me.  I watched in awe as Sarah listened to her music showing such peace and joy.  Sarah was  indeed an earth angel, who came to show the world love is the answer.

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Sarah in person, my heart still retains memories of her that I garnered through the eyes of her loving Grandma Isabel.  Sarah’s triumphs and struggles were shared with my mom and I by Isabel beginning with Sarah’s earliest days.  It was heartwarming (and sometimes heart wrenching) to hear of all that was happening in Sarah’s life.  The unconditional love Isabel had for Sarah was obvious in all that Isabel told us, as was the admiration she had for her own daughter, Donna.  It was evident for me from afar that these women, 3 generations of Hunter women,  were taking a situation that some may have found overwhelming and creating a fulfilling  life for Sarah.  Their love and strength touched my heart.

OBITUARY

Sarah Danielle Hunter

March 7, 1996 – October 6, 2020

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery

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