The family of a Vicars Cross woman whose final wish was to return home have paid tribute to an ‘inspiration’ after she passed away in Spain.
Sarah Kaye, 67, died on June 22, surrounded by her family.
The mother-of-five had relocated to Murcia two years ago with her husband of 34 years Brian but received the devastating news that she had brain and lung cancer in early May.
Sarah’s daughter Claire Taylor said she and her siblings Fiona, Vicky, Martin and David were ‘lucky’ to have her as their mum.
“But she wasn’t just my mum, she was my friend, my shopping buddy and my sounding block, someone I could always turn to for advice,” Claire said.
“Mum is my hero and inspiration, her attitude to life, her determination and her fighting spirit will stay with me forever.
“I am who I am today, because of mum.”
Sarah trained as a nurse later on in life, working in care homes and eventually becoming the area manager of an independent care home company, which Claire said she ‘excelled’ at.
She was a keen fan or gardening and musicals, her favourites being Les Misérables and Blood Brothers.
Describing her as ‘inspirational, hard-working, unselfish and fair’, David added: “Never shy to put a toe in the water and try something new, she always had a positive can-do attitude.
“And while she has been unable to live out her ten-year dream in Spain for a little longer, the time she spent there she thoroughly enjoyed and touched the hearts of many while being there.”
The Chronicle featured the family’s appeal to raise enough money to transport her back to the UK, as they were unable to secure travel insurance.
Thousands of pounds was donated and, while Sarah did not return home to Chester , it helped to pay for nursing care and equipment to make her feel comfortable.
Some of the money was donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research and MABS – a Spanish charity which helps ex-pats affected by cancer.
Claire said: “We would like to thank everyone for their support, kind words and donations to the GoFundMe appeal.
“We would also like to say a special thanks to Catherine Harrison and her CHArts students, for the fantastic music theatre showcase they held in mum’s memory.
“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of people.”
A service will be held to celebrate Sarah’s life at Vicars Cross United Reformed Church at 2pm on Wednesday, August 5.
All who knew her are welcome to attend and wearing black is not necessary.
