Tribute & Message From The Family
Message From The Family
Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Please enhance this tribute to Sarah by adding your memories and photos.
TOPSFIELD – Ms. Sarah Katherine Wong, 58 of Topsfield, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington with her family by her side.
Born in Danvers, she was the daughter of Gail (Matsubara) Wong and the late Thomas J. Wong. Raised and educated in Topsfield, she attended Topsfield Public Schools and Masconomet Regional High School.
A woman skilled in many aspects, Sarah truly enjoyed nurturing and helping people, animals and plants. Throughout her professional career she worked in the equine industry, caring for, training and raising horses and ponies. Sarah also had been employed as a physical therapy technician for several years, a veterinary technician and was also a talented florist working for local flower shops on the North Shore. But above all else, the time she spent with her horses truly provided her great joy and not only became her job, but also her hobby.
An athlete and enthusiast in all aspects of her life, Sarah enjoyed training for and attending various types of horse competitions, from 3Day events to Miniature Horse Driving. She was also very active in the Weight Lifting Community and competed at several National Masters, World and Pan Am Games, winning medals in her weight and age group. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Sarah is survived by her mother, Gail Wong of Topsfield, her siblings, Thomas T. Wong of Bend, OR, Susan D. Wong and her husband Joseph Rapuano of Atkinson, NH, Amanda H. Wong of Greenwood, SC, Cyrus T. Wong and his partner Bria West of Hampstead, NH and Amos T. Wong of Topsfield, her many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Sarah's funeral services will be held in the spring. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah's memory to New England Equine Rescue, 52 Ash Street, West Newbury, MA 01985. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
Condolence & Memory Journal
I am very sorry for your loss of Sarah. I remember her well. We did dog 4-h , I think she had borsetti's and I had collies. I remember her as being very gentle and quite. So sorry
Posted by
Donna Allison - Pen argyl, PA - Classmate April 26, 2020
Dear Gail and family,
It is with deep sadness that I send these words of sympathy to you. From South Woodstock to Groton House and all the wonderful places in between I have seen you and Sarah enjoying the love of horses and each other for many years. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
With my deepest Sympathy
Posted by
Nan MacGown - Hampton Falls, NH - Friend February 04, 2020
Such a wonderful, talented and kind woman. We shared and laughed for years at HWVH. Her knowledge was endless. Always humble and ready to help. Somewhere she is surrounded by her favorite animals, family and friends.
Posted by
Karen Kelley - HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - Friend February 04, 2020
Sending love and condolences to your family. So devastated to hear this news. With my deepest sympathy, Giana Pagliocco
Posted by
Giana Pagliocco - Family Friend February 04, 2020
So very, very sorry. Sending love to all of you.
Posted by
Suzanne Wright - Beverly, MA - friend February 03, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss...I remember showing with Sue, and later on competing with Sarah. Sarah was a fiercely competitive, but always had a smile, and encouraging words for everyone she talked with. God Speed
Posted by
Judy Kelley - Beverly, MA - Acquaintance February 03, 2020
We will all miss Sarah, the many cups of tea that we drank, always with something sweet, as the cats pushed up against us, after coming in from a long horse ride, dirty and sweaty but feeling wonderful. Talking all the while we were riding. Sharing so many things on the trails. Sarah was one of the nicest people that I have ever known. I will miss her terribly. My heart goes out to the whole family.
Posted by
Stephen Harmer - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Friend February 02, 2020
On behalf of New England Weightlifting Assn. of USA Weightlifting Federation, we are saddened by the loss of Sarah who contributed greatly to our New England and National Masters Weightlifting programs as a member of the North Shore Weightlifting Club coached by David Lussier. A fantastic example of fortitude and dedication to training and improvingwithin her friendly and caring personality. Denis Reno USAW & NELWC
Posted by
Denis Reno - Newton, MA - Friend February 02, 2020
So terribly sad to learn of the passing of Sarah. She was passionate about everything she did and loved her animals! She taught me how not to have "panty lines" in my white dressage britches and how to braid properly and pull a tail. My favorite Sarahism is the word "twit". She will be missed.
Posted by
Kim Mooney-McNulty - Topsfield, MA - Family Friend February 02, 2020
So sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. I met her at Alfalfa Farm back in the 80's. We had wonderful times there ! I remember her passion for Goldfish crackers. She always shared them with me. Rest in peace, Sarah. You will be so missed!
