ASHLEY ALLEN

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ASHLEY ALLEN On Friday, March 18, 2011, our little angel died peacefully at home in our arms. Left to forever cherish Ashley's memory are her parents, Alex and Jolene; brother Brodie; sisters Hope and Mira; grandparents Lawrence and Joan Allen of Carman, Armin and Joan Neufeld of Killarney; great-grandparents Aurelie Forster of Carman, John and Mary Falk of Killarney and Abe Neufeld of Winnipeg; along with a large and loving extended family. Ashley Joan Marie Allen was born in Winnipeg on February 17, 2005 and at four months of age was diagnosed with Adenylosuccinate Lyase Deficiency, a genetic disorder resulting in seizures and profound psychomotor delay. She was more than a handicapped child. Those who had the opportunity to hold her would slowly become aware of her beautiful, peaceful spirit and in time would learn to love without expecting anything in return. Ashley's smiles were full of light, and at times we wondered if she was smiling at the angels because of her upward gaze and unexpected moments of joy that shone from her. Ashley loved to be held, smiled frequently and enjoyed listening to her siblings and her classmates at school playing nearby. She was lavished with love and affection and lived longer than many expected. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church, 135 John Forsyth Rd. with Rev. Fr. Phil Daley, presiding. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the many dedicated people who played an important role in Ashley's life: The Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC); Prairie Chiropractic; Chancellor Elementary; the Pediatric Palliative Care team; and her caring respite providers. If friends and family so desire, donations in Ashley's memory may be made to the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation (www.rccf.ca) which is the fundraising arm for RCC, who provided Ashley with the expertise and equipment to make her daily life more comfortable.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2011