On July 18, 2006, in Danbury Hospital, Shannon (Merlino) and Brian Engel welcomed a beautiful girl into their lives. They named her Olivia Rose Engel. From the moment of her birth, Olivia radiated joy, brightening every room with her infectious smile and laughter. A ray of sunshine in the lives of those who knew her, she blossomed into a spirited and creative child who was wise beyond her years.
Olivia was a child who appreciated the beauty in life. She expressed her creativity through her love for drawing and designing, and by taking art and dance lessons. Her energy and enthusiasm extended onto the soccer and tennis fields, and into the waters that she loved to swim. She found joy in participation with the Girl Scouts and musical theater, her bright eyes and infectious laughter enhancing every activity.
In school, she excelled in math and reading, showcasing an early knack for academics. Beyond her achievements, she held the unique quality of being a "grateful child," as described by her family. Always content, she was never greedy. One of her most treasured possessions was a lamb stuffed animal, a symbol of her gentle nature. She embraced life with a love for pink and purple, the bright and vibrant colors reflecting her vivacious spirit.
At the tender age of six, Olivia found an exceptional way of expressing her faith. She often led grace at the dinner table, a testament to her spiritual maturity. Tragically, her young life was cut short on December 14, 2012, during the devastating events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That day, the world lost a precious angel, a light extinguished far too soon.
In the face of this profound loss, it's important to remember who Olivia was—an energetic, loving girl with a zest for life. Whether twirling in her pink tutu during dance class, scoring the winning goal in soccer, or leading her family in grace, Olivia shone brightly. Her keen sense of humor, charm, and wit could light up any room. Olivia's impact extends far beyond her six short years; her spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond her parents and younger brother Brayden, Olivia's joyous spirit touched the lives of her maternal uncle JR Merlino, grandmother Suanne Merlino, great grandmother Esther Galligan, and paternal grandparents Christine and Richard Engel. Countless aunts, cousins, and close friends also fondly remember her. Olivia now joins her maternal grandfather Jeffery Merlino, watching over her loved ones from the Heavens above.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Olivia's story is the night of the tragedy. She had been looking forward to performing as an angel in her church's play. Tragically, she was never able to grace the stage. Instead, she was prematurely elevated to a celestial role, becoming a true angel watching over us. Through her unfulfilled potential and the outpouring of love following her passing, Olivia serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In her memory, Olivia's parents, Brian and Shannon Engel, established the Friends of Olivia Engel to help direct donations to Newtown Park and Bark, an off-leash dog-park popular with local residents. Just as a dog brings joy to our lives, Olivia continues to bring joy to her community through these contributions.
Olivia Rose Engel, a child of only six years, lived her life with grace and vigor, reminding us of the beauty of innocence, the joy of laughter, and the power of love. A testament to her vivacity and spirit, Olivia's life story continues to inspire us all. Her physical absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her radiant spirit lives on, a beacon of hope, joy, and resilience.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten, Olivia, the angel who was preparing to grace her church's play that tragic night, is now a heavenly angel. Her story, filled with love, laughter, and faith, is a divine testament to love and grace in its purest form.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From her parents:
Olivia was insightful for her age and had a great sense of humor. She laughed a lot and always lit up a room as well as the people around her. She was very creative and was always drawing and designing things. She took art and dance lessons, played tennis and soccer, and loved swimming. She was involved in Girl Scouts and musical theater. She loved school and did well in math and reading. Her family described her as a "grateful child...never greedy." Her favorite stuffed animal was a lamb. Pink and purple were her favorite colors. She often led grace at the dinner table.
Olivia was a child who appreciated the beauty in life. She expressed her creativity through her love for drawing and designing, and by taking art and dance lessons. Her energy and enthusiasm extended onto the soccer and tennis fields, and into the waters that she loved to swim. She found joy in participation with the Girl Scouts and musical theater, her bright eyes and infectious laughter enhancing every activity.
In school, she excelled in math and reading, showcasing an early knack for academics. Beyond her achievements, she held the unique quality of being a "grateful child," as described by her family. Always content, she was never greedy. One of her most treasured possessions was a lamb stuffed animal, a symbol of her gentle nature. She embraced life with a love for pink and purple, the bright and vibrant colors reflecting her vivacious spirit.
At the tender age of six, Olivia found an exceptional way of expressing her faith. She often led grace at the dinner table, a testament to her spiritual maturity. Tragically, her young life was cut short on December 14, 2012, during the devastating events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That day, the world lost a precious angel, a light extinguished far too soon.
In the face of this profound loss, it's important to remember who Olivia was—an energetic, loving girl with a zest for life. Whether twirling in her pink tutu during dance class, scoring the winning goal in soccer, or leading her family in grace, Olivia shone brightly. Her keen sense of humor, charm, and wit could light up any room. Olivia's impact extends far beyond her six short years; her spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond her parents and younger brother Brayden, Olivia's joyous spirit touched the lives of her maternal uncle JR Merlino, grandmother Suanne Merlino, great grandmother Esther Galligan, and paternal grandparents Christine and Richard Engel. Countless aunts, cousins, and close friends also fondly remember her. Olivia now joins her maternal grandfather Jeffery Merlino, watching over her loved ones from the Heavens above.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Olivia's story is the night of the tragedy. She had been looking forward to performing as an angel in her church's play. Tragically, she was never able to grace the stage. Instead, she was prematurely elevated to a celestial role, becoming a true angel watching over us. Through her unfulfilled potential and the outpouring of love following her passing, Olivia serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In her memory, Olivia's parents, Brian and Shannon Engel, established the Friends of Olivia Engel to help direct donations to Newtown Park and Bark, an off-leash dog-park popular with local residents. Just as a dog brings joy to our lives, Olivia continues to bring joy to her community through these contributions.
Olivia Rose Engel, a child of only six years, lived her life with grace and vigor, reminding us of the beauty of innocence, the joy of laughter, and the power of love. A testament to her vivacity and spirit, Olivia's life story continues to inspire us all. Her physical absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her radiant spirit lives on, a beacon of hope, joy, and resilience.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten, Olivia, the angel who was preparing to grace her church's play that tragic night, is now a heavenly angel. Her story, filled with love, laughter, and faith, is a divine testament to love and grace in its purest form.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From her parents:
Olivia was insightful for her age and had a great sense of humor. She laughed a lot and always lit up a room as well as the people around her. She was very creative and was always drawing and designing things. She took art and dance lessons, played tennis and soccer, and loved swimming. She was involved in Girl Scouts and musical theater. She loved school and did well in math and reading. Her family described her as a "grateful child...never greedy." Her favorite stuffed animal was a lamb. Pink and purple were her favorite colors. She often led grace at the dinner table.
On July 18, 2006, in Danbury Hospital, Shannon (Merlino) and Brian Engel welcomed a beautiful girl into their lives. They named her Olivia Rose Engel. From the moment of her birth, Olivia radiated joy, brightening every room with her infectious smile and laughter. A ray of sunshine in the lives of those who knew her, she blossomed into a spirited and creative child who was wise beyond her years.
Olivia was a child who appreciated the beauty in life. She expressed her creativity through her love for drawing and designing, and by taking art and dance lessons. Her energy and enthusiasm extended onto the soccer and tennis fields, and into the waters that she loved to swim. She found joy in participation with the Girl Scouts and musical theater, her bright eyes and infectious laughter enhancing every activity.
In school, she excelled in math and reading, showcasing an early knack for academics. Beyond her achievements, she held the unique quality of being a "grateful child," as described by her family. Always content, she was never greedy. One of her most treasured possessions was a lamb stuffed animal, a symbol of her gentle nature. She embraced life with a love for pink and purple, the bright and vibrant colors reflecting her vivacious spirit.
At the tender age of six, Olivia found an exceptional way of expressing her faith. She often led grace at the dinner table, a testament to her spiritual maturity. Tragically, her young life was cut short on December 14, 2012, during the devastating events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That day, the world lost a precious angel, a light extinguished far too soon.
In the face of this profound loss, it's important to remember who Olivia was—an energetic, loving girl with a zest for life. Whether twirling in her pink tutu during dance class, scoring the winning goal in soccer, or leading her family in grace, Olivia shone brightly. Her keen sense of humor, charm, and wit could light up any room. Olivia's impact extends far beyond her six short years; her spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond her parents and younger brother Brayden, Olivia's joyous spirit touched the lives of her maternal uncle JR Merlino, grandmother Suanne Merlino, great grandmother Esther Galligan, and paternal grandparents Christine and Richard Engel. Countless aunts, cousins, and close friends also fondly remember her. Olivia now joins her maternal grandfather Jeffery Merlino, watching over her loved ones from the Heavens above.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Olivia's story is the night of the tragedy. She had been looking forward to performing as an angel in her church's play. Tragically, she was never able to grace the stage. Instead, she was prematurely elevated to a celestial role, becoming a true angel watching over us. Through her unfulfilled potential and the outpouring of love following her passing, Olivia serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In her memory, Olivia's parents, Brian and Shannon Engel, established the Friends of Olivia Engel to help direct donations to Newtown Park and Bark, an off-leash dog-park popular with local residents. Just as a dog brings joy to our lives, Olivia continues to bring joy to her community through these contributions.
