Sarah Julie Burgess passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 14, 2026 at the age of 16.
Sarah was a bright light who loved to laugh, and she possessed a beautiful smile that could instantly warm any room. She was happiest when surrounded by her friends—whether they were relaxing in her bedroom watching TV or out galavanting and exploring wherever the local buses would take them. Her adventurous spirit, joy for life, and deep loyalty to those she loved will never be forgotten.
Sarah is the beloved daughter of Melanie and Paul Burgess. She is survived by her loving siblings, Colby Burgess and Deziray Ottaway, as well as her grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many cousins who treasured her deeply. She also leaves behind a large circle of heartbroken friends who meant the world to her.
Her family is completely devastated by this sudden loss, but Sarah's radiant smile and adventurous spirit will live on in their hearts forever.
The family appreciates your love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Sarah's name to PEAK HOUSE. https://peakhouse.ca
A Funeral Service for Sarah, will be held on
Saturday September 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at
The Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel
located at 11969 216th St, Maple Ridge.
October 1st, 2026
Dear Melanie,
There are no words that can truly express how sorry I am for the loss of your beloved daughter. My heart breaks for you, Paul and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
May the love and memories you shared with Sarah bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead. She will always be a part of you and will never be forgotten. Sending you so much love, strength, and heartfelt sympathy. ❤️ Gina Carvalho
September 30th, 2026
Mel, Paul and family, there are no adequate words for your loss. I am deeply sorry. I only met Sarah once I think when she was 3 or 4 and she was such a joy.
It isn’t fair. I am here for you. Whatever you need.
September 29th, 2026
Dearest Melanie, Paul, Maurice, Louise, Eric and family, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the years you shared your Sarah with me and all of her Grove Family. Sarah will always be a part of me and all of our hearts. I have placed her photo on my work desk so she can continue to inspire me every day. My life will never be quite the same without her but I will carry her along with me for all my days.
September 28th, 2026
Dear Mel,
There are simply no words that can express how deeply sorry I am for the loss of your daughter. My heart breaks for you both and for your family as you navigate such an unimaginable loss.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can find some comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the precious memories you shared with her.
Sending you both strength and compassion during this incredibly difficult time. ❤️ Maria Michayluk
September 27th, 2026
This is a hard write. Sarah was only part of my life for the last year but she left a huge impact on my son and I. In that year she spent alot of time at my home as she was my sons first serious relationship. I got to really know Sarah in that time. She was a loving caring person who accepted people the way they are. I know she gained that quality from her loving open family. I am so grateful for being welcomed and accepted by not Sarah but by her parents, and her grandparents. Thank you for including us in your traditions and giving us lasting memories. The loss of her life will forever leave a hole in my heart. My condolences to all who loved her.
September 26th, 2026
Paul and Mel. Im so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 25th, 2026
Dear Mel and Paul, I am so deeply sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your beloved daughter. My heart goes out to you both during this unimaginable time. May the love and beautiful memories you shared with her bring you comfort and strength. 🤍🕊️
September 25th, 2026
Dear Paul & Melanie,
I'm sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family at this time.
Julie
September 24th, 2026
Dear Melanie, Paul and family,
Our sincerest, and deepest, condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. ♥️🙏
September 24th, 2026
we are so heartbroken for your loss hold you in our hearts
September 24th, 2026
Paul,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Julia
September 24th, 2026
so sorry for your loss you all will be in our prayers there are no words to fix the hurt in your hearts just remember the great times you all had together again so sorry love aunty evelyn. uncle paul
September 24th, 2026
I am so heart broken u were the best girl my Betty boop I am going to miss you for ever u are with Kyle he will take care of you ❤
September 24th, 2026
Dear Melanie, Paul & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah was a bright, funny, determined kid and she was a good friend to Inez & Mia. I’ll never forget meeting her on the first day of kindergarten at Forest Grove.
Sending strength and love as you grieve your beautiful daughter.
Tina
September 24th, 2026
Dear Melanie and Paul,
There are no words that can ease the pain of losing Sarah. We feel so grateful that she was part of our lives and that Michelle had the joy of growing up with her. The memories they made together, from the time they were little girls, will always be precious to our family.
Sarah will be deeply missed and forever loved. Michelle will carry her in her heart, and so will we. Please know that we are holding you both close in our thoughts and sending you all our love.
September 23rd, 2026
Mel and Paul,
My heart is absolutely broken for you. I honestly don’t know what words could ever be enough to comfort you through the unimaginable pain of losing your beautiful Sarah. No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child, and I wish with all my heart that I could take even a little bit of this pain away from you.
Please know that you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you, we are here for you, not just today, but through all the days ahead—the difficult days, the quiet days, and the days when the memories feel especially heavy.
Sarah will always be a part of you and our entire family. Her beautiful memory, her love, and all the moments we all shared will live on in our hearts forever. I hope that in time, those memories bring you even a little comfort. We are keeping you close in our hearts and praying for you and our family.
We love you guys, and we are all here whenever you need us. Our sincerest condolences ❤️🥹
Love Jen, Frank, Alexa, Natasha and Julian
September 23rd, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
September 23rd, 2026
We were saddened to learn of your loss, please accept our sincerest condolences. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our heart goes out to you and your entire family.
September 23rd, 2026
Mel, Paul & family,
We are so deeply sorry for the unimaginable loss of Sarah. There are no words that can fix this pain, but please know that we are holding you all in our hearts and are here for you, now and in the days ahead.
Love, Kevin & Lisa
September 23rd, 2026
Melanie and Paul. Our heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. Sarah was so loved and will never be forgotten. We will carry her in our hearts forever. You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time. Sending you love, hugs and strength.
Aunt Lise and Al
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