Sarah Jane Frankel

Our beloved Sarah Jane Frankel dearly departed on July 21, 2025, at the age of 50. She was born on November 25, 1974. Sarah lived with strength and grace. She listened for truth, welcomed new ideas and was a steady, peaceful presence and someone who stood strong for what she believed in - a fierce warrior.

Sarah leaves behind a vast, extraordinary life - rich in love, friendship, and impact. She is survived by her mother Connie; her sisters Deborah and Maggie; her extended family Tom, Emma, Karen, Margaret, Athena, Charlie, Toby, Joan; her cousins, nieces, nephews, and many children she loved and cared for deeply. Her beloved dog Newton was always by her side. She was predeceased by her father David, who passed away in April 2024. Sarah also leaves behind a close circle of fierce and faithful friends - her treasured “Red Army” - who supported and loved her deeply. We were all deeply honoured to walk beside her.

Sarah was many things: a humanitarian animal lover, a sharkist, a sister, a thinker, a mother-figure, a reluctant Hebrew Queen, and a brilliant, grounded star. She possessed an exquisite mind that was sharp, logical, and endlessly curious. She was strong both physically and mentally, with a deep love for dance, power-lifting, and music. She also had a passion for science fiction which fed her imagination and sense of wonder. 

Anyone lucky enough to know her felt the peace she carried into every space — a peace that made room for others to be fully seen. She inspired growth and compassion in everyone she met.

Her life’s great work — and unwavering vocation — was her deep commitment to Indigenous children and youth. For more than a decade, Sarah provided dedicated care to Indigenous children in the foster system, always striving to learn, reflect, and act in ways that honoured cultural safety and respect. She connected with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, attending teachings like the HEART and SPIRIT program to strengthen her capacity to walk alongside First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth with integrity and humility. Her care was not simply practical — it was rooted in love, in understanding indigenous worldviews, and in championing each child’s path toward healing.

We are grateful for the time we had with Sarah. We invite you to join us in celebrating Sarah’s beautiful, bold, and generous life.

Please join us in honoring and celebrating Sarah’s life.

Wear white (or brights) and be prepared to speak.

11:00am Thursday July 24th 2025

Toronto Necropolis - 200 Winchester St, Toronto, F Lot 1651

Toasts and treats to follow at: 1 Cherry Nook Gardens, Toronto

In lieu of flowers, Sarah would prefer if you please consider a donation to any one of the following:

Daily Bread Foodbank - https://www.dailybread.ca/

The Move Dance Collective - https://themovecollective.org/

Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation - https://kellyshiresfoundation.org/

Gilda's Club - https://www.gildasclubtoronto.org/

The Farley Foundation - https://www.farleyfoundation.org/

The Toronto Zoo - https://www.torontozoo.com/