Sophia Theresa Duff

Sophia Theresa was born on April 23, 2017 to loving parents James
Michael and Ashley, and big brother William Michael Duff. Prior to entering the
world, she was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Lissencephaly, Miller-
Dieker syndrome.  Doctors weren’t sure that she would even survive birth.
From the moment she was born she was special in her own way; Sophia defied all
odds and grew to live 22 amazing months of a life that we always knew was
uncertain. During her time here, we made sure not to hold back because of her
sickness, sharing two amazing family vacations in Wildwood, weekly trips to the
gym to play, parties, swimming for the first time, and just being loved and adored
by her family, especially her brother. What people didn’t see was how much of a
warrior she was on a daily basis; during all her therapies, multiple doctor
appointments, treatments, etc. Nothing held her back and she brought light to a
dark room with her eyes and her way of communication. She had her own
personality and when she was mad she would let you know and smile when she
knew she won. Sophia was an amazing gift that taught everyone that was lucky
enough to know her so much.  She never gave up and taught us all how to be
stronger. Towards the end it just got too hard for her and she struggled, but she
fought long enough to welcome her baby sister Natalie Sophia on Feb 7 to ensure
her family that it would be okay. She will forever be our angel and is now able to be
free and at peace watching over and protecting us. Sophia is survived by her loving parents Michael and Ashley (nee McCormick), big brother William, little sister Natalie.  She is also survived by her loving grandparents and uncles. 

A memorial mass will be celebrated for Sophia on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Holy Rosary Church at 10:00 AM.  Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider a donation on behalf of Sophia to:
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
The Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Mount Sinai

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