Sara Holyoke of Fredericton, New Brunswick, has passed away after a courageous, decade-long battle with brain cancer. Since her diagnosis in 2014, Sara faced relentless medical challenges with extraordinary strength, optimism, and grace, becoming a powerful source of inspiration to her family, colleagues, and the entire Fredericton community.
Sara’s journey began during Thanksgiving weekend in 2014, when doctors discovered a golf-ball-sized tumor on her right frontal lobe. She was rushed into emergency surgery in Saint John, a procedure that saved her life but left her temporarily paralyzed. What followed was more than a year of intensive rehabilitation at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and the Stan Cassidy Centre, where Sara fought tirelessly to relearn basic motor skills and regain independence.
Despite her determination, doctors later confirmed the tumor was cancerous. Sara underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, but in July 2017, the cancer returned. She then faced a full awake resection craniotomy — a complex brain surgery performed while conscious — followed by further chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Even as her body endured these exhausting procedures, her spirit remained unbroken.
In 2018, another high-grade tumor was discovered. Still, Sara continued to push forward, supported by advanced medical monitoring, innovative therapies, and emotional support networks such as the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Most recently, she traveled to Germany to undergo dendritic cell therapy, a highly specialized immunotherapy designed to target cancer cells. Though the treatment offered hope, Sara sadly passed away not long after the procedure.
Throughout her illness, Sara refused to let cancer define her. From the very beginning, she continued serving as General Manager of the Delta Fredericton, remaining deeply involved in community initiatives and mentoring those around her. Whether organizing local events, supporting charities, or simply greeting guests with her warm smile, Sara’s presence uplifted everyone she encountered.
Her impact on Fredericton was profound.
Gilles Allain shared:
“Fredericton lost a big pillar of the community today. Sara Holyoke was heavily involved in an astounding number of community initiatives. And she always did it with a smile. RIP my friend. Condolences to all of her family and loved ones, including her team at the Delta Fredericton.”
Andrew Holland added:
“Sending peace and comfort to all those who knew Sara Holyoke and are feeling such a profound loss. The way the community rallied around her shows just how deeply her warmth and generosity were felt. Whether at the Delta Hotel, at sporting events, or volunteering, Sara was always smiling and connecting with people. One can only admire her courage.”
Sara Holyoke leaves behind a legacy of leadership, kindness, resilience, and love. Her life was a testament to perseverance and to the power of staying engaged with the world even in the face of overwhelming adversity. She will be deeply missed by her family, her colleagues, and the entire Fredericton community she served so faithfully.
Sara Holyoke obituary and funeral plans will be released by her family at a later date.