A local family should have been planning a 25th birthday celebration for their beloved daughter, sister, auntie and fiancée. Instead, they’re preparing for her memorial and reflecting on a bright life cut far too short.
Sara Tempel was born on Feb. 15, 2000, sharing her joyful presence with the world around her. On Feb. 12, 2025, she took her own life.
Affectionately known as “Sara Sunshine,” the vibrant young woman could light up a room and was always eager to make people smile.
“She had a deep desire for everyone to be happy and was known for her ability to see the best in people. A natural advocate for others, she stood up for the underdog and ensured no one felt left out. Wise beyond her years, Sara had a unique perspective on life. She was a free spirit and was very adventurous,” said her mom, Sherri Anderson of Barefoot Ranch near Teulon.
“Sara loved the outdoors and spent lots of time at Norris Lake and hiking around Manitoba with her dog Ruby. She was very creative and enjoyed learning new things. Sara enjoyed painting, drawing, braiding, sewing, pattern making, building Lego sets, doing puzzles, playing games — there was nothing she couldn’t do if she put her mind to it.”
Sara’s sister Brittany described her as a spectacular woman who could see the good in everyone.
“She was a fierce defender of anyone who needed someone in their corner,” she shared in a memorial tribute to Sara, the youngest of three siblings. “She was passionate and talented, excelling at anything she tried.”
Sara honed her creative spark and pursued her passion for fashion design at MC College, graduating with a diploma in 2019. Her talent led her to be featured in several fashion shows, including multiple events with RAW in both Winnipeg and Calgary. Her dream business became a reality when she launched a small country rodeo boutique, and her unique offerings were gaining recognition both near and far.
Last summer, Sara moved to La Broquerie with her boyfriend Tyler. Together, they were planning their wedding for 2026.
“On the surface, everything seemed to be falling into place, with no outward sign of the inner struggles she was facing,” Sherri said.
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“The entire family is heartbroken by this loss. I never truly understood how grief worked — I always thought of it as a fluid process, moving through stages in order. I didn’t realize it feels more like a pinball machine — one moment you’re fine; the next you’re overwhelmed with tears, and then suddenly you’re laughing at a memory.”
Planning Sara’s funeral has kept the family busy and, in some ways, helped them to cope with the shock of her loss.
“What I miss the most is simply being able to reach out to her. In just over a week, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, ‘I can’t wait to tell Sara this’ or ‘I should ask Sara about that,’ only to be hit by the painful reality that she’s no longer here,” Sherri said.
“One of the hardest parts has been seeing our family come together to plan her memorial, knowing she should be here with us. It feels so wrong. No parent should ever have to bury their child — it goes against the very nature of life.”
Since losing Sara, Sherri has immersed herself in research about mental health issues.
“I have been open about her story because I believe the stigma surrounding mental health is wrong. No one should be seen as weak for needing help. More than ever, we need to be kind and patient with one another,” she said.
“Sara had a gift for seeing the best in people and trying to understand why they acted the way they did. I think we could all learn from her example. It’s also important to remember that our words and actions can have a lasting impact — kindness costs nothing, but it can mean everything.”
Sherri also shared some heartfelt words that might help others during difficult times.
“If you notice someone struggling with their mental health, isolating themselves or self-medicating, reach out. Let them know you care and support them in finding help,” she said.
“And if you are struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to family, friends, a doctor — anyone who will listen. You are not alone. You can also call the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. Help is always available.”
At the same time, Sherri expressed gratitude for everyone who has rallied around her family.
“The community has been incredibly supportive,” she said. “So many people have reached out with kind messages, flowers, meals, hugs and helping with the GoFundMe, which is going toward her funeral costs.”
The GoFundMe page, entitled “In Loving Memory of Sara Tempel,” can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/loving-memory-of-sara-tempel.
Sara’s funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Teulon (47 Highway 7N). The funeral will be held upstairs, followed by sandwiches and dainties in the basement. All who knew and loved Sara are welcome to attend.
Afterwards, a celebration of life will take place at FryDays Restaurant in Teulon.
“Sara lived her life in vivid colour, her favourites being her signature turquoise and orange combo,” Brittany said of her much-loved sister. “Flowers are welcomed and appreciated.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can also be made in Sara’s memory to the Toba Centre for Children and Youth.
When the weather warms up, Sara’s family will spread her ashes at Norris Lake, her favourite place.
