Ava's Story

She was a natural athlete, excelling in lacrosse, snowboarding, surfing, and enjoying anything else she was invited to try. She was a talented musician with a beautiful voice, teaching herself to play guitar and writing her own songs even. She was extremely artistic, and was accepted to the Governor’s School for the Arts in visual arts and painting or drawing most days of her life. From the moment she could walk, she loved being outdoors, taking every opportunity to hike, backpack or just sit in wonder of nature. She was a lover of animals, caring for dogs, cats, birds, frogs, toads, rodents, spiders and any other living thing that crossed her path. Her empathy for others, friend or stranger, seemed to have no bounds.

She grew up in Norfolk Virginia and was accepted to her dream school : University of Californian Santa Cruz. She wanted a degree that would allow her to work in and around the ocean.

Her sister, dad and mom miss her beyond words.