Sarah Rachel (Camillieri) St. Jean, 52, passed away peacefully in her home on December 28, 2023, with her family by her side. Born December 22, 1971 into her family consisting of her father, Frank Camillieri, her late mother, Kathi Camillieri, whom she is now reunited with in Heaven, and her brother Matthew Camillieri, who was born almost two years before her.
Sarah began her life living in a multi-generational home in Chelsea, Mass with a cousin, aunt, and grandparents. After a brief time living in Saugus, Mass, the family moved to Chester during her elementary school years. The move to Chester would become pivotal in her life, as she was introduced to a taste of country life. At that time, the family dabbled in homesteading, thoroughly embracing the country life. It is also where Frank would start the family business, Stone Machine. Sarah learned about gardening, and animal husbandry during those early years. As she grew older, she gained more interest in homemaking; her Mother taught her how to be the best baker, cook, and seamstress, which later became some of her best love languages to others. Throughout her life, Sarah showed her love and care for others through making meals, baking desserts and sewing intricate quilts. Her brother, Matt, only likes dry chocolate cake, so for many years on his birthday, she would present him with just that. Sarah and her mother began making quilts for underprivileged families in Guatemala, and over the years made and sent many such quilts. This remains a testament to her character of quiet servitude. She was never too busy- just quietly taking initiative and helping in the background as she saw needs arise. She found joy and purpose in easing the burdens of others. She is remembered fondly for frequenting the phrase, “I’d be happy to,” and she meant it.
Sarah met her love, Jason, in high school, where they both attended Calvary Christian School in Derry, NH. They reconnected years later, married, and together created the true loves of their lives, their children: Elizabeth, Adam, Nathaniel and Grady, as well as two sons, Andrew and David, who were lost before birth, but always held closely at heart. Sarah thrived as a wife and mother. Among her greatest joys in life was taking care of her family. She spoke affectionately of her sons’ generous hugs- they were always a little too tight, but she never minded. As Elizabeth (Liza) went on to marry Pedro Martinez, and have a child of her own, Sarah noted proudly what a doting mother Liza had turned out to be herself. Sarah dearly loved her grandchild, Andrew, and was so thankful to know him for almost his whole first year.
Throughout the St Jean family’s lives, they spent many summer vacations in Machiasport, Maine, eventually building a home of their own on the ocean, named, “Stone’s Throw”, referring to its distance to the water. Sarah loved spending time there with her family, reading, going for walks, sewing, drinking tea and enjoying the beautiful view. Memories that will last a lifetime were made within those cottage walls.
Throughout her illness, her husband Jason was her rock. He was steadfast and committed to fighting alongside her, providing support, reason, and humor as needed. He remained her tender and unfaltering refuge. Sarah was also very involved in her church, Christ Covenant Church in Chester. Up until just several weeks before her passing, she could still be found smiling in the congregation. Sarah was a walking testimony of her faith, never wavering. While she didn’t understand her plight, she faced it with grit and bravery, trusting the Lord’s sovereignty with each test, treatment and result. She fought as hard as she could for more time here with her family, but in the end she was filled with peace over her decision to go gracefully into Jesus’ arms and reunite with her own mother and sons. Sarah leaves behind her immediate family already mentioned, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, who will all miss her dearly.
A Memorial service will be held at Calvary Bible Church on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1pm, located at 145 Hampstead Rd. in Derry, NH. Burial will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to acpmp.org