Kira M. Sass, 14, of Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Kira M. Sass, 14, passed away peacefully at home in Ponte Vedra, Fla., with her family by her side on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.

Kira was born in Kingston, N.Y., on April 22, 2003.

She is survived by her parents Gary and Susan, sister (and best friend) Erin, grandparents Kay and Roger in Australia, aunt and uncles, Jim and Coleen Sass (Kingston, N.Y.), Bill Sass (Fla.), and cousins, Jessica and Jim (Kingston, N.Y.), Shamus & Mary (N.C). She is also survived by many great-aunts and uncles, and second cousins. Kira was the granddaughter of the late James and Dorothy Sass.

She is a recent 8th grade graduate of Valley Ridge Academy, recognized with Outstanding Academic Excellence. As a 6th grader, she received the Outstanding Student Award at Murray Middle School. She had a zest for learning and loved all her teachers and coaches. Kira was an avid swimmer with the Flyers at the Ponte Vedra YMCA. Kira cherished her dogs. Kira loved being part of her church community-singing in the children’s choir at Our Lady Star of the Sea, serving at parish gatherings and celebrating Mass with family and friends. Visiting family and close friends in N.Y., N.C. and Brisbane, Australia, were always memorable times. She had a special relationship and admiration for her older cousins. We take comfort that Kira is at peace, no longer battling cancer, rejoicing with all the angels and saints in Heaven.

A memorial mass will be held on Sunday, July 30th, at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 160 Broadway. A celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ulster Hose Fire Co., 830 Ulster Avenue, for anyone wishing to stop by. Please consider wearing flip flops and/or Kira’s favorite colors, blue (aqua) and/or yellow.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Kira’s memory can do so by mailing a check made out to Cancer Assistance for Parents (CAPS Fund) which is part of Kira’s legacy – she is the initial inspiration for this non-profit organization. http://www.capsfund.org/