Sarah Marie Magera (also known as ‘Sarah Berra’ to those close by), 16 forever – gained her angel wings early morning October 1, 2016 at Seattle Children’s Hospital surrounded by her family after an enduring, courageous five year battle with Leukemia.
She was born in Missoula, MT to Jason and Wendy Magera, November 5th, 1999 and lived there for a short six months before moving to Billings for two years. They then upgraded to her home of Helena, MT at the exciting age of two. That next summer, her first best friend – a sister, Heather Magera joined her for more adventures. Kindergarten at Rossiter Elementary brought on many new lifelong friends. Right before she started fifth grade, she welcomed her second best friend – a sister, Pyper Magera. A better little mother hen for younger sisters never existed – Sarah fiercely protected them and loved them. It was a close knit bond that we will forever hold dear.
As she started her sixth grade year at CR Anderson Middle school, she was diagnosed with Leukemia and needed to spend nine months receiving chemotherapy and advanced medical care at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT. After a short six month break and starting seventh grade, just before Christmas we got the news that her Leukemia had relapsed. She started her second long, nine month battle with Leukemia and returned to Salt Lake for treatment that included a Bone Marrow Transplant. Sarah was able to finish here eighth grade year at CRA with her friends and looked forward to starting high school with her classmates at Capital High. She got two amazing years to learn and enjoy at Capital High, growing to be the sweet, intelligent, sassy girl we know and love that could light up any room with the smile on her face. The end of sophomore year, tests showed us a sad relapse of her cancer, and Sarah’s third battle began at Seattle Children’s Hospital where she endured more chemotherapy, radiation, and a second bone marrow transplant.
Sarah had a zest for life that amazed everyone who came to know her story. She had a love for friends, family, frogs, all things green, and anything quirky. She was fond of music, and spent eight years playing violin and had started strumming and singing with the ukulele in Seattle. Sarah was an avid UM Griz fan by default of her family’s addiction/household religion. Her love for girl’s soccer and medical smarts (and experience!) helped her at being a team trainer and manager for the Capital High Ladies Soccer Team. Sarah challenged herself participating in HOSA and winning awards for sports med at a HOSA competition. Swimming provided a low-impact but high demand sport allowing Sarah to transition from the soccer field and become a little freestyle fiend on the Capital High School Swim Team. When treatment and weather permitted, she enjoyed skiing on fresh Montana snow and giggling with all her friends. She was a meticulous and dedicated helper for her sister Heather’s Tiernan Irish Dance Troop and was lovingly known as their ‘Dress Wrangler’. Sarah could not be contained by the rooms and halls of the hospitals where she spent so much time – a razor scooter gave her the speed she loved. The love for arts and crafts kept Sarah’s mother travelling to all the stores near each hospital to get materials for Sarah’s next masterpiece. Sarah was able to share her love for small children by teaching Sunday school at Mount Helena Community Church, where she grew her faith and love of God.
Sarah battled cancer day in and day out like it was nothing more than an annoyance. She was brave beyond belief with a smile. She did her best even though life had been unfair to her. She didn’t give up just because things didn’t go her way or turn out exactly how she planned. Anybody that knows her knows if something didn’t go as planned for her it threw her whole day off. Still, Sarah showed up, and was present… she showed us and rest of the world what gratitude really is.
She was preceded in death by her namesake, Great Grandmother Sarah Magera and many, many close fellow Cancer Fighters.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9th at the Mount Helena Community Church, Gateway Center, 1710 National Avenue, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11th at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sarah’s name are suggested to the Sarah Magera Scholarship Fund at Helena Community Credit Union, P.O. Box 159, Helena, MT 59624 or to CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, ATTN: Donor Services, 4600 East West Highway, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814. Sarah’s family asks that, if you wish, to bring to the service a written memory or keepsake of Sarah to share with them and/or have placed in her casket. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Sarah.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Sunday October 9, 2016
Helena Community Church @ the Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of her life
Sunday October 9, 2016
Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 11, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Sunday October 9, 2016
Helena Community Church @ the Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of her life
Sunday October 9, 2016
Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 11, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Pastor Rick DeMato says
Heaven is brighter today because of sweet Sarah’s presents. Sorry for the trial of the last few yrs. that you all went through but our Lord’s Grace will always carry us through. Pastor Rick
Martin Family says
We are so sorry to learn about Sarah’s passing.
We will keep you all in our prayers. As you move thru this heartbreak know your brothers and sisters in Christ are wrapping our arms around your family.
Tom, Sheila, Evan & Em
Cummings Family says
Our hearts go out to your family. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sarah has touched a lot of lives, I know she holds a special place in Aryn’s heart.
Cody, Melinda, Jordan, Aryn, Rylee and Kodee
Bridgett Waples says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sarah touched many lives and her smile was contagious. She will forever be a special part of our fond memories of CHS soccer.
Bridgett, Jasmin, Dylan
Tasha & Keith Herrin says
We are so heartbroken for your family. Our prayers will be with you durring the days ahead. Fly high with your new wings Sarah, you will always be remembered.
Jodi and Jason Zolynski Family says
Our hearts go out to your Family, Jason and Wendy, and of course to her many Friends. our prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Lorenz Family says
Your family has been heavy on our hearts this last week. We can’t begin to imagine what you have and will continue to go through. God let you borrow a sweet angel even for such a short time, she blessed your family and made you who you are today. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. May Sarah forever rest in peace.
Cari (with Duane) Paige says
Beautiful young lady; beautiful obit. I am very sorry.
Bender Family says
Wendy and family, We are saddened by your loss of Sarah and you have been in our thoughts this week as we hold you and Sarah in our hearts. May you always feel the warmth and love of your sweet girl.
Randy and Patty Wood says
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the wonderful memories of Sarah carry you through the days ahead. What a beautiful young lady. Blessings.
Fred Terry says
We are so sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. We are thankful for her faith in God, and rejoice in the fact that we will see her again! We pray that during this difficult time God will surround you with his love, peace, and comfort felt by the presence of Jesus in your lives.
Fred, Trish and Family
Kelly Morris says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jason and Wendy.
Kelly and Lori Morris
KC Richem says
Our hearts break for your family. Sarah was one of the most kind, caring kids I have ever met. I wish you comfort in the many joyful memories you have of your precious child.
Carol Bridge says
To Sarahs family, It was truly an honor and privilege to be of service to Sarah and her mom and sisters while having treatment at the Cancer treatment Center in Helena. What an inspiration she was! She did so much in her short time with us. I wish you peace and healing at this time. Many Blessings. Carol Bridge Volunteer in the CTC
The Spragg's says
I remember Sarah from the first day of kindergarten with my boys! She was so excited and confident even at that young age. She fought courageously! I cannot even begin to image the loss your family feels. She will be the best guardian angel her sisters will have! Many Thoughts and Prayers being sent your way.
JaLynn and David Lewis says
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you Jason and Wendy.
Wendy Hamilton says
I am honored to have met sweet Sarah. I work at Black Diamond Gymnastics and met you guys when Jon Diaz brought her up for her photo shoot. I have followed her progress and have prayed for her often. She inspired many lives in Her short time on earth and her light will continue to shine on all those who knew her. Sending prayers and love to your family
R. Miller says
Losing a child is the worst & one Never quite recovers BUT The time spent with them is priceless. And although they may only have graced this earth for a short time the lessons taught are immeasurable!!!!
Debbie Gibson says
I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are going through. Sarah was a beautiful person inside and out, and a true fighter…life is not fair. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Don, Deb, Summer, and Sydney