Sarah M. Caldwell
January 20, 1988 - July 12, 2020
Obituary
For Sara
Thou wilt come no more, gentle Annie (Sarah),
Like a flower thy spirit did depart,
Though art gone, a-las! Like the many
That have bloomed in the summer of my heart.
Shall we never more behold you; never hear thy winning voice again –
When the Springtime comes, lovely Sarah,
When the wildflowers are scattered over the plain?
“Gentle Annie” by Stephen Foster
MIDDLETON - Sarah M. Caldwell was born on Jan. 20, 1988, in Madison, the daughter of James Caldwell and Alice Ruhland. Completing high school early, Sarah studied at Arts Institute of Chicago – then returned to Madison for a Graphic Arts Degree, specializing in marketing. She worked at Macy’s Haute couture and other venues. Sarah loved her cat, her clothes, her phone and her privacy. She loved traveling – to Russia, the Matterhorn, Antarctica with her dad, Jim, and later on her own and sometimes with her friend from Iceland, to Switzerland, France, India, Tanzania, Kosavo and Iceland.
Sarah battled depression most of her young adult life, searched for and assimilated new scientific knowledge for treatments. Sarah suffered alcohol and drug addiction, with gains and losses over the years. Sarah lost the battle Sunday, July 12, 2020, dying unexpectedly at her home.
A private funeral Mass will be held in the future. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
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Annette
Other •
Sarah was creative, talented, charming, smart, funny and brave. She also suffered years of pain from co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder.
Sarah was strong. She was in the ICU with me every day when her dad was dying last year. Even in her pain, I saw her try and try to get to a better place.
One of my fond memories is making an LED hula hoop with her in our basement. She wowed everyone with her hooping skills at gatherings of family and friends.
I'll weep for and cherish the thousands of text messages I've had with Sarah in the last year and a half. She was direct, edgy, hopeless, hopeful, searching, grateful, kind, bitter, and honest.
I miss you Sarah. I share your anger at not getting the help you needed. Peace to you hon.
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Sarah is survived by her step-mom Annette, her aunt Carol (Madison) – her half-brother Mike (Birmingham, Michigan), as well as other aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Annette
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Shared a photo.
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Kayla grosse
Other •
Sarah, We lost touch since we were kids, but my last memory of you was outside my apartment in college. We were both in a dark place and we shared our pain and a cigarette together. I wish the world was kinder to you. I wish there is something I could have done or said back then to help you get through your pain. I know that you are at peace now. I will always have fond memories of playing with you and Melissa and pretending to be cats as kids. Shine on in the afterlife. Heaven is lucky to have you. With love, Kayla Grosse
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Megan ford
Other •
I love you Sarah and I miss you more than words can express. You were always there for me and never judged me. Living with is still the fondest memories I have. I'll never forget your genuine soul and beautiful nature. Life dealt you a very rough hand and I'm so proud for how hard you fought through adversity. Not only that to continue spreading your light to anyone who needed it. I'm still in shock and at a loss for words. I was just talking to you the day before. I still can't believe you're gone. But I'm comforted that you don't have to hurt anymore. You will be missed immensely and loved endlessly dear. I love you
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Ellen and Claude Marendaz
Other •
As friends of Annette and Jim we met Sarah occasionally. We remember her often as a quiet young woman with a nice smile and a quiet demeanor. As we got to know her we became aware of Sarah’s struggles. There were wonderful times where we saw joy and excitement shine through. We shared stories of Iceland and she gave a great show with her lighted hula hoop.
At times there is a lot of pain when someone dies so young. There are only one thing we can do now and it is to remember a young, talented and kind woman.
Claude and Ellen
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Annette
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Shared a photo.
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