Sophia Elizabeth Southerling

Sophia Elizabeth Southerling, 7, of Jenkintown, PA passed away Saturday, November 28th, 2020 while in the company of her family after fighting a courageous 15 month battle of a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG.

Sophia was born at Abington Hospital on January 14, 2013, the cherished daughter of Jennifer (Giuffrida) and Kyle Southerling and the sister of AJ. She was a happy second grader at Ancillae Assumpta Academy in Wyncote, PA.

Sophia was the ray of sunshine in the lives of her mother, father, and brother, as well as her grandparents and her extended family members. Her love of life, her joy in riding and caring for horses, her wide-eyed delight with all that life offers are the hallmarks of her all too short life. She touched the hearts of each person she met with a warm and gentle smile and an eagerness to share all. As she skipped through each day, Sophia left a trail of happiness, kindness, and compassion. She cared for others and drew them into her life. We know that Sophia is held in the arms of our loving God and that she will continue to be the ray of sunshine that brings warmth to our days.

Sophia is survived by her loving parents Kyle and Jennifer; her brother AJ LaBella and her devoted dog Ruger. She was also beloved by her Grandparents; Robert & Carole Hawthorne, Edward & Linda Southerling, Thomas & Susan Giuffrida and the late Diane Marinari. She will be dearly missed by her Aunts and Uncles; Tammy & Dave Getty, Andrew & Pamela Southerling, Elizabeth & Frank Newton, Eric Southerling, Thomas & Megan Giuffrida, Christie Marinari, Daniel Marinari, Olivia Giuffrida and Jesse Giuffrida; and also missed by her wonderful cousins; Madeleine Getty, Nicholas Getty, Justin Getty, Eva Getty, Shawn Southerling, Drew Southerling, Robert Newton, Laura Newton, Kathryn Newton, Elizabeth Giuffrida, Sarah Giuffrida and her cousin dog April.

All are welcome to attend her visitation starting at 5:30 PM and to celebrate her Funeral Mass at 7 PM on Friday, December 4, 2020 at St. Luke the Evangelist Church 2316 Fairhill Ave. in Glenside, PA 19038.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sophia Southerling Memorial Fund, designed to help families impacted by cancer and other hardships by providing scholarships and support other causes close to Sophia’s heart. Donations can be mailed to 221 Wyncote Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046 or on the Sophia Sunshine Foundation's website: www.sophiasunshine.org.