Posted by
Patrice Murphy - Byfield, MA - Friend February 02, 2020
Sarah's uniqueness and gentle manner made conversation and intelligent reflection a breeze. Having known her for so many years here in Topsfield, I have many memories of her diligent skills that benefited our community. I will miss those seasonal conversations with her whether on horseback or hiking briskly through town, at the fair or downtown. We have lost a very special friend.
Posted by
Jack Armitage - Topsfield, MA - Friend February 01, 2020
So sorry to hear of the loss of Sarah. May she ride with the angels in heavenly sunshine forever.
Posted by
Marlene Comet - Essex, MA - Acquaintance February 01, 2020
Dear Amanda
My deepest sympathy to your whole family I did not know Sarah but I know from all the things you said about her when we worked together how close you were to her and your whole family She sounds like she was an amazing lady so very sorry for your loss Terry Kenny from PetInn
Posted by
Terry Kenny - Haverhill, MA - Friend February 01, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Wong Family on the passing of Sarah. Sarah was lovely, a delight to know.
Posted by
Belman and Carole Carter - Topsfield, MA - Neighbor February 01, 2020
Condolences and prayers to the Wong family, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by
David West - Worcester, MA - Family Friend February 01, 2020
We are Saddened & Heartbroken by your loss of Sarah and Hope She is Riding with Angels on Higher Plains.You are All in Our Thoughts & Prayers,May Her Memories Guide You as Stars through this dark Night of Sorrow.
Posted by
Mike & Penny The Rapuano Family - NH - Family February 01, 2020
I am so very sad for your loss-As a Mom you never imagine that any of your children pass before you-I can barely imagine the trauma you are going through as her Mom as well as her siblings. I didn't personally know Sarah but Bria has talked about her many accomplishments many times. You will all be in my prayers.
Posted by
Denise West - Worcester, MA - Family Friend February 01, 2020
Only good memories from my most recent time seeing Sarah at Nunans, to all our hours at Saturday morning running club and the platforms. My condolences to you all.
Posted by
Scott Berger February 01, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Wong family. Sarah was a wonderful person and I will always fondly remember our discussions of horses and gardening. Photo is Sarah with Wicked on the day he was born.
Posted by
Derek Cavatorta - South Hamilton, MA - Friend February 01, 2020
Sarah thank you for everything you taught me: tacking up, grooming (how to get the saddle and pads to fit just right), how to doctor up scraps, cuts, abscesses, properly cooling out our equines partners, braiding (which isn't my favorite activity), and turning a horse out to-the-nines for competition. Just last week you were doling out advice on Montana's current predicament, kvetching with me about diets, your next weight lifting competition and making plans to come visit. Thank you for the hoof prints in the sand yesterday and all the miles we logged in the saddle my friend.
Posted by
Jody Weaver - Ipswich, MA - Family Friend February 01, 2020
So sad, so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing.
Posted by
Linda Spellman - Topsfield, MA - Friend February 01, 2020
So sad, so sorry to hear
Posted by
Anthony Han - Seattle, WA January 31, 2020
Sarah embodied the joy and love of being a true horseman. Her kindness and love for all animals brought joy to all. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you.
Posted by
Pinky Han - Bedford, TX - Family Friend January 31, 2020
So sorry to hear about Sarah's passing. I have such fond childhood memories of the horseback riding days and 4-H. Our condolences to all the family. Cathy Seale (Walsh)
Posted by
Cathy Seale - Rowley, MA - Neighbor January 31, 2020
Condolences to Gail Wong and all her family. Great job Cyrus on a beautiful goodbye to Sarah, she would have been proud and she would have laughed at the Eagle Feathers in the ICU. And the staff of Lahey Burlington should be very proud too, the care of the ICU staff cannot be described in words. Finally a word to Jen Brown, Topsfield Fire and Rescue, her staff were first to care for Sarah; and Jen of course always gets personally involved.
Posted by
Dermot Murray - Topsfield, MA - Family Friend January 31, 2020
Such a lovely lady and talented horsewoman. We will all miss her.
Posted by
Linda Murphy - Boxford, MA - Family Friend January 31, 2020
2016 Topsfield Fair Scarecrow
My deepest condolences to the Wong family. Sarah was a wonderful person and I will always fondly remember our discussions of horses and gardening. Photo is Sarah with Wicked on the day he was born.
Missing you Sarah
Sarah (& Coltie) , Michelle (& TC), and Kelly having a laugh at a BTA Bolt show.