'She had the biggest heart': Saskatoon mother of 6 children and cancer survivor unexpectedly dies
The Saskatoon mother of six children, 12-year-old quintuplets and a 14-year-old adopted son, died the evening of June 7.
Sage Butler’s death was unexpected and the cause is unknown, but family say results of an autopsy will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Amber Biemans, who knew Butler through dancing, says she had a “unique character” and that she was more giving than people would expect.
“The fact that she could be so giving at that level with six children was just to me, inspiring and astounding because I have three children and I definitely couldn’t manage a fraction of what she does for the community,” Biemans told CTV News.
She says Butler would provide support for multiple fundraisers when it came to finances, lunches and more without even knowing them.
“You really notice it in her kids as well, that’s just how she’s raised them. They would be at old folks homes spending time with the eldery, they would be taking food to people that were sick with cancer.”
BUTLER A 'NURTURING' MOM
Butler was a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2017 and was cleared in early 2018 after three surgeries, according to her ex-husband Blair Butler.
Blair, who shares custody of their children, says taking on sole responsibility for them will be hard, calling Butler “so nurturing.”
“I could never take over for what she did, she was so organized and so caring, she always put those kids first,” Blair said.
Blair says he’s going to try his best but doesn’t think he can fill her shoes because it’s “mindblowing” how much she did for them.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover costs for the children, something Blair says is greatly appreciated.
“Anything that is raised is going directly to the kids and for them to possibly do something that they can cherish their memory of their mom forever,” he said.
Trena and Abraham Gomez also knew Butler. They met her in 2016 through dancing and say she paired the couple together in class, which led to their marriage and her being a part of the bridal party.
DANCE PLANNED IN HER HONOUR
Trena describes Butler as an “amazing person” who knew many people from volunteering.
“She had the biggest heart.”
The couple says they were in “disbelief” when they heard the news of her death as it was sudden.
“Last week when I was talking to her she was in the best time of her life, and she’s been through some pretty rough times with cancer and other things and she couldn’t be happier,” Trena told CTV News.
Abraham says he couldn’t believe it because he was texting her the day she died.
Blair says the family has no plans for any funeral arrangements, but is planning something she had wanted when she was going through her cancer treatment.
“She wanted a huge dance in her honour, so once we get through these COVID restrictions, that’s what we’re going to do in the mid to late summer. That’s what she wanted.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.