Services Set for Anastasia Kopack

Services have been scheduled for Anastasia Kopack, 10, of Lanoka Harbor, who lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday,

Kopack passed away at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, according to her obituary. She was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in March 2011. She traveled to St. Christopher’s often for treatments.

Kopack had graduated from Lanoka Harbor Elementary School, where she played the trumpet with her school band, her obituary said. She was a member of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, a part of their religious education program and the youth choir group. She was also a member of Girl Scout Troop #264.

People are remembering Kopack on Facebook as strong, an inspiration, special, a true fighter, a bright shining star, a princess, a beautiful person, brave, sweet, a truly amazing soul and a warrior.

Ana is survived by her parents, Robert and Francesca; three brothers, Robert, Jr., Louis and Matthew. Her maternal grandmother, Isabel Garofola and her paternal grandmother, Kathy McNamee, also survive her; her Aunt Mary and her husband Mark Carpenter; her Uncle Carl Garofola and her Uncle Vincent and his wife Jessica McNamee. 

The viewing will be held Friday at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals O’Connell Chapel at 706 Route 9 in Bayville from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

The funeral will be on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius in Forked River with a burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Manahawkin. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Kopack to Ocean of Love, 1709 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Grief counselors will be available at Mill Pond School for students and parents from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday.