Sarah Jane Ellis

Sarah Jane Ellis (nee Smith) of Airdrie, Alberta, daughter of Marion and Steve Smith of London, Ontario, died on December 6, 2019 while being cared for in the Dulcina Hospice in Calgary following an inspiring battle with liver cancer. She was born on January 9, 1983, the fifth child and third daughter in a family of six children. Her life was one of fun and goodness where all who knew her loved being in her presence. Sarah is survived by her mother, father, brothers and sisters, Dr. Samuel and his wife, Marta of Rexburg, Idaho, Sophia and Zeke Jensen of Provo, Utah, Lorien of Provo and Livia, Ingrid, Clara and Adele at home in Rexburg. Matthew and his wife Shara of Burlington, Ontario, Madeleine, Gabrielle, Liliana and Amelia. Shelley of London, Ontario, Missy of London, Ontario. Marianne and Nate Shepherd of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Isabelle, Kaya, Harrison and Evie. Eight aunts and uncles, sixteen cousins and their spouses, children are also members of her family. She was predeceased by her grandparents, her uncle, Bishop Dave Potter; her aunt, Judy Hofstetter; her cousin, Todd Hofstetterer; her uncle, Ross Muttart.

For the last eight years Sarah sponsored a World Vision Child, Kiderebere Guossigne, in one of the countries in Africa, she did this right up to the month she died. She really loved her two cats, Babe and Oliver, who will now be moving to Onatrio. Sarah was a graduate of Sir Wilfred Laurier Secondary School and Fanshawe College, London. She also graduated from seminary in her church. She was an expert photographer and an avid marathoner.

When she was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma last February, her reaction showed the combative spirit that was hers. Her intention was to fight the disease with every bit of strength she had. This type of cancer does not show any signs when it attacks a person, so Sarah was already at stage three when it began to make its presence known. When asked to come back to London so her family could look after her, she said that her home and heart were now in Airdrie where she had made a lot of very good friends. Sarah’s devoted mother spent the last three months living in Alberta and doing what she could to bring her comfort. When Sarah was hospitalized for most of the month of November, her mom stayed with her almost constantly, sleeping by her side and looking after her needs. When it became to difficult for her to remain at home, she went to the Dulcina Hospice for a few days and was finally released from her pain and discomfort to return to be with her loved ones who were waiting for her.

To all her friends in the Luxstone Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who made her feel so loved and at home with them, to those at the Lougheed Hospital and the Dulcina Hospice, to the Alberta Health Care staff who did so much to be sure her every need was met, and to the kind Nurse Next Door staff who tended to her, her family offers its deepest gratitude. The second greatest commandment given by Jesus Christ was that we love our neighbour as ourselves. To all of you in Alberta we can only say that you truly have shown by your good works that your love for our daughter was indeed one of true love. Sarah’s body will now rest in the Airdrie City Cemetery until she is called to come forth from the dead. A small plot of Alberta land will forever be a part of her family’s heritage. We look forward to the day when we will all be together with her again. A finer spirit has never been sent to live on this earth. We love you, dear dear precious daughter of God. Enjoy your new home for eternity.

Dedication of her grave and interment of her casket will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Airdrie City Cemetery, 33 Big Hill Way SE at 3:00 PM. A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Luxstone Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1504 Main Street, Airdrie on December 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM. All are invited to remain for refreshments.