Emilie Parker, age 6

picture given to AP from Parker family found on Legacy.com

 

Information from: huffington post, ABC, Salt Lake Tribune, and memorial site.

 

Emilie was the oldest sister, teaching her 4 and 3 year old sisters everything she could. When they were upset, they would go to Emilie for comfort. Emilie was very thoughtful of other's feelings, frequently making cards for them to feel better. She had recently slipped a special card in to her Grandfather's casket when he was unexpectedly taken from her life. Emilie's personality lit up a room. "I'm Emilie, with an 'ie' because my daddy is Robbie with an 'ie,' " she often said. Emilie expressed herself continuously through her artwork. At the age of 3 her parents realized how important art work and creativity was to their daughter. Emilie would constantly gather materials to use in future crafts and art work. She would stay up past her bedtime quietly in her room with the light on, drawing, creating. Once her father went up for the second night in a row to persuade his oldest daughter to stop drawing and go to sleep. She said,  “Dad, I wasn’t drawing, but I have so many ideas in my head I can’t get out, so I am writing a list of things I need to draw so I won’t forget.” She dreamed of opening an art gallery when she grew up... she would work on her works in the back and her Mom would run the cash register in the front.

 

Emilie's parents have set up a Memorial fund to provide art programs to children and in schools.

 

 

http://emilieparkerfund.com

 

 

I will paint a picture with my daughter and set up her art area in the basement on November 1st.

On May 12, 2014 I will make a contribution to the Emilie Parker Fund

 





Grace McDonnell, age 7

picture from People magazine

 

Information obtained from several sources: irishcentral.com, andersoncooper 360, obituary and death notice, mvgazette.com, Huffington post.

 

Gracie was the love and the light of her family. "Utterly adorable", just a beautiful little girl... like a "little doll". Beautiful golden hair with bright blue eyes. Loved to wear bows in her hair, especially bubble gum pink, her favorite color. Loved to play dress up, soccer, gymnastics. Particularly fond of painting and art projects. Frequent visitor to Martha's Vineyard. Loved the beach, seagulls, lighthouses... and Peace. Her mother's last memory of her daughter was blowing her kisses as the school bus pulled away. Later she found where her daughter had drawn with her finger on the glass in the bathroom a Peace Sign with "Gracie loves Mommy". President Obama is now the proud owner of a Grace McDonnell original painting of a green owl.

 

"You are not only my daughter, you are my best friend, my soulmate, my teacher of life, love and peace," McDonnell read from the last entry she had made in her daughter's journal.
Her husband, Christopher McDonnell, added this in closing: "The presence of seashells brings the message that every passing life brings something beautiful to the world."

I will wear a pink ribbon in my hair (very unlike me...) in honor of Gracie on November 1st.
I will also create something out of shells to remember this beautiful child.  

James Mattioli, age 6

picture from People magazine

 

The following is a hodge podge of information I have read about this energetic, enthusiastic little guy in his obituary and the Huffington Post, People, and Connecticut Post

 

James Mattioli, fondly called "J", couldn't wait to do everything. He had an infectious enthusiasm. First to wake up. Had a "1,000 watt smile", sang at the top of his lungs, and wanted to be on stage, "How old do you have to be to be on stage?". Born 4 weeks early because he was "hungry" was the joke of the family. Couldn't wait to eat... loved hamburgers, Dad's omelets with bacon, and Mom's French toast..."How old do you have to be to buy a foot long?" Spiked hair with gel, and always wore shorts and a Tee shirt. Loved doing things with Dad and cuddling with Mom. Energetic - biking, baseball, basketball, hockey, swimming, diving. Excelled in math... He was a 'numbers' guy, coming up with insights beyond his years to explain the relationship between numbers and unique ways of figuring out the answer when adding or subtracting. He loved the concept of 'googleplex' which he learned from his good friend. Especially thoughtful and considerate - the first to welcome guests with a hug. Loved and admired his older sister Anna - wanted to do everything she could do - best friends - she challenged him to read more.

 

Birthday March 22, 2006   On November 1st, I will grill a hamburger in James' memory. Mattioli, James Radley "Our Beloved Prince" James Radley Mattioli, age 6 ¾, fondly called 'J' passed away on December 14, 2012 in his classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School. An energetic, loving friend to all, James loved baseball, basketball, swimming, arm wrestling and playing games on the iPad (especially the lawn mowing game). He loved to wear shorts and t-shirts in any weather, and grab the gel to spike his hair. He would often sing at the top of his lungs and once asked, "How old do I have to be to sing on a stage?" James loved to dive off the diving board at the Treadwell Pool, swim like a fish in both of his...



Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, age 6

picture from People magazine

 



 

From People and Huffington Post: Ana was born to a musical family. Her Dad is a Jazz saxophonist and full-time Jazz faculty. The family had been living in Canada until earlier in 2012 moving back to Connecticut, Dad's original home. Family calls Ana their "Sweetie Girl". She loved to sing and dance.

