Obituary of Ayla Sharmay Griffiths

Ayla Sharmay Elizabeth Griffiths will forever more remain 16 years of age. She passed from this life on Monday, February 22, 2010. Born on March 10, 1993 at Saint Luke's Hospital in New Hartford, NY, she is the daughter of Mary Munney-Griffiths, Rome, NY and Jeffrey Griffiths, Lee Center, NY. "Ay," as she was known by her family and friends, fought courageously against primary refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma after being diagnosed in August 2007. She had sought treatment for a cure throughout the United States. Ayla was a Junior at Rome Free Academy. Throughout her battle, she was able to maintain the status of an honor student. Her education was the one primary goal in her life which she refused to relinquish to cancer. Throughout her education, Ayla was active in many sports, clubs, and activities. She loved soccer and tried valiantly to play until her illness prevented her participation. She also participated in basketball- again until her illness prevented it. Ayla also loved to play the clarinet. During her seventh school year, while attending Strough Jr. High School, she joined the RFA Marching Band, where she played clarinet along side her sister, who was a Senior. She continued to play the clarinet, again until her illness prevented it. She was a member of the RFA History Club and enjoyed being on the Year Book staff at both Strough and RFA. Ayla would fight the side effects of cancer treatments in silence as she walked through the halls of RFA with her beautiful smile that she will always be known for. A very private person, she would not allow those around her to know just how ill she truly was. Ayla recently (2/21) celebrated Holy Confirmation as an inpatient in the Intensive Care Unit at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, Syracuse, with her family and close friends by her side. Surviving besides her parents, is her sister, Amanda Jean, whom she adored and loved completely; her mother's life companion, Nicholas (Chip) Olejniuk and his son, Sean Callahan (Washington), whom she was proud to call brother; her maternal grandmother, Betty Munney (Rome), her paternal grandparents, Claude and Joyce Griffiths (Taberg); her Uncles, David Munney (Florida), Claude (Rod) Griffiths (Taberg); her Godmother, Robin Ettinger (Rome); her Godfather, Kenneth Munney (New Hampshire), who walked beside her throughout every event and whom she adored. Ayla also leaves behind her boyfriend since the 5th grade, Charlie Zonnevylle (Rome), who never left her side and held her hand throughout her passing; her best friend since Kindergarten, Brianna DeHart (Rome), who along with her family formed the Relay for Life Team T.A.P. and the basketball team named the "A's" in honor of Ayla; her favorite hairdresser and friend, Annette Marshall-Magnanti (Rome). She also leaves many special friends and family and her most treasured cat, "Felix." Ayla is predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Sherman Munney. Ayla's mother and sister wish to extend their gratitude to the Rome community for their continued support during Ayla's battle. Also to all the wonderful doctors and nurses and staff at the many facilities that she has visited, most recently the Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit (formally known as 5C) and Floor 11G (formerly known as 7H). A special thank you to Dr. Trisha Tavares, whom Ayla would text from all the other cancer treatment centers to receive her reassurance and guidance. Their bond went beyond patient and doctor. They were extremely close at heart. Ayla will be most remembered for her unique and vivacious personality. When recently asked what she was going to abstain from during this upcoming Lenten season, without missing a beat, her reply was - "cancer!" Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St. and at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Lee Center. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 3-7 p.m.