Little Zoe Anyan, the Milford schoolgirl diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago, died Wednesday at Children's Hospital Boston. She was 7.
"It's a sad day for us on earth, but Heaven is rejoicing with this sweet little angel," Debra M. Kandro posted on the facebook page dedicated to Zoe, the little girl who stole so many hearts. www.facebook.com/pages/Prayers-for-Zoe/165546053464795
"She's always been an angel," Isabel Teresa Real posted.
Zoe's mother, father and sister responded.
"To all of you that sent your prayers, love and support, we are so gracious. Our beautiful angel is in Heaven and will always shine happiness down upon you all, all our love Missy & Scott and Jasmine Anyan."
Zoe was diagnosed with a brain-stem tumor in April after she complained of double vision. When traditional and trial treatments failed, doctors predicted in October that Zoe had three weeks to live.
But Zoe -- the little girl with the big smile -- defied all odds.
She made it to her seventh birthday in November, when she was crowned "Princess Zoe" for the day at Live Oaks Elementary School in Woodmont.
A few days later, she was still going strong when Mayor James Richetelli declared Nov. 5 "Zoe Anyan Day" in the City of Milford.
Zoe brought out the best in people.
Milfordites threw numerous fundraisers for her -- and Zoe attended, dressed to the nines in a royal purple velvet and blue satin party dress at one.
Hearing of the little girl's plight, a Milford homeowner, Ray Watt, took his house off the market to allow Zoe to live there with her family till the end.
When MilfordPatch gave Zoe her dream Christmas gift -- a motorized pink Barbie Cadillac -- the sick little girl showed her zest for life by jumping out of bed and behind the wheel, laughing heartily as she drove in the living room. (Read that story by clicking .)
She is already greatly missed by many, as posts kept going up on facebook.
"Nooo!:'((" Lexx Lijewski stated simply.
Nancy Faughnan wrote: "I'm so sorry for your loss. Zoe is at peace now and will always be a part of you. You're in my prayers."
Zoe's principal, Rosemarie Lacobelle, told MilfordPatch, "The Live Oaks School community is heartbroken over the loss of our spunky, ladybug loving, always smiling .... Zoe.
"She was a little girl who loved to come to school and persevered during the most difficult times so that she could come in and see all of her friends (adults and children) at our school.
"She was a terrific artist and loved to bake. Zoe taught many of us to enjoy small moments and shrug off the small stuff. She is already greatly missed."
Parents were expected to tell Zoe's classmates after school Thursday. Grief counselors will be on hand at Live Oaks Elementary School the next several days.
Her family plans to make arrangements with the Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home in Stratford. Much needed donations for the funeral may be made to the Zoe Anyan Fund through PayPal at www.zoeanyan.com.
