Micole Lindsay "Mikki" Gumpper

Micole Lindsay "Mikki" Gumpper, 23, of Union Dale, died Monday at the Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton.

Born June 18, 1994, in Doylestown, Pa., she was the daughter of David C. Jr. and Emily Martino Gumpper of Union Dale.

Micole was a 2012 graduate of Central Bucks East High School, Doylestown, and earned an associate degree in 2016 from Keystone College, LaPlume.

Some believe that within each of us glows a spark of divinity. Micole's beautiful smile, nearly identical to her father's, her eyes, unmistakably her mother's, her hearty laugh, extraordinary love for family, friends and animals is sure evidence that the divine spark within Mikki shone with extraordinary intensity.

She cared for animals at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. She expressed a deep love and caring nature for all those around her; family, friend or stranger, human or animal.

Her family recognized that Mikki was different, a rebel. All her family are great skiers. Mikki became an expert snow boarder. Beautiful steaks were often part of family dinners. The day after Mikki saw a video on how animals raised for food were kept, she became a vegetarian.

Even as she followed her own path, the love of her family is unmistakable. Whether at home, socializing or traveling, Mikki was known to make any situation hilarious. On a visit to Hershey Park, Mikki, then known as "Little Mac," didn't quite measure up to the sign that read "you must be this tall" to get on the Great Bear ride. The family was disappointed, as they had all hoped to finally go on the ride together.

Mikki's mother, Emily, addressed this problem by layering washcloths from the hotel in Mikki's sneakers until she appeared tall enough to get on the ride. Her father, Dave, and Mikki then nonchalantly stood by the sign to practice standing up just right so that she could get on the ride. The plan worked. Problem solved. They rode the Great Bear as a family.

Dave and Emily nurtured Mikki along her journey regardless of its twists and turns. They equipped Mikki with the tools for a rich, successful life: a loving family, excellent education, opportunities to travel, and a beautiful place to live in nature. Dave cherishes the plaque she gave him that read: "There are these girls who stole my heart … They call me Dad." She knew how much she was loved.

Madison loved traveling with her sister, Mikki. Maddi admired how comfortable Mikki was in her own skin, her confidence, her outgoing and warm nature. Mikki could walk up to anyone, strike up a conversation and become friends. On a Vermont ski trip, Mikki made friends with a couple of fellows. One of the fellows and Maddi started dating, and has become Maddi's boyfriend. Mikki loved people; she connected them.

When such a brilliant light extinguishes so suddenly, it seems that the entire world darkens. We try to make sense of a loss that is unthinkable. We miss and yearn to bask in that light again, to once again feel it's warmth and comfort.

We, and many others have been blessed with the light Mikki radiated amongst us. Her light touched friends and loved ones, as well as those who dwell in darkness. She shone her light where it was perhaps needed the most.

We can take some comfort knowing that Mikki's passing will give several people the gift of life. She will literally live on in others.

Whenever we pass a smile on to someone who needs uplifting, offer a comforting word to those in distress, share the joy of laughter with strangers or loved ones, we are keeping the divine light that is Micole shining brilliantly.

She is survived by one sister, Madison Leigh Gumpper, of Rockland, Mass.; paternal grandparents, David Sr. and Barbara Gumpper, of Union Dale, Pa.; maternal grandfather, Anthony Martino Sr., of Tobyhanna, Pa.; aunts and uncles, Barbara and Richard Pickering; Anthony Martino Jr. and companion, Laurie Natale; Roseanne and husband, Lew Weissman; cousins, Brie Sassano, Ashton Sullivan, Jacob Pickering, Anthony Martino and Lauren Miano.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Florence Martino; maternal grandfather, John Formato; and cousin, Jennifer Skelton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in St. Pius X Church, state Route 106, Royal, celebrated by the Rev. Michael Kirwin, pastor.

Friends may call Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford.

To share condolences and photos with Micole's family, visit her book of everlasting memories at www.parisefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Micole's name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411, griffinpondanimalshelter.com; or local Make-A-Wish Chapter, 327 N. Washington Ave., Suite 501, Scranton, PA 18503, wish.org.