 

And from Ana Grace Marquez-Greene's Memorial website and foundation:

 

Just one glimpse of her face and you can feel the joy that radiated from this beautiful six year-old. This is how her dad, a renowned jazz saxophonist, describes his precious daughter: “Ana’s love for singing was evident before she was even able to talk. In a musical family, her gift for melody, pitch and rhythm stood out remarkably. And she never walked anywhere — her mode of transportation was dance. She danced from room to room and place to place. She danced to all the music she heard, whether in the air or in her head. Ana loved her God, loved to read the Bible and loved to sing and dance as acts of worship. We ask that you pray for the legions of people who are left behind to cherish memories of her.”

 

 

The Ana Grace Project of the Klingberg Family Center will launch on December 2, 2013 with the mission of:

 

Promoting love, connection, and community for every child and family.

 

 

Read more about it here:

 

http://anagraceproject.org/

 

 

I will dance on November 1st in honor of Ana Grace. And on April 4, 2014, I will make a contribution to the Ana Grace Project in her honor. 

Jesse Lewis, age 6

picture from People magazine

 

A neighbor recalled through the Huffington Post that Jesse was a real character. He could turn a frown upside down. Asking "What if?" Imaginative and boisterous. Playing with his older brother J.T. outside all the time. Loved the horses in the neighborhood and all of the animals. Rambunctious and very perceptive of other's emotions. Incredible light...bright...full of love...lived life with vigor and passion...continually adventurous...brave and true...a force that would light up the room.

 

And from Jesse's foundation website, a message from his mother about the day Jesse was unable to return home from school...

 

On the morning of December 14th, 2012, Jesse McCord Lewis walked out of his house and down the driveway towards his father who was waiting to drive him to school. Along the way, Jesse stopped to write a message with his finger in the frost of his mother’s car door: “I love you.” Jesse bravely tried to lead other friends to safety that morning. Like a "little soldier"....Just days before, Jesse had written 3 words on a chalkboard at home "Nurturing, Healing, Love" 

 

Jesse's mother has since written a book about forgiving and love. She has also set up a foundation to teach others how to choose love over anger.

http://www.jesselewischooselove.org/

I will wear a green ribbon in honor of Jesse on Novemeber 1 and December 14. I will wear green on June 30th, Jesse's birthday. And I will read Scarlett's book "Nurturing, Healing, Love" 

 



Josephine Gay, age 7

picture from NBC

 

Joey turned 7 three days before becoming an angel and was looking forward to celebrating at her birthday party with many of her friends the next day (many of these friends became angels too). Joey was a very special person and she inspired everyone she met. Joey was autistic and severely apraxic. She could not speak, yet she touched the lives of so many around her: teachers, therapists, friends, neighbors, all loved and cherished her. Joey was social and affectionate; she smiled, she loved hugs, and she even had a wonderful sense of humor. Her spirit was indomitable. She participated in rigorous therapy and treatment on a daily basis without complaint. She loved to play with her Barbie dolls, iPad, and computer, swim, swing, and be anywhere her sisters were.

Josephine loved the color purple. Born in Maryland, she grew up in a family of Ravens fans and developed an affinity for all things purple. She rarely left the house without wearing something purple. After her passing, many friends who visited wore purple clothing to honor her. Her family has honored her inspiring and generous spirit by establishing Joey’s Fund in her name through the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The proceeds of this fund will help families raising autistic children.

How to donate:
Online: Doug Flutie Foundation

On the donation page please select “in Memory of” and type “Joey’s Fund” in the box for “acknowledgement/address and comments,”

By Mail:
Send checks to:
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
Specify “In Memory of Josephine Gay” on the check.
Mailing address:
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
PO Box 767
Framingham, MA 01701

Information obtained from a statement from Bob and Michele Gay (Joey's parents) to NBC Connecticut.


I will remember Josephine by wearing purple on November 1st, December 11th and 14th.
Next summer I will set up a Lemonade stand (which I read Joey liked to do too) and the proceeds I will give to the foundation above.  

 

 



Chase Kowalski, age 7

picture from People magazine

 

Chase was an amazing son, brother, and grandson who's heart was only filled with love for all the people he touched. He was a fun loving energetic boy that had a true love of life. He completed his first triathlon at the age of six and ran in many community road races. Chase had a deep love for the game of baseball and enjoyed practicing with his father and team mates. Joining the cub scouts was just one of his many interests. He could often be found in the yard playing ball, riding his bike or quad. Chase was always excited to attend the kids work shop at the Trumbull Home Depot. He was greatly loved by his family. He joins his maternal Uncle and Grandfather, his paternal great grandmother and grandmother in a much better place. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?pid=161772845#sthash.fyBWhAXk.dpuf

 

http://chasekowalskifund.com/

 

I will remember Chase by riding my bike on November 1st.

And if there is a 2014 challenge for Race 4 Chase I will be a member.