Sarah Nicole Daffinson

 Sarah Nicole Daffinson

of Onalaska, Wisconsin

Sarah Nicole Daffinson was born on October 11, 1993, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Tammy Levy and Troy Daffinson. She later moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin, where she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Andy Levy. It was with them that she learned early how much fun and how beautiful the outdoors could be. She spent her childhood boating and camping with them and was always looking back fondly on those memories.

 She was blessed with three beautiful children, Liam, Veda, and Amelia, who were the most important pieces of her heart. Sarah's most cherished and important moments revolved around her children. The vacations, especially Disney—not just because she got to touch a dolphin—the camping trips, road trips, and annual matching Halloween costumes all meant so much to her. Spending time as a whole family meant the most. Sarah loved nothing more than to watch Liam excel in sports. She was so proud to watch him grow and improve every year. She loved watching his baseball games and enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Sarah and Katie would pack up the girls and follow him everywhere, his own personal fan section. Sarah's absolute favorite was participating in the mother-son basketball game. She went into full competition mode and threw out her knee for weeks, but all that mattered was her playing with her son. She was so proud to be Liam's mom. Sarah had an incredibly special relationship with Veda. They shared a love of baking, camping, boating, and absolutely everything fall. Sarah cherished the memories she made with Veda going to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, baking marathons, and doing makeup. Sarah spent most weekends with Veda, enjoying watching her grow into the beautiful young woman she is. They both had a love and appreciation for books and bonded over finding comfort in home and family. They were truly two peas in a pod. Lastly came the Wild Child. Sarah found her strength within Amelia. It was with her that she became the independent, strong woman she always was inside. Sarah and Amelia spent every moment together. They loved going to parks, finding new hiking trails to try, and playing sports together. She gave everything she had to Amelia and received all of her unconditional love in return. They were the dynamic duo and, together, were undoubtedly unstoppable. Sarah needed Amelia as much as Amelia needed her.

 Her connection with her sister Toni was a lifelong bond that could never be broken. With Toni, it was always a safe space where she could always be her true self, share deep secrets, and receive unconditional love without judgment. It was the most important relationship Sarah ever had. Sarah always found her happy place with family. One of the things she looked forward to every year was her sister Tisha's 4th of July party. She got to spend time with her sisters Tisha and Mandy, along with her Red Wing family. Sarah always remembered Mandy singing and coming to visit. Her smile and fun were infectious. Sarah loved her visits with Tisha, usually making special trips up to enjoy nature at the creek or to go on the boat. They both found beauty in nature. Sarah had a close bond with her Grandma Dena and Grandpa Mark. They gave her the sense of security that she always needed. She also built a special relationship with Trish. What started as neighbors turned into the best friendship Sarah could have ever asked for. Trish showed her kindness and compassion and treated her and Amelia like family. Sarah will be eternally grateful to Trish for watching little Amelia so she could be with her mom during her passing. Trish's love for Sarah was unwavering, and Sarah's love for Trish was marked in matching tattoos. 

For anyone struggling with the loss of Sarah, she would want you to go on a hike, enjoy the beauty we are surrounded by, and appreciate the people in your lives. One of Sarah's favorites was the Butterfly Trails in La Crosse. Find it and enjoy the beauty through her eyes. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her mother, Tammy; her father, Troy; and her brother, Aaron. Sarah leaves behind her beloved children, Liam, Veda, and Amelia; her stepfather, Andy; her sisters, Toni Daffinson (Katie), Mandy Siepelmeyer, and Tisha Krig (Darin), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members who loved her and will carry her memory forward.

Her family will be having a private memorial service at a later date.