Obituary of Allyson Strong

On November 24, 2011 the world lost a bit of its sunshine, when Allyson Whitney Strong passed away. She was 25 years old, born on May 8, 1986. She is survived by her loving boyfriend, Todd Herfield and adoring family: mother, Barbara Strong-Reno, "Pop" James Reno, and father, John Strong, beloved sister, Katy Strong and Grandmothers Ann "Bubbe" Rustic, Judy Strong and Helen Reno. Her Aunts and Uncles: Barbara & Jack Rustic, Diane & Paul Hoeberlein-Munoz, Gary & Lynn Reno, Jeff & Lisa Reno, Gail & Dave Rowley along with cousins, Sarah, Abigail, Eric, Heather, Brien, Andrew, Dylan, & Alexander. Honorary family; Barri, Elan, & Noah. As well as, many other wonderful cousins and countless friends who loved her and they undeniably knew she loved them. Allyson was a 2004 Monticello High School graduate. She is a St John's University Summa Cum Laude alumni. Ally proceeded on to receive her Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from C.W. Post. Ally was a beautiful, caring person whose personality and smile lit up a room. She was pure of heart, always putting others first. She laughed often and enjoyed life to its fullest. Ally especially loved her semester abroad and travels through Italy. She was an avid NY Knicks fan since she was a little girl and loved going to the Madison Square Garden games. Her dancing spirit was contagious; all who have met her have said, "there is something special about her". Her strength, dignity, and poise have been a true inspiration. Allyson will be a star that forever shines bright. A memorial service honoring Allyson Whitney will be held today at 2PM at the Michael Ritchie Big Barn Center located at 103 Mitteer Road, Hurleyville, NY 12747 Ally became a major advocate for research in her rare carcinoma. She will also be remembered as a courageous, selfless hero, and warrior against this illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent via www.crowdrise.com/allysonstrong to benefit MD Anderson Research Fund for Small Cell Cervical Cancer (SCCC) or by mail to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Blvd Houston, Texas 77030 Attn: Project Small Cell Cervical Cancer Fund in loving remembrance of Allyson Strong Allyson's legacy all should follow: dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth-souza.