Ruby Lanza

Lanza: Village/City of Essex Junction, Vermont
Ruby Sloane Lanza, valiant warrior, 10, of Essex Junction, fell to her brave battle against Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma during the first hour of Saturday, June 22, 2024. She passed in the comfort of her home surrounded by her favorite things and wrapped in the loving arms of her parents, her three cherished cats nearby.
Ruby blazed into this world on May 22, 2014, daughter to Elise Martin and Adrian Lanza. She was the first child to her parents and first grandchild to both families. While she remained an only child throughout her time, she welcomed each new cousin as the sibling she never had and cherished the lifelong friendships and special bonds they blessed her with.
Ruby had just completed the fourth grade at Thomas Fleming Elementary, where despite not being able to physically attend with her classmates for the last 14 months, was able to score a 91% national proficiency in both literacy and mathematics. She was able to celebrate their "last day" of school by seeing Inside Out 2 at the Drive In with her two "besties" Sarah and Rafe, who always made her laugh during the toughest of times and never left her feeling alone.
Incredibly intelligent and perceptive from her beginning, Ruby had a candid curiosity and humor about life that she did not filter. While you did not always know what Ruby was thinking, when she shared something with you, you knew it was from Ruby's authentic self; she "kept it real". She was witty and hilarious and a force to all who met her.
Ruby loved nature. She loved sitting outdoors in the hammock reading about or drawing cats or dragons. She enjoyed countless bike rides, hikes and camping trips with her parents, and cooking with them as well. Meeting friends at the park or online for video games, teaming up for soccer or gymnastics, building Legos, crafting jewelry, sleepovers with grandparents, and eating fruits and veggies from the garden she helped sow the seeds in were just a few of the things our sparkling Ruby loved about life. She also loved her phone - a lot. Ruby dreamed of one day being a graphic artist, interior designer, operator of an animal rescue or having her own YouTube Channel. During the last year of her life, she added Child Life Specialist to that list so she could help bring joy to other children living with cancer. We know had Ruby had the chance, she could have done them all and more.
After Ruby's diagnosis in April 2023, a lot of things changed for her, but she never said "Why Me?". She did not let her spirit be crushed, nor did she give up those things which she loved so much. Ruby held on and continued each passion she had for as long as she could because that is how brilliantly vivacious and tenacious she was. With insurmountable courage and grace, she looked herself in the mirror 444 days in a row as she lost her hair, physical abilities and entire life she knew: and she said "I will Not give up.". Ruby's bravery and love for life will live on in those whose hearts she touched the most and will forever serve as an example of strength and courage in a circumstance where others would find none.
Ruby is survived by her parents, Elise Martin and Adrian Lanza of Essex Junction, VT; three beloved cats Pixie, Mau, and Nova; Grandparents, Nancy and Frank Lanza of Ocala, FL, Edward and Barbara Martin of Winooski, VT, Linda and Ed Dean of Williston, VT; Aunts Amelia, Erica, Sandra, Jane, Sarah and Tasha; Uncles Ben, Eddie, Gary, Daniel, Alex, Jon, and J.; Cousins Reese, Silas, Kyler, Cecelia, Ronan, Clio, Frankie, and William, all of Vermont, and crowds of friends, mentors and teachers who cheered her on the whole way.
Ruby received amazing and extensive care at UVMMC, Mass General in Boston and St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, fiercely enduring several harsh therapies designed to save her life that unfortunately did not work. We believe additional funding and focus in pediatric cancer research could save the lives of future warriors like Ruby, who deserve to live full, enriching lives in pursuit of their dreams and happiness.
Calling hours are to be held Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Ready Funeral Home on Shelburne Road in South Burlington from 10AM-1PM. Service to follow at 1PM.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Service. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com