Mr. T air fresheners, a Welcome Back Kotter lunchbox, a Cher doll and a Gizmo figurine from the iconic movie Gremlins. It's an eclectic list of pop culture relics from the '70s and '80s – but for one Victoria shop owner, they’re far more than nostalgia; they’re a final, magical gift from a beloved friend.
The collection belonged to local icon and internationally known vegan cookbook author Sarah Kramer, who died on May 3 after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Known for her warmth, creativity and deep roots in the community, Kramer touched countless lives – many people carrying with them their own story of how the "perfect little pixie magical creature" made the world a more vibrant place to be.
Even legendary all-female rock band The Go-Go’s were touched by her magic.
Hailed as their biggest fan, Kramer was the head of the group’s fan club, in charge of their online forums and was an occasional photographer for the band known for hits such as We Got the Beat and Head Over Heels.
“She was an amazing person, a survivor and lived her life on her own terms,” said The Go-Go's in a social media post.
For Victoria local Shannon Ferguson, Kramer was a friend for over 30 years, a constant source of inspiration and most importantly, a shoulder to lean on.
When Ferguson opened her quirky gift shop, My Mothers Eye, in March 2023, it signalled a new beginning for the former hairdresser. But six months later, Ferguson was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Kramer, who experienced breast cancer in 2012, was by her side every step of the way.
“She inspired me completely from the day I was diagnosed,” said Ferguson. “She became kind of my cheerleader, she messaged me every single day.”
Unable to run the shop and her focus fixed on navigating treatment and then her recovery, the journey took a huge financial toll on Ferguson, who says there is a lack of support available for independent business owners.
But to the rescue, again, was Kramer.
Even when facing her own death, Kramer found a way to help Ferguson one last time.
In the weeks after her diagnosis, Kramer gave Ferguson boxes – and even vintage suitcases – packed with her lifetime collection of kitschy treasures, all to sell to help the shop owner get back on her feet.
“The entire collection is so silly … it's just magic, every piece is so Sarah,” says Ferguson. “This passing on of her things it's such an honour.”
But the kitsch collection will do more than just raise funds; it will be a unique way for people to own their own piece of “Sarah’s magic.”
“I love the idea of little bits of Sarah going out into the city … they’re all magic, it will be like having little bits of her everywhere,” says Ferguson.
“And a little bit of Sarah going out into the world is always a good thing.”
To celebrate Kramer’s life and to launch the “Pieces of Sarah” sale, Ferguson and friends will be hosting a celebration at the shop, located at 1704 Lillian Rd., on Saturday May 24 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Alongside food, drinks and music – all inspired by Kramer’s eclectic taste – visitors will be encouraged to share their memories of the person everyone in Victoria knew, either directly or indirectly in some way.
“We're going to go above and beyond. This is more than just a sale,” says Ferguson, explaining that Kramer had requested not to have a service or memorial.
The occasion is sure to be an emotional one for Ferguson, who describes the rollercoaster of emotions she is experiencing as “grieving with joy.”
“I’ve never experienced this feeling, it’s so weird because you're half laughing and then I'm crying,” she says. “It’s equal amounts of joy that she was there and just sadness that we're not going to see her.”
Kramer’s generous gift to Ferguson is just one of many examples of how she would always put others first, going the extra mile to help them.
This included her partner, Geri, whom she was married to for 29 years.
In the week before she died, Ferguson recalls Kramer encouraging Geri to create an online dating account. "So she could help pick out Geri's first dates and help give her an idea of what vibe she pictured Geri with."
In the midst of plans to move from Langford back to Downtown Victoria, Kramer would also spend time visualizing Geri's new home, says Ferguson, using her imagination to decorate each space.
Each was a way to allow Kramer to play a part in what would have been their future.
As well as Kramer's trailblazing contributions to the community, she and Geri were also well-known for owning ink parlour Tattoo Zoo and for their podcast ‘Meet the Kramers’, which shared their journey when Geri came out as a trans-woman.
“And they did it for the right reasons,” adds Ferguson. “They did it not for fanfare or for kudos, they did it because it was necessary ... they opened up so many conversations and they did it in such a way that's so beautiful, that makes you kind of feel there's like relief."
It’s an inspirational life story Ferguson hopes she can channel to make changes of her own.
“I am petty and I hold grudges and I don't want to do that anymore,” she says candidly. “In the last couple of weeks, I've really been trying to just harness Sarah and the way she chose to live.
“I don't want to hold on to my trauma anymore … I watched Sarah live so beautifully and manage her way through a lifetime of trauma and leave behind poetry.”
It's a sentiment echoed in Kramer's last blog post, posted the day after she died.
"My last wish for all of you is that you find all the ingredients to make your life the most joyful delicious recipe for yourself, but please don’t forget to taste your dish every once in a while to make sure the ingredients work together and that everything is to your liking," she writes.
"The best part of a recipe gone bad is you can always just toss it in the bin and start an again from scratch.
"Make me proud by eating fresh fruit and veg every day and whenever you hear a Prince song, that’s me saying hi and reminding you to drink some water."
