Sarah Vivienne Monica Henriques

In Loving Memory of Sarah Henriques 24 January 1957 – 27 July 2026

Sarah Henriques was born in Chelsea, London, to her Jamaican-born mother, Bevy Bell Henriques. She spent her early childhood in London with her mother and her elder sister, Beverly.

When Sarah was around eight years old, she and her mother returned to Jamaica, where she spent treasured years surrounded by family, including her beloved grandmother, Sarah Henriques, after whom she was named.

At the age of sixteen, Sarah and her mother moved to Brooklyn, New York. It was there that her lifelong love for the United States began. New York awakened her passions for fashion, modelling, art, and music. She worked in prestigious department stores, including Bloomingdale's, and often fondly recalled walking across the Brooklyn Bridge each day on her way to work. While in New York, Sarah attended modelling school and entered the Miss Jamaica competition.

In 1979, Sarah returned to London, where she met Ben while they were both living at Toynbee Hall in Aldgate East. They married in 1984 in an intimate ceremony in London and built a life together there, where they welcomed their three daughters: Elizabeth, Violet, and Pearl. Although Sarah and Ben later separated, they became close friends in later years, with Sarah often staying with Ben during her visits to England.

Nearly twenty years ago, Sarah was diagnosed with kidney failure. She faced her illness with remarkable courage, determination, and quiet strength. She rarely complained, and many people were surprised to learn she had been living with such a serious condition. Time and again, Sarah overcame extraordinary challenges. In 2016, she was admitted to intensive care, and many feared she would not survive. Yet, true to her resilient spirit, she made another remarkable recovery.

Animals held a special place in Sarah's heart throughout her life. She found great joy in caring for them, whether it was her beloved Persian cat, Emerald, Snuggly, the dog she lovingly looked after, or the cherished family pets, Lilo, Sheva, and Sheeba, all of whom she loved dearly.

Sarah also loved gardening and growing her own plants alongside her long-term partner, Alister. She found great happiness in making handmade soaps, proudly gifting them to family and friends. She delighted in dressing up, often wearing one of her signature tiaras, together with bold jewellery that reflected her vibrant personality and unique sense of style.

Sarah will be remembered as a woman of creativity and resilience. She met life's hardships with strength. She leaves behind her daughters, Elizabeth, Violet, and Pearl; her sister, Beverly; her former husband and dear friend, Ben and many cherished friends in the United Kingdom and the United States.

She will be deeply loved, forever missed, and always remembered.