Sarah Catherine Flynn's Obituary
With hearts that will forever ache and forever remember, we celebrate the life of Sarah Catherine Flynn, a radiant soul who left this world far too soon at the age of 38. Sarah was a woman whose love ran deep, whose laughter lifted others, and whose presence made every gathering warmer, brighter, and more meaningful.
Sarah was born on August 14, 1987, and from her earliest days she carried a tenderness and intuition that made her extraordinary. She adored her parents with all her heart, and that love only grew as she built her own life. She earned her associate degree in Court Reporting from Bates Technical College, a milestone she was incredibly proud of. She later became the assistant manager for her beloved Uncle Eric, a role she cherished not only for the work but for the closeness it brought to someone she admired so deeply.
Above all, Sarah was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Aaliyah, the light of her life. She was the kind of mother who felt every joy and every worry her daughter carried, and the kind of daughter who could sense her own mother’s pain even from miles away—whether Sarah was in Tacoma and her mother in Onalaska, she always knew when her mom needed comfort. Her heart was tuned to the people she loved.
Family was the center of Sarah’s world. She treasured her grandparents on both sides, checking in on them often, making sure they were cared for and never alone. She held a special place in her heart for her grandfather. She loved her aunts, uncles, and cousins with a fierce loyalty, and some of her happiest memories were made during family gatherings, camping trips, and simple moments spent together. A cherished memory was the trip she and her mother took to visit family in Australia—an adventure filled with laughter, connection, and joy. Another treasured moment was playing in the Neuwaukum River in Onalaska with Aaliyah, even in the winter, simply because being together made any place feel warm.
Sarah grew up in Yelm surrounded by the animals she loved—her horses and her cow. She carried that love of nature throughout her life. The ocean, rivers, lakes, and the woods were her places of peace. She loved camping, especially at Mt. Rainier, where the sky-blue hues of her favorite color seemed to follow her everywhere.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Sarah was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and found joy in AWANA Wednesdays, AWANA Olympics, and Friday Sports Nights. She loved to dance, to laugh, and to live with a spirit that was both gentle and full of life. The song “Butterfly Kisses” held a special meaning for her, always reminding her of her father and the bond they shared. Sarah also had a deep affection for the family dog, Chloe’, who brought her comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.
To know Sarah was to know kindness. She was the most loving, caring, and thoughtful mother and daughter you could ever meet. She had a gift for sensing when someone needed support, and she offered it freely, without hesitation. Her heart was wide, her compassion endless, and her love unwavering.
Sarah is preceded in death by her first child, Ramone Martinez IV; her beloved father, Earnest Flynn; her grandparents Don and Cathy Playter, and John and Veola Flynn; her uncle Kirk Allen; her cousin Neola and her son; and her cousin Coretha Williams.
She is survived by her devoted mother, Cindy Riley; her cherished daughter, Aaliyah Martinez; and a large, loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever hold her memory close.
Sarah will never be forgotten. Her family loved her more than words can express, and her memory will continue to shine in every story told, every place she loved, and every life she touched. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave was immeasurable—and it will live on forever.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.
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