Obituary
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Sarah-Lynn van der Zijl (MacLeod) on August 3rd at Beausejour Hospital surrounded by family.
Sarah-Lynn was predeceased by her father Stephen MacLeod. She is survived by her husband Harm-jaap van der Zijl, her mother Linda MacLeod, her brother Benjamin MacLeod (Steven), parents in law Sytse and Hennie van der Zijl, sister in law Maaike van der Zijl and brother in law Lasse van der Zijl and her best friend Cassandra Page. She will be dearly missed by her extended family and many friends.
Sarah Lynn was born in Peterborough Ontario June 4, 1985. Sarah had a taste for the finer things in life, she always enjoyed a nice dinner and a glass of wine cuddled up with her dog Jaida. Always giving her all and striving to accomplish all her goals. She was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. She would never turn down a good cup of tea with a friend. Her first love was horses, she could always be found anywhere around the barn, especially with her horse Benny.
Over the last few years Sarah operated VDZ Training and Sales with her husband Harm. She was able to combine her passion of horses with her love of teaching and mentoring. She shaped many lives through her coaching both on and off the horses.
Sarah will be remembered for her contagious laugh, big smile, and her passion to help others.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 15,2020 at 3pm at Sarah and Harm’s family farm near Beausejour, MB.
Special thanks to all the health care workers at HSC Women’s Hospital and Beausejour Hospital.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donation to be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah Lynn (MacLeod) van der Zijl, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sarah Lynn MacLeod van der Zijl June 4 1985 August 3 2020 (age 35)..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
With sincerest sympathy for your loss Harm and families, Cassandra and all of the barn family. This August it is six years since Karleys first lesson.
A relationship that became important to Karley. Karley was considered a poker face Sarah Lynn would say. But I heard behind the scenes on the way home what Karley thought and said. Talk about Sarah lynn and what a wonderful person she was, how tough yet extremely caring she was all at once. Sarah Lynn opened her home to her students, cooked, fed and taught them hard work, skills and confidence. On holidays wrapped little presents and hot coco and horse treats for their horses. When Karley got dumped five times in one weekend by her pony, and got the go ahead from paramedics to continue 5 separate time’s , Sarah Lynn managed to coach her through it and come out winning Reserve Champion in jumper and high point pony in hunter. Ribbons aside, a life lesson on grit and tenacity and self belief is what Karley learned.
Sarah Lynn was a tough girl who never quit with a massive loving heart of gold. The bond and relationship was more than I can explain. A reciprocal love and respect was evident. Sarah Lynn even had Harm race on foot while the girls raced on their ponies. Sarah has ridden our pony for training, and one thing some don’t realize about ponies is they want what they want. Well our pony had a trick. Buck, turn hard right and then turn into a ball. Hearing Sarah Lynn talk about his shenanigans and how he is feeling sorry for himself that day is just a glimpse of the relationships she had with the animals. It was not just work to her, she knew them all in their own cute way.
Leaving the barn many times Karley and I talked about Sarah Lynn’s hugs. You all know what I mean….
Karley and I are blessed to no end for having Sarah Lynn in our life. As a mother, I am forever grateful that Sarah Lynn helped shape my daughter. Through some of Karleys toughest moments Sarah Lynn was always supportive and understanding. Our most sincere and deepest sympathies are with you through this difficult time.
Sincerely Karley and Jodie
So very sorry to hear the tragic news of Sarah’s passing. We have fond memories of Sarah and Ben when they were kids at Garth & Geraldine’s house, and at WPA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Ben, and Steven, and of course: Sarah’s husbands family as well. Praying for peace at this difficult time. Sincerely, Katherine & Brandon Sweet