Julianna M. Edel

Julianna M. Edel, a lifelong resident of the area, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at her home in Highland Mills. She was 12 years old.

Daughter of John G. and Kristina Koubek Edel, she was born Feb. 23, 2001, in Peekskill.

Julianna was in seventh grade at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School in Central Valley.

Survivors include her parents John and Kristina Edel of Highland Mills; her sister Katharine G. Edel of Highland Mills; her paternal grandfather Ernst Edel of Flushing’ her maternal grandfather William A. Koubek of Highland Mills; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her family's statement reads: “Julianna loved life. She never let her illness stop her from enjoying her favorite things, like playing her violin, performing in plays, going away to the Poconos with her cousins, or participating in Vacation Bible School. Julianna was also a Girl Scout, played soccer, studied dance and loved singing. The family would like to thank the staff at the Reuten Clinic at Tomorrow’s Children’s Institute and the Pediatric Oncology wing at Hackensack University Medical Center whose care allowed Julianna to make the most of the last year.”

A funeral Mass was held Sept. 25 at St. Patrick’s Church in Highland Mills with both the Rev. Gerard P. Travers and the Rev. Herb DeGaris officiating.

Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.

Memorial contributions may be made to www.thetruth365.org or Tomorrows Children’s Fund, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (atcfkid.com).

Funeral arrangements were made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home. For more information, call 845-782-8185 or visit online at www.ssqfuneralhome.com.