Memories of

Sarah van Laer-Hansen

Dec 19, 1959- Oct. 21, 2011

Sarah was my best friend, my soul sister. I love her beyond words. I was so blessed to speak to her last week and she was so full of life, so happy. Sarah and I have been the best of friends for over 35 years. We met at Boarding School in CT and became fast friends as soon as we realized that we both lived in NYC and loved the beach. Sarah and I brought out the best in each other. She was creative and dramatic and I was practical and calm. Sarah was also beautiful, smart and charismatic; funny and full of stories; strong willed and opinionated; a straight shooter, never afraid to speak her mind; spiritual; kind and caring.  

For all of us who knew Sarah well, when she was into something, whether it was exercising, gardening, party planning, cleaning, shopping, eBaying, writing or any of her many artsy crafty projects, she put her full energy into it (usually overdoing it and requiring recovery time). That same enthusiasm for her projects extended to our friendship. Throughout the years, we always found reasons to rendezvous with our families – spending lots of time here and in CA and places in-between. With Sarah, I learned to jump on board, buckle up and enjoy the ride because life was always an adventure. I could go on all day with tales of my fun times with Sarah – from bungee jumping to hitch hiking barefoot in NYC after celebrating New Years in Times Square.

She was always the friend that I could count on. When my mother unexpectedly passed away, Sarah dropped everything, jumped in the car and drove all the way to VA to be with me and my family. When my sister, Ali, was very sick with cancer and I lived 3000 miles away, Sarah took her into her home, embraced her and her two beagles, and cared for her to the point of her own exhaustion.  She called us the three sisters. Whenever she visited me in CA, she always arrived in a flashy convertible and had us beach bound before I even had time to grab a towel. We both loved the ocean, but she was the true beach babe – the long blond hair, the 365 days a year tan, bikini body and no shortage of sun dresses and bikinis. Nothing made her happier than hanging out at the beach and swimming with her family and friends.  What a blessing that Sarah realized her dream come true when she got to plan, build, furnish, decorate and shop for their family beach home in Vieques. She would be so happy to see all see all of you here honoring her life.

Nick and Tom, I just want you to know how much your Mom truly loved and admired both of you. She was so excited that you both graduated and were starting to get out in the world and find your path. I know she wants you to keep moving forward and find your passion. Helen and Nick, she cherished your family. Harry, what can I say…You were her rock. She absolutely loved and adored you. You were her Prince Charming and I’m so happy that you got to build your dream home together – what a labor of love and lasting legacy. When Sarah texted me the latest photo of Vieques, I responded that it’s really looking like a castle and now you can be a princess. I know she was really happy.

God placed the following message about Sarah in my heart. I know that some of you are truly suffering, please use Sarah’s life as an inspiration to face your challenges. Life on earth is short and every moment is precious. Dwell in the positive, uplift and serve others. If you don’t know where to begin, first pray and then find someone in need to help and get moving and start serving. Use the following Peace Prayer of Saint Francis Assisi as your guide.

Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt,  faith;

where there is despair,  hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Sarah, I love you. You are my soul sister, my angel of love and light, a true princess. You will live in my heart always.