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Ellie Rose Orefice
AGE: 12 • Ocean Township
Ellie Rose Orefice, 12, of Lancaster, MA, whose father lives in Wanamassa (Ocean) and was formerly from Ridgefield, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family following a lifelong illness. Ellie touched her family and friends in many small, but memorable ways in her short life.
Ellie is survived by her loving parents, Andrew J. Orefice of Ocean, Lynn Hudak and Brian Hudak of Lancaster, MA, a sister, Emma and brother Benjamin. She also leaves her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Norma Orefice of Avon-by-the-Sea and her maternal grandparents Jackie and Dennis Marcoux of Worcester, MA and Alfred and Patricia Forand of Shrewsbury, MA. Also survived by her aunts and uncles: Elesa and Mark Humphrey of Worcester, Ma; Fran Orefice and Maureen Weir of Cliffside Park; Jennifer and Keith Maurer of Avon-by-the-Sea; Rafe and Amy Levinore of Shark River Hills; Paul Orefice and Ron Veltri of New York City; James and Heather Orefice of Cherry Hill; Luke Orefice and Jim Rielly of Nanuet, NY, Caroline and Brad Petermann of Oradell and Ed Lantz of Ramsey. Her cousins Collin, Justin and Molly Humphrey; Gabrielle and Gina Maurer; Melody and Jake Levinore, and Cameron, Madelyn and Leo Orefice. She is also cherished by her great aunts and uncle, Ken, Gerri and Ann Orefice. Also, survived by many other cousins and dear friends: Kathleen Leo, Martha Curtis, Pat and Tom Darcey, Bernie and Mary McHugh; Francesca and Sergio Benedetti, Rose Marie Battaglia and Agnes Duff, Nancie and Jane Minichiello.
Although Ellie's life would seem too short to many, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her life and the presence of unconditional love far exceeded the number of her years. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her and though she never spoke a word, her voice and thoughts could always be heard.
Although Ellie's illness made her appear frail, she possessed strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. She enjoyed music, going to school, watching movies with her brother and sister and any opportunity to be in the presence of friends and family. She enjoyed a trip to Disney World from the Make a Wish Foundation, and she especially loved taking summer trips to the Jersey Shore to spend time with her extended family.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at a future date at Holy Spirit Church in Asbury Park NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children's Hospital of Boston or the Make a Wish Foundation or the School For Special Children of Westville, NJ.
Published in Asbury Park Press on April 15, 2012
