Sophia Jane Marsicano

Sophia Jane Marsicano

Sophia Jane Marsicano, age 6, of Mechanicsburg, was born on Monday, March 7, 2011 in Hershey and passed away peacefully with her parents by her side at Penn State Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, following her courageous battle with cancer.  She is now with her paternal grandfather, Jerome “Jerry” Marsicano, and her maternal grandfather, Dennis Kelly, who preceded her in death.

Sophia’s survivors include her loving parents: Joseph “Joe” and Erin (Kelly) Marsicano of Mechanicsburg; her paternal grandmother, Edith Marsicano of Mechanicsburg and her maternal grandmother, Lucinda “Cindi” Kelly of Spring Grove; her aunt, Rose Marsicano and Sophia’s cousin, Alessandra Verdiyan, both of Mechanicsburg; and her uncle, Sean Kelly and his wife, Tammi, of York.

Sophia Jane was a spunky, happy, sweet, kind, creative, ball of energy who embraced life and her own individuality.  She captured the hearts of many, particularly on social media, with her bubbly personality evident in photographs and her always entertaining videos.

From the time she was three Sophia loved everything Wonder Woman, including the costume she wore nearly daily for a year.  And although it is this persona that so many recognize and remember, Sophia was so much more than Wonder Woman.

Sophia was a passionate little six year old that liked Frozen and dressing up as Elsa.  She was equally a fan of Star Wars and its strong females like Princess Leia, Rey, and Ahsoka.

She was a big fan of Netflix, Smarties, and playing Disney Infinity.

Sophia was an artist, an entrepreneur, a jewelry designer and maker, a veterinarian, a lover of cats big and small, a cheetah print trendsetter, a ham for the camera, a Sweet Frog fan, a vegetable eater but a quesadilla lover, a Target shopper, a bird watcher, an astronomer, a face painter and balloon shape maker, a rock star and song writer.  Sophia was in every way amazing.

All are welcome to gather with Sophia’s family as they celebrate Sophia’s life on Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance and storytelling starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 201 East Green Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George A. Spangler officiating.  Cremation was private.

Erin and Joe ask that you help them bring Sophia’s dream of “The Marsicano Diner” to life by bringing a food item to be shared during Sophia’s celebration of life which will join some of the signature dishes that Sophia herself envisioned.  To honor Sophia’s love of heroines, children are encouraged to dress as their favorite heroine or hero and to spend time playing together and enjoying some of Sophia’s favorite Disney movies in a special “Children’s Corner”.

Following Sophia’s celebration of life, Erin and Joe will be greeting adult friends at Snapper’s Bar & Grill, 120 East Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 for an informal Dutch treat social starting at 6:30 p.m.

The family sends their most heartfelt appreciation to the staff and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, to all those who tirelessly cared for Sophia at Penn State Children’s Hospital, and to Four Diamonds for their incredibly generous financial support during Sophia’s nearly five months at the children’s hospital.  As an expression of their deep gratitude the family is not accepting flowers, instead they strongly encourage those who wish to express their sympathy to make a monetary donation, a donation of time, or a donation of items to one of these incredible organizations.

To make donation simple, there will be a donation station at Sophia’s celebration of life where monetary donations and donations of items will be gratefully accepted.  The Ronald McDonald House wish list can be found at https://www.rmhc-centralpa.org/get-involved/wish-list/ .  To donate your time to the Ronald McDonald House or to donate from your home or office, please visit https://www.rmhc-centralpa.org/get-involved/ .  To donate to Four Diamonds from your home or office, please visit https://www.fourdiamonds.org/ways-to-give/ .

Sophia’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Sophia’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.