Obituary of Sarah Jean Kamlet

In loving memory of Sarah Jean Andrews-Kamlet:

Sarah Jean Andrews-Kamlet, aged 42, peacefully passed away on January 16, 2024. She is survived by her cherished son Tyler (15), beloved daughter Logan (14), her parents Gary & Joan Andrews of Tomkins Cove, NY, sister Jenna Ciatto, and nephew Jordan Ciatto (4) from Union City, NJ.

Born in Nyack, NY on August 13, 1981, Sarah was adopted by Gary & Joan Andrews on October 7, 1981. She excelled in academics and sports at North Rockland School District, showcasing her musical talent as a violinist and achieving athletic prowess in varsity soccer and lacrosse for three years. Sarah’s academic achievements included recognition in the National Honor Society.

Sarah pursued higher education at the State University of NY Oneonta, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. She excelled on the women’s lacrosse team, earning numerous accolades. She further excelled in her competitive athletic ability and walked onto the women’s lacrosse team.  Not only did Sarah maintain above a 3.3 GPA, but she also achieved an incredible number of accomplishments: SUNYAC ALL ACADEMIC TEAM, Athlete of the week, Named NYS ALL-STAR LACROSSE and SUNYAC WOMEN’S ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM, both for 3 YEARS.  Sarah led her team (Red Dragons) in Goals/Points.  Sophomore year 32 goals 10 assists, Junior year 36 goals 5 assists and Senior year she was SUNYAC Women’s Scoring Leader with 57 goals and 6 assists: Totaling Sarah’s college career at 134 goals 27 assists totaling 161 points. Sarah’s ultimate ambition was to become an All-American women’s lacrosse player.  In 2003 she accomplished this goal; she became a Regional All-American athlete. Sarah was selected for the North-South All-State game at Loyola College in Baltimore and held the scoring record for SUNYAC Women’s Lacrosse Tournament for 13 years (2003-2016).

. Sarah continued her studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College, obtaining a master’s degree in English Education while passionately coaching the women’s lacrosse team.

Joining the North Rockland School District as an English teacher at Farley Middle School, Sarah also coached various sports and remained actively involved in the community. Sadly, Sarah faced the challenges of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease, leading her to step down from teaching after ten years.

Despite her health struggles, Sarah’s spirit remained unbroken. She cared for her children, continued writing poetry, and used social media to spread awareness about SPS, inspiring thousands. Sarah’s courage and determination exemplified her motto: never let go of your dreams.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Monday, January 22, from 4:00 - 8:00 at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home, 71 N Central Highway, Garnerville NY. A mass will be held on Tuesday, January 23, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 10:00, 26 John Street, Stony Point NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to THE STIFF PERSON SYNDROME RESEARCH FOUNDATION at stiffperson.org.