Obituary of Navia Meriano

MERIANO, Navia Michelina Monique On Saturday, December 28, 2013, peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Navia passed away at the age of 23. She was the most beloved special daughter of Claudette (nee Barron) & Jerry Meriano, and loving sister of Olivia, Dominic, Isaac and predeceased by her twin sister Cecile Anotionnete (1990). She was also the cherished granddaughter of Jim & Monica Barron, and the late Vincenzo & Michelina Meriano. Navia will be profoundly missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and caregivers. Although challenged by cerebral palsy, Navia taught all those that knew her the most valuable lessons in life- unconditional love, acceptance, living in the moment and remembering to always treasure the little things in life, whether that was a warm blanket or going for a walk. Even though faced with many hardships, she never complained, her spirit was always uplifting, smiles and laughter were heard often. She had tremendous love for her family and friends, the colour purple, Taco Bell, her favourite words Alleluia, Amen, Stretch, and of course, dessert. Every day we’ll miss our little Dancing Queen- her contagious smile and laughter, love for music, sense of humor and ability to make anyone around her stop and smell the roses. We will choose to remember her cheerful self through a memorable visitation at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014 at St. Ursula’s Catholic Church with Fr. Matt Kucharski as celebrant. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations can be made in memory of Navia Meriano to the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation or Community Living Chatham-Kent-Sass Day Program. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. We would like to thank the many people that have been placed in our path and in our lives for Navia’s beautiful journey. Alleluia.