Ana Grace Marquez-Greene
April 4, 2006 ~ December 14, 2012

Ana's bell is C6. When C6 rings, we remember a child of faith who was a precious gift of love and joy to her parents. She was a beacon of life, of spunkiness, and of vivacity, spreading love, music, and dance wherever she went.

From an early age, Ana was a radiant songbird in a family nestling in melodies. Her love for music was apparent even before words could shape her lips, her joy for song echoed by her father, a renowned jazz saxophonist. She danced to the rhythm of life, from room to room, place to place, her light footsteps a testament to the music that played ceaselessly in her heart.

Ana was a child of faith, her love for God was steadfast, and she expressed her devotion through the melodious harmony of song and the jubilant rhythm of dance. She found joy in reading the Bible and viewed her music and dance as acts of worship. Ana's spirit was infused with a radiant grace that transcended her tender age.

Ana, affectionately known as "Caramel Princess" by her family, had a heart full of love and a spitfire personality. She was close to her big brother, Isaiah, and they liked to fill the house with music together. Isaiah would play the piano and Ana would lift her voice in song.

Ana came from a very diverse and beautiful heritage (African American, Puerto Rican, Canadian, and a bit of Irish) and embraced each peace of her cultural identity with grace and pride. Ana loved her family members in Puerto Rico and the United States, and, after living for several years in Winnipeg, developed an affinity for the nation of Canada.

Although born in Connecticut, Ana thought of herself (at least partly) as a little Canadian. Ana left her mark on every country and person she visited. The little girl with a big heart actually lived with a heart condition that she was born with. Although she had to have a special medical plan in place at school, and was scheduled to have surgery less than a month after her death, Ana never let her condition hold her back from living life fearlessly.

Ana's love, spunk, and strength touched many lives. Ana was affectionate with those she loved, and loved to give them extra hugs. She lit up the earth like a tiny sparkle up until her very last day.

Ana will never be forgotten. A bell for Ana will always ring at Christmas.