Obituaries

Ariana M. Leavitt, 13

January 02, 2023

Ariana M. Leavitt, 13, a Reynolds Middle School, was an 8th grade student, of Lancaster City. She also passed away from smoke related injuries on January 2, 2023. She was born in Delaware County and was the devoted daughter of Pilar L. Miller, of Lancaster, and David F. Leavitt, husband of Patricia (Wonder), of Washington D.C.

Ariana had a bubbly personality! She was quite funny and liked to tell jokes. She had a charismatic personality and would sing and sing to her hearts content! She enjoyed walking her dog Lucy with her sister, enjoyed time with her friends. She had strong opinions and was not afraid to share her thoughts with others. She had great manners and had gratitude which was expressed regularly. She was very proud about the being a member of the chorus at her school at Reynolds Middle School. Her parents described her as friendly, caring, social, curious, and sometimes mischievous. She had a heart of gold and would always remember to ask people how they were doing. She like Anna was a loveable girl in more ways than can be described in words.

Surviving, in addition to their parents, was a step-brother, Leo, grandmothers, Nenita Faller Miller, of Lancaster, Janice Cohen, an uncle Michael, both of Los Angeles, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. They were preceded in death by grandfathers, Harvey Miller and Henry Leavitt, and a great grandfather, Robert Miller.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anna and Ariana’s Funeral Service on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 1PM at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim 75 E. James St. Lancaster, PA 17602 with Rabbi Jack Paskoff officiating. The family will receive friends at the Synagogue prior to the service from 11am-1pm. Interment will follow the service at Shaarai Shomayim Cemetery.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on Shaarai Shomayim website www.shaarai.org

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anna and Ariana’s memory to Lancaster City Fire Foundation PO Box 1473 Lancaster, PA 17608 or Girls on The Run PO Box 262 Landisville, PA 17538.

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Condolences to the Family

October 16, 2023

I was Ariana’s friend and after school buddy for girls on the run, I’m sorry that I couldn’t go to the funeral, i was too sad, I do remember me trying to run away from her as a little game of ours, I remember when I would enter school and she would go up to me and complement me, I really will miss her, hope to see you up in heaven Ariana and Anna- Allison 

January 16, 2023

My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time.   I am praying for you and your family for comfort.&nbsp Tina Enochs

January 08, 2023

We grieve this tragedy.  Although we did not know Ariana and Anna well, we remember them as a part of the community.  We remember joy and a sense of family during concerts at Wharton Elementary School.  Later, as the girls walked to and from Reynolds, they seemed so carefree.  Your are in our thoughts and prayers.  

January 06, 2023

Dear Pilar and Nenita, Gabriel and I are heartbroken for your loss. Anna and Ariana are forever part of you and you to them. They were kind, intelligent, gentle souls with a profound knowledge of what it is to lead a good life. Please know that they could not have had a better mother and grandmother. You made them who they were. May each day serve as a blessing for you. We give you our deepest support and love. LOVE, Laurie and Gabriel Solomon

January 06, 2023

I did not know your girls, but my heart aches for you and your losses. I am praying for you.
 
Valerie

January 06, 2023

My deepest condolences and prayers to the family ❤
Bonnie Morant 

January 06, 2023

Ariana was part of the first students I taught at Sharaim. I was eighteen at the time. She decided the first day she didn’t want to learn Hebrew. I tried so hard to get her back in the classroom but after quite a while I told her to try it for just 15 minutes. She agreed and she stayed in class the rest of the day. I learned while teaching that class that sometimes you can’t approach all kids head on. Her being my student made me a better teacher and overall adult. 

January 05, 2023

I’m  so sorry for your loss.   Sending prayers  and hugs at this difficult time.  Condolence  to all the family. God has a beautiful  😇.  Who will make the sky shine. 

January 04, 2023

 I enjoyed getting to know and work with Ariana while she was in elementary school.   She was so caring and kind.   Sending family and friends my prayers and condolences.  

January 04, 2023

We have known Ariana since she was in kindergarten with our son Elias. I remember her always smiling and laughing. Elias said she would always greet him every time they passed in the hallway at Reynolds. We loved watching her performance at the school concerts. We are so very sorry for this tragic loss. We will hold all of you close in our hearts & wish you moments of light in the darkness.  Erik, Susan, and Elias Anderson

Visitation
Sunday, January 08, 2023
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Congregation Shaarai Shomayim
75 E. James St.
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Sunday, January 08, 2023
1:00 PM
Congregation Shaarai Shomayim
75 E. James St.
Lancaster, PA
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