Madeline Guarraia

— Madeline

East Lyme Grace Guarraia, 9 years old, of East Lyme, passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2016, after fighting a long and inspirational battle with leukemia.

Madeline leaves behind her parents, Matthew and Amie Guarraia; her sister, Julianne; and her brother, Anthony. She also is survived by her maternal great-grandmother, Dorine Bivona; and her paternal grandparents, Joanne Guarraia and Michael Guarraia. She will be deeply missed by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Madeline is joined in Heaven by her maternal grandparents, Monica (Bivona) Warren and Lee Warren.

Madeline was loved so dearly by those she held close, and while many will remember her for her valiant battle with cancer, she would want to be remembered for who she truly was. Madeline was a 4th grader at Lillie B. Haynes School. She proudly served as an honorary police officer with the Waterford Police Department and was the founder of Animal Rescue Rangers. Madeline was a talented artist and an incredible sister and friend. Her passion for tigers inspired her motto “ROAR,” which truly captures the way in which she tackled the many challenges she so courageously fought through. Although her time with us was short, the lessons she taught were immeasurable. Her strong passion for life and ability to smile in the face of adversity has changed the lives of so many. Funeral services will be respectfully private. A Celebration of Life will be open to the public and held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 at the East Lyme Football Field.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Madeline’s memory may be made to to the Cactus Jack Foundation Pediatric and Family Assistance Fund c/o Mike Buscetto, P.O. Box 145, Waterford, CT 06385 or The Animal Haven, 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473.

Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.