Caroline Phoebe Previdi was born on September 7, 2006, to her loving parents Sandy and Jeff, in Danbury, Connecticut. She would spend the next six precious years of her life in Newtown, Connecticut, until the events of December 14, 2012.

Caroline, often called "Boo" by her family due to her resemblance to the Monster's Inc. character, was a precious bundle of life and joy. She was close with her big brother, Walker, and the pastor of her church told of how they could be found with an arm around each other on Sunday mornings. She was expressive and filled to the brim with childlike joy and appreciation for the little things, often exclaiming "Isn't that WONDERFUL?!" She brought smiles to the faces of others, even strangers in the store, with ease, as her zest for life and her lightheartedness was contagious. She was deeply caring and compassionate, and thought about others more than many adults. When she was five, just before Christmas 2011, she came to her parents with her little piggy bank in hand. She had decided to donate all of her money to their church's toy drive, so that every child could have a present under the tree. After her death, the church started a toy drive annually in her honour. She was compassionate to her friends and classmates at Sandy Hook Elementary, too, and would often make sure everyone was ok, including a little boy on her street who was afraid to ride the bus. She shared her joy and light with the world. She was a grateful little girl, and would tell others "We're not lucky, we are blessed!"

Caroline had many passions and hobbies, and she met each new activity with exuberance, grace and determination. Caroline loved gymnastics class. She enjoyed a host of other extracurricular activities, such as soccer, swim team, and Daisy Girl Scouts. She could often be found at home twirling or drawing and colouring, and would leave her artworks and notes around the house for her family to find. She loved the colour pink, bows in her hair, and the New York Yankees. Her brother Walker told of how, on one occasion, Caroline was such a loyal Yankees fan that when her parents bought tickets to a Red Sox game, Caroline refused to go into the stadium. Caroline loved her family, friends, and her classmates at Sandy Hook Elementary School, especially her first grade classmate and best friend Catherine.

Caroline was loving and giving, and freely shared her joy and zest for life with the world. She would help a kindergartener from her street, who would have panic attacks going to school on the bus. She would comfort him and try to make him smile. This highlighted her caring and nurturing nature. She would make everyone around her feel better, and no doubt brought comfort to her first-grade classmates. After she and most of her classmates passed away in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, those who loved her were forced to grapple with the reality that her earthly light had been extinguished so soon. Even though she passed away. Caroline's legacy of joy and kindness has changed the lives of countless children and adults. Caroline Phoebe, a precious, giving soul, will always be in our hearts.

In honour of Caroline, consider supporting the Caroline Previdi Foundation, which creates extracurricular programs, events and toy drives to bring children joy: https://www.carolineprevidifoundation.org/

"We are not lucky, we are blessed."

- Caroline