Sydney E. Zaban

Sydney E. Zaban, 15 years old, died January 13, 2016. Sydney, a student of East Lansing High School, attended Pleasant View Magnet School through the eighth grade. She was a member of the Swim Team, a gifted artist, performer, writer of poetry and active volunteer in the YMCA as a counselor. Sydney adored animals, children and dedicated her time to both by doing volunteer work for the Fenner Nature Center Youth Leadership Program. She will be missed for her giving heart, talent and inspiration to all that had the honor to know her.

She is preceded in death by her Grandfather William L. Herrick. Surviving to cherish the memory of Sydney are her parents Eric Zaban, Heather Zaban, Grandparents Mary Ann Zaban, Robert (Ann M.) Zaban, Julie Herrick, and Rita Cotillon. Sydney’s sister, Ella and aunts and uncles Amy Zaban, Mike (Elizabeth) Herrick, Tony (Shawna) Herrick, Laural Ehresmann, Autum Ehresmann and Juleon Cotillon and Amber Ehresmann; as well as lifelong friend Evelyn. They will remember Sydney the actor, the busy teen and generous friend. Several cousins and many other friends will also hold her memory dear.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18th, 2016, at Fellowship Bible Church, 1030 W. South St., Mason, Michigan; with visitation an hour prior to the service. There will also be a small, private family service at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

In lieu of flowers, Sydney’s family is asking that donations be made in her memory to Fenner Nature Center, where she was the VP of the Youth Leadership Program. Fenner Nature Center contact information is 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 Phone: 517-483-4224 Email: [email protected] Fenner Nature Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. We hope that money might go towards planting a tree and completing a natural playscape that Sydney was in charge of. Donations can be made at: http:www.mynaturecenter.org/annualgiving.

Willow

We play with sticks treating them as swords

And we train with them when, we are bored

We listen to the soft cool breeze

There is no going back so the world is ignored

I feel the bark on one of the trees

And sigh because I’m now at ease

The place that I will forever protect

I cherish all the amazing memories

When I sing, I care not if the words are correct

For this is where the lines connect

A happy place where I’m free to fly

And bullies haven’t any effect

A place where no one tells a lie

A place just for she and I

A place where peace will come and stay

A place where my soul will never die

~By Sydney E. Zaban~

Dedicated to The Whole World