Ellie R Orefice

Ellie Rose Orefice, 12, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully, Thursday April 12th surrounded by her loving family following a lifelong illness. Ellie is survived by her loving parents Lynn (Forand) and Brian Hudak of Lancaster, and Andrew Orefice of Ocean, NJ; her sister, Emma and brother Benjamin; She also leaves her maternal grandparents, Jackie and Dennis Marcoux of Worcester, Alfred and Patricia Forand of Shrewsbury; paternal grandparents Ralph and Norma Orefice of Avon, NJ; her godparents, Elesa Humphrey and Rafe Levinore; Many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. Ellie's life may seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her life and the presence of unconditional love far exceeds the quantity of time in which you live. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her, and though she never spoke a word, her voice and thoughts could always be heard. Although Ellie's illness made her appear frail, she possessed strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. She enjoyed music, going to school, watching movies with her brother and sister and any opportunity to be in the presence of friends and family. She enjoyed a trip to Disney World on behalf of the Make a Wish foundation, and she especially loved taking summer trips to the Jersey Shore to spend time with her extended family. Ellie leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided love and support that enhanced her quality of life. Ellie's love extends to her wonderful nurses: Patricia McNamara, Anne Arlig-Camejo, Shelby Dunbar, Joan Nelson and Becki Blanton. There is a special place in our hearts for Ellie's team of physicians and extended caregivers, and she will be dearly missed by her friends and teachers at the Assabet Valley Collaborative. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Tuesday April 17th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St Worcester, Mass. Her funeral will be celebrated Wednesday, April 18th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:00 am in St George Church, 40 Brattle St. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Children's Hospital of Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115, or the Make a Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.