Sara Rowe

Some people strive to build wealth, status, or a treasure trove of belongings throughout their days on earth. Then there are those like Sara Rowe, who make it their life’s mission to love others with a genuine, selfless love. She valued people more than any worldly possession and it was her roles as a wife and mother that she viewed as both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. Sara lived her life with unwavering purpose coupled with a vibrant zest, squeezing every last drop out of each day. Someone who didn’t see obstacles but saw challenges to overcome, Sara was filled with a quiet strength and sheer determination that were her constant companions. She leaves behind a timeless legacy as a great wife, a great mom, and a great friend – her bright light extinguished much too soon.

Much can be said about the seventies in America. A decade of advancements in civil rights, women’s rights, and growing understanding about what lies beyond us with countless discoveries through our space program. This was an unforgettable time in the family of Keith and Patricia Rowe as they welcomed their daughter, Sara, into their hearts and home on January 11, 1971. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sara was one of four children in her family including siblings Thomas, Mark, and Julie. Her father worked in the bakery business while her mother worked at Upjohn. Sara enjoyed a rather typical childhood. She attended local schools and even from a young age, Sara had a desire to reach out to others, not just making acquaintances, but friends. Some of her closest friends were Stephen and AJ Todd, Katherine Vaughn, Rebecca Summers, Jennifer Ryan, and Leigh Potts.

After graduating from Loy Norrix High School in 1989, Sara was on to bigger things. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and was passionate about the restaurant business. Sara attended culinary school and embraced the challenge that being a woman in the restaurant business presented. This combined with her love for people, made the food industry a perfect fit.

It was in fact her work in the restaurant business that provided the backdrop for her introduction to the man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Paul Dykstra and they met at the restaurant where Sara worked. They quickly discovered that although he lived and worked in Dallas, Texas, he too grew up in Kalamazoo. Along with this immediate connection, they also soon discovered that they shared a passion for travel, friends, and for being great parents someday. After falling deeply in love, Sara and Paul married on October 15, 2005.

Although much of Sara’s adult life was defined by her partnership and career with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, that all changed once she became a mother. Nothing could have delighted Sara and Paul more than becoming parents to not one, but two boys: Paul Jr. and “Jack.” The restaurant business would always have a place in her heart, but it certainly took a backseat to her wonderful boys. Sara dreamed of being a mother ever since she was a young girl, and she provided her sons with absolutely everything she could. Her mission was to raise well-rounded children who understood how important it was to give back. Sara loved spending time at her cottage on Gull Lake, too, where she taught the boys to swim and kayak, and precious family times were spent gathered around the bonfire.

In addition to her husband and sons, there were many other aspects to Sara’s life. She treasured the relationship she shared with her mother throughout her life. Sara also enjoyed the constant companionship of several dogs over the years including their most recent family pet, their black lab, Hercules. She had a passion for people that was unmatched as it was her greatest desire to get to know as many people as she could on a personal level. Sara reached out to each and every person she came in contact with, her tender touch reaching those too numerous to count. Sara also enjoyed art, keeping up with politics, and cooking.

With her beautiful and captivating smile, Sara Rowe was a true gift to the world around her. She was fun-loving, vibrant, and determined to conquer whatever life threw at her. Those who knew Sara knew that she ran her life according to a different clock than most do as she was perpetually late. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a friend to all she met. Sara’s legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those who loved her deeply. She will be greatly missed.

Sara Rowe of Chicago and formerly of Kalamazoo died September 1, 2010 in Chicago, IL. Sara’s family includes her husband of 5 years, Paul Dykstra; 2 sons: Paul Anthony and “Jack” Charles Dykstra; her mother, Patricia Rowe; 2 siblings: Mark Rowe and Julie Boersen; niece and nephew, Megan and Tyler Boersen; and countless friends. Sara was preceded in death by her father, Keith Rowe; and by a brother, Thomas Rowe. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Food and fellowship will follow at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Please visit Sara’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her online guest book, or make a memorial donation to www.lightthenight.org/mi.