Ana Grace Márquez-Greene was born on April 4, 2006, to her loving parents Jimmy and Nelba, in Hartford, Connecticut. She would grace this earth for six fulfilling years until the events of December 14, 2012.

Ana, affectionately known as "Caramel Princess" by her family, had a heart full of love and a spitfire personality. She was close to her big brother, Isaiah, and they liked to fill the house with music together. Isaiah would play the piano and Ana would lift her voice in song. Ana came from a very diverse and beautiful heritage (African American, Puerto Rican, Canadian, and a bit of Irish) and embraced each piece of her cultural identity with grace and pride. Ana loved her family members in Puerto Rico and the United States, and, after living for several years in Winnipeg, developed a love for Canada, too. Although born in Connecticut, Ana called herself a Canadian. Ana left her mark on every country and person she visited. This little girl with a big heart actually lived with a congenital heart condition. Although she had to have a special medical plan in place at school, and have her condition treated at Boston Children's Hospital, Ana never let her condition hold her back from living life fearlessly.

Ana loved abundantly. She loved people, and being with those she loved. Of course, she loved her family fiercely. But she also had close bonds with her Sandy Hook Elementary classmates. She was close with her classmate Jack Pinto, and the two first graders talked about each other enthusiastically. Jack chatted with his grandmother on thanksgiving, telling her about Ana and their friendship. After the tragedy that claimed both their lives, the two families wondered if perhaps Ana and Jack would have dated when they got older. Ana loved food, and enjoyed seconds the most: second breakfast and second dessert. Ana also had a deep passion for music. She had an angelic little voice, and wanted to learn to play an instrument like her brother. Music was in her blood, and she wanted to be a musician when she grew up if she didn't become a teacher. She had many favourite songs. Some from her playlist include 'Jesus Loves Me', 'Tomorrow' from Annie, and 'Old MacDonald'. Ana was a faithful little girl, who loved God above all else. She loved to raise her voice in song, and to worship with her family. Her family draws comfort from knowing she is "in the arms of Jesus".

Ana's love, spunk, and strength touched many lives. Ana was affectionate with those she loved, and loved to give them extra hugs. She loved to cuddle and play with her mom. One of the last conversations she had with her mom included Ana reminding her mother "Don't let them suck your fun circuits dry". Even at 6, she was wise. She loved her school family at Sandy Hook Elementary, and her friends at home and abroad. She had music in her heart and soul, and shared it freely with the world. She lit up the earth like a tiny sparkle up until her very last day of December 14, 2012. Following her senseless death in the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, a huge hole was left in Ana's family, and in the fabric of her community. Despite her no longer being physically present on this earth, her legacy of love and music lives on. Her impact was so great that an elementary school was even built in her honour, the CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts. Those who loved her will never forget her, or stop fighting for her legacy.

To honour Ana, consider supporting the foundation created in her memory, which funds arts/music and professional development programs:

https://anagraceproject.org/

"Don't let them suck your fun circuits dry"

- Ana G. Márquez-Greene