Olivia Rose Engel, a child of only six years, lived her life with grace and vigor, reminding us of the beauty of innocence, the joy of laughter, and the power of love. A testament to her vivacity and spirit, Olivia's life story continues to inspire us all. Her physical absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her radiant spirit lives on, a beacon of hope, joy, and resilience.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten, Olivia, the angel who was preparing to grace her church's play that tragic night, is now a heavenly angel. Her story, filled with love, laughter, and faith, is a divine testament to love and grace in its purest form.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From her parents:
Olivia was insightful for her age and had a great sense of humor. She laughed a lot and always lit up a room as well as the people around her. She was very creative and was always drawing and designing things. She took art and dance lessons, played tennis and soccer, and loved swimming. She was involved in Girl Scouts and musical theater. She loved school and did well in math and reading. Her family described her as a "grateful child...never greedy." Her favorite stuffed animal was a lamb. Pink and purple were her favorite colors. She often led grace at the dinner table.
Olivia was a child who appreciated the beauty in life. She expressed her creativity through her love for drawing and designing, and by taking art and dance lessons. Her energy and enthusiasm extended onto the soccer and tennis fields, and into the waters that she loved to swim. She found joy in participation with the Girl Scouts and musical theater, her bright eyes and infectious laughter enhancing every activity.
In school, she excelled in math and reading, showcasing an early knack for academics. Beyond her achievements, she held the unique quality of being a "grateful child," as described by her family. Always content, she was never greedy. One of her most treasured possessions was a lamb stuffed animal, a symbol of her gentle nature. She embraced life with a love for pink and purple, the bright and vibrant colors reflecting her vivacious spirit.
At the tender age of six, Olivia found an exceptional way of expressing her faith. She often led grace at the dinner table, a testament to her spiritual maturity. Tragically, her young life was cut short on December 14, 2012, during the devastating events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That day, the world lost a precious angel, a light extinguished far too soon.
In the face of this profound loss, it's important to remember who Olivia was—an energetic, loving girl with a zest for life. Whether twirling in her pink tutu during dance class, scoring the winning goal in soccer, or leading her family in grace, Olivia shone brightly. Her keen sense of humor, charm, and wit could light up any room. Olivia's impact extends far beyond her six short years; her spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond her parents and younger brother Brayden, Olivia's joyous spirit touched the lives of her maternal uncle JR Merlino, grandmother Suanne Merlino, great grandmother Esther Galligan, and paternal grandparents Christine and Richard Engel. Countless aunts, cousins, and close friends also fondly remember her. Olivia now joins her maternal grandfather Jeffery Merlino, watching over her loved ones from the Heavens above.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Olivia's story is the night of the tragedy. She had been looking forward to performing as an angel in her church's play. Tragically, she was never able to grace the stage. Instead, she was prematurely elevated to a celestial role, becoming a true angel watching over us. Through her unfulfilled potential and the outpouring of love following her passing, Olivia serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In her memory, Olivia's parents, Brian and Shannon Engel, established the Friends of Olivia Engel to help direct donations to Newtown Park and Bark, an off-leash dog-park popular with local residents. Just as a dog brings joy to our lives, Olivia continues to bring joy to her community through these contributions.
Olivia Rose Engel, a child of only six years, lived her life with grace and vigor, reminding us of the beauty of innocence, the joy of laughter, and the power of love. A testament to her vivacity and spirit, Olivia's life story continues to inspire us all. Her physical absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her radiant spirit lives on, a beacon of hope, joy, and resilience.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten, Olivia, the angel who was preparing to grace her church's play that tragic night, is now a heavenly angel. Her story, filled with love, laughter, and faith, is a divine testament to love and grace in its purest form.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From her parents:
Olivia was insightful for her age and had a great sense of humor. She laughed a lot and always lit up a room as well as the people around her. She was very creative and was always drawing and designing things. She took art and dance lessons, played tennis and soccer, and loved swimming. She was involved in Girl Scouts and musical theater. She loved school and did well in math and reading. Her family described her as a "grateful child...never greedy." Her favorite stuffed animal was a lamb. Pink and purple were her favorite colors. She often led grace at the dinner table.
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Loving Daughter and Sister
Our Angel Olivia
