Sarah Gourdine

Sarah Alease Gourdine, our beautiful, brilliant, and compassionate young woman, passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2024, at the age of 16. Born on June 24, 2007, to Ken Gourdine and Tracy Tucker in Fremont, California, Sarah's life was a testament to intellectual curiosity, empathy, social responsibility, and a genuine love for those around her.

Sarah was a motivated scholar at the Alameda Science and Technology Institute, a demanding program where she earned college credits while satisfying the academic requirements for high school. She was actively working toward graduating high school in 2025 with an Associate’s Degree from the College of Alameda and her high school diploma. She aspired to attend Stanford, Harvard, Howard, USC, or UC Berkeley to pursue bioengineering and law. 

Her inquisitive nature and intelligence were evidenced by not only her academic pursuits, but also in her deep awareness of world politics, history, and social justice movements. Sarah was a natural leader, actively involved in the Martin Luther King Freedom Center at Merritt College, where she honed her skills to solve civil rights challenges peacefully and nonviolently. 

Sarah was a well balanced teenager who participated on her high school soccer and softball teams as well as ballet.  She also had a fondness for the arts and enjoyed attending broadway productions and plays.  Her favorite musical was Hamilton. She also loved to read and was always engaged with a good book. Her favorite books included Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series.  

Sarah found time to make a positive impact on the lives of others. For over two years, she volunteered at Ruby Bridges Elementary School, tutoring third-graders and for the city of Alameda as a summer camp counselor.  

Beyond academics and a spirit for service, Sarah possessed a beautiful smile that warmed the hearts of everyone she met. She was known for her kindness, empathy, and maturity that extended far beyond her years. A devoted friend, Sarah never missed a birthday celebration for her loved ones and cherished spending time with her sister, Corinne, and friends at bubble tea shops or vintage clothing stores.

Sarah's adventurous spirit led her to embrace living in South Korea with her family for five years from 2016-2021. During that time she learned Korean and traveled to Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. She also participated in a student exchange program in New Delhi, India, showcasing her openness to new cultures and experiences. This may have sparked her desire to become a lawyer as a career and pilot as a hobby. 

Sarah leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, compassion, social activism, and ardent commitment to making the world a better place. She is survived by her loving parents, Tracy Tucker and Ken Gourdine, sister, Corinne Gourdine, and a vast network of heartbroken family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend the services and support the family on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Alameda. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. Please share your memories with Sarah's family on the Tribute Page.

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