Heaven got a little brighter (and louder) when Sarah Smiley Burnham, 48, surrounded by family and friends, was welcomed there on October 10, 2024. Now completely healed, her joy and laughter can once again be heard at the greatest celebration of all. In 2016, Sarah was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer - a battle she won. When she was diagnosed a second time with metastatic breast cancer, she valiantly fought courageously to the very end. But Sarah’s story is much more than cancer.
Sarah was born on October 4, 1976, to Beverly and Dennis Smiley in Sioux City, Iowa. As the “surprise” baby of the family, she was a Daddy’s girl from her first breath and was adored and spoiled by everyone, especially her siblings, Suzy and Matt. Sarah graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo, Iowa in 1995. There she was a stand-out athlete and nearly broke the three-point record for girls’ basketball in the state of Iowa. After graduation, Sarah attended Washburn University and worked in the banking and mortgage industries.
Sarah married Andy Burnham and moved to St. Joseph, Mo., where they welcomed son Otis and daughter Brecklyn. Sarah’s life revolved around the kids and their activities and wherever she went, she had circles of friends that were drawn to her kindness, vulnerability and honesty. Sarah loved to hunt, have chats on her patio, navigate life with her neighborhood friends and cheer on the Royals and Chiefs. Her dream was to retire in Destin, Florida, where she treasured her time with family at the beach. On the Fourth of July, Sarah was the biggest kid of all and made sure the fireworks show was unforgettable. Her authenticity and warm spirit were evident in her volunteerism, through meal-trains for friends or when she offered a caring space to listen. She attended Brookdale Church for many years and her gentleness drew friends to her wherever she went.
Sarah’s family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to the many people that showed their love and support through the years while she fought cancer. From her childhood Iowa friends, to her sports Moms group, to her friends that cared for her in the most beautiful way at the very end — thank you. A special thanks to Amy Wetlaufer who coordinated a private flight home to Iowa one last time so Sarah could say goodbye to her Mom and Dad. Kara Haugen Cox, Melinda Pemberton, Aimee Greco McGowan — you showed us what dignity and care looks like in sacred moments. Mosaic Cancer Care, Dr. AJ, and the nurses and caregivers who stood alongside Sarah until the end—you brought peace and joy to us all.
Sarah was preceded in death by her sister Rebecca, and her identical twin at birth, Elizabeth Ann, as well as father-in-law, Jim “Big Guy” Burnham. Survivors include Andy, Otis and Brecklyn Burnham; parents, Beverly and Dennis Smiley; brother Matt Smiley and sister Suzy (Chris) Morehouse; sister-in-law Kelly (Rob) Starr, brother-in-law Tim (Erin) Burnham and mother-in-law Janeen Burnham. Her nieces and nephews, who called her Aunt Sasa, mourn her: Andrew and Austin Smiley; Taylor (Andrew) Thompkins, CJ (Ashlyn) Morehouse, Rebecca (Nathan) Whited, Sam (Kenzie) Starr and Mack (Abigail) Starr. Sarah also adored her eight great nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Inurnment at Whispering Pines Cremation Garden at St. Joseph Memorial Park. Prayer Service 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will gather with friends 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Saturday, October 19th at “The Other Place” on Main Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
