Sophia Alexandra Reynolds

Sophia Alexandra Reynolds, 11, of Kansas City, Missouri, died of sudden cardiac arrest on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 7:19 a.m., while vacationing in Estes Park, Colorado, with her father and paternal grandmother.

Sophia was born at 4:32 p.m. on October 27, 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri. She lived in the Volker neighborhood her entire life with her parents. She attended Border Star Montessori School in Brookside, where she would’ve entered the sixth grade this fall. Sophia was active as a Girl Scout Junior, where she had just received her Bronze Award for community service.

Sophia suffered with congenital heart disease, asthma and a genetic disorder called 22q deletion syndrome, and underwent many medical, surgical, and therapeutic interventions in her too-short lifetime.

Sophia loved to swim and play on the swings at the playground. She also loved animals and cared for many pets during her time at home. Despite any pain and discomfort Sophia experienced during her days, she always had a smile—and often a hug—for her friends, family, neighbors, and caregivers. She was a recognizable member of the Kansas City community as a regular visitor of local merchants, restaurants and community events.

Sophia is survived by her mother and father, Patricia and Michael Reynolds; paternal grandmother, Karen Craig; maternal grandparents, Michael and Susan Azzaro; cousins, Quinlan and Porter Slattery, Grace and Rock Azzaro; aunts and uncles, Robin and Brian Slattery, Joseph and Misty Azzaro; her kitties, Kim and Kelley; as well as myriad friends, neighbors, caregivers, and teachers.

Sophia was preceded in death by her grandpa, Robert Craig; paternal grandfather, Charles Reynolds; her dog, Quincy; and her cat, Rayman.

The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to the doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical staff who were so integral to Sophia's health and wellbeing. They would also like to thank the therapists, teachers, friends and caregivers who helped Sophia become the loving, smiling, and successful young lady she was.

She and the family could not have had the quality time they did without the help and hard work of many generous and thoughtful people.

Visitation services will be held Thursday, July 28, at 4:30-8 p.m., at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, after which her body will be cremated. An informal celebration of life will be held Friday, July 29, at 6 p.m., at Westwood Park, 47th and Wyoming, Kansas City, Missouri. This event will be potluck, please bring a dish and/or beverage to share, along with your favorite memory of Sophia. Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 30, at 4 p.m., at Rime Buddhist Center, 700 W. Pennway St., Kansas City, Missouri.

A memorial fund to offset family travel and funeral expenses has been established at gofundme.com/2gjujarw.