Alena Josephine Marek

Marek, Alena Josephine 11 March 11, 2000 Dec. 25, 2011 Our cherished and beloved daughter, sister and friend left this world on Christmas night to live eternally with Jesus. Alena Josephine Marek was born March 11, 2000 at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland. She was a sixth grader at St. Cecilia's School in Beaverton. In her short life, Alena inspired many people with her fight against the rare childhood cancer that eventually took her life. Her story was followed by the local community, all across the United States, and even around the world. Alena was an irreplaceable and special girl, who lived her life with honest goodness and spiritual grace. The memory of her extraordinary presence will always be treasured and she leaves behind a legacy of selfless love and blessings for all those that knew her. Alena now finds her true peace and rest in Heaven. Alena is survived by her parents, Jim and Carol; and younger sister, Kristine; grandparents; and many aunts; uncles; cousins; and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 5105 S.W. Franklin Ave., Beaverton 97005. The Mass will be preceded with a Rosary, viewing and prayers at 9 a.m. Mass will be followed by a reception at the Parish Hall to celebrate her life. An additional reflective prayer service will be held in her honor from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, also at the Church. Further information about Alena and how to honor her may be found at her website, and condolences may be left in the guestbook: www.caringbridge.org/visit/alenamarek