Princess Zoey Pesch

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young princess who blessed the lives of many in remarkable ways. Known far and wide for her feisty, fighting spirit, Princess Zoey was loving beyond her years. She captivated her way into the hearts of many, and in the world of Princess Zoey, love was what mattered most. Through her example, she taught those who came to know and love her much, and as her name implies, to live "life" fully and completely at every opportunity. A gift from the very heavens above and placed in our paths for an all too brief time, the legacy Zoey leaves behind lives on through every sweet memory.

Just as the blooms of Spring begin to ignite blossoms of beauty, so it was with the birth of Princess Zoey Izabelle Pesch on April 2, 2004. From the beginning, Zoey's infectious smile could light up a room. Her parents, Bonnie Mortimore and Jason Pesch, welcomed Zoey into their hearts along with her older sisters, Daniele, Alexis, and Jazmine. She was later joined by her younger brother, Austin. Her family made their home in Kalamazoo, Michigan where Zoey was raised. Although shy in earlier years, Zoey soon came to love the limelight around the age of four, christening herself, "Princess Zoey".

Very fashionable, Zoey loved dressing like a fashionista. Everything had to match, and had to be "in". She was definitely into drama, and absolutely loved all the Disney princesses, but Belle had a special place in her heart. She often reminded those around her she wasn't spoiled . . . she was a princess! She liked the royal treatment, and deservingly so. Like many young girls, Zoey loved the color pink before switching to purple, and the more glitter and bedazzled, the better. Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes. On the high maintenance side like most princesses, her preferred places to shop included Justice and Old Navy.

Zoey attended Alamo and Indian Prairie Schools and was looking forward to beginning this fall at Parchment Central Elementary. People were naturally drawn to Zoey. Her big brown eyes were always welcoming, and her laughter and sense of humor brightened the days of many. Zoey liked watching the Disney Channel and HGTV. A true adrenalin junky, she loved the thrill of roller coasters and anything that went fast. Trips to Michigan Adventure were anticipated each year by Zoey and her entire family where memorable times were shared. She loved dancing, especially to the sounds of One Direction, Papa Roach, Adele, and Paramore. She liked musicals, particularly Phantom of the Opera, but was certain she was prettier and could sing better than the best of them!

Life for Princess Zoey and those who adored her forever changed on September 11, 2012 when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. What began as a sad time turned into a battle the kingdom for which Zoey lived had never before seen. Even after undergoing two bone marrow transplants and relapsing, Zoey was a guiding light of encouragement and held her head high like the princess she was.

Throughout her illness, Zoey's fighting spirit and determination remained strong. Others favored her with pleasantries, and she received them with a grace all her own. In January of 2013, the Make a Wish Foundation sent Zoey and her family to Disney World where she delighted in posing for pictures and lunching with the other princesses. This past year I Believe in a Miracle sponsored an unbelievable weekend getaway to Great Wolf Lodge for Zoey which she loved. Having always been an avid horse lover, Zoey read a lot about horses and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian one day. When D.C. Strong recently laid down the royal carpet for her to be a veterinarian for a day, it was an experience she held close. Her love of dancing became a reality for Zoey when she was hailed as an honoree Zumba instructor. Handed down by the president of Zumba himself, this experience allowed Zoey to become acquainted with Zumba friends from around the world.

Like a mother hen, Zoey had no problem scolding her parents or doctors when they babied, poked or prodded too much. Never afraid of being outspoken, she questioned everything during her treatments with a need to know attitude every step of the way. She even got after her siblings for fighting, and often reminded everyone that, "Zoey Rules!" in her attempt for peace and tranquility among all. Zoey possessed a fondness for babies, and even when she didn't know them, she went out of her way to see them.

Among her many interests, Zoey was a chicken nugget and potato kind of princess who also loved breadsticks complete with butter, garlic, and not one, but two containers of red sauce. Zoey was neat and organized, and maybe even a little OCD. Each morning she couldn't wait to order her usual Teddy Bear from Biggby Coffee. Zoey liked camping with her family, visiting the zoo, and crafts. A lover of the outdoors, she was a princess to the core, even when fishing.

Zoey knew how and when she wanted or needed something. She was spunky and gutsy when she needed to be, and fought a courageous battle. There were many who prayed for Zoey, and their prayers were not in vain. Zoey felt the presence of her God, and was a very insightful young girl. She delighted those around her with hopeful yet sparkling eyes, and could be very amusing without even trying. With her beautiful spirit, inside and out, Zoey was beloved by all whom she touched, near and far. A blessed inspiration, it was an honor to love, know, pray and be a part of Zoey's life, even in the smallest of ways.

Since her diagnosis, Zoey spent much of her time in and out of Bronson Hospital and Mott’s Children Hospital where she captivated all with her charming and enchanting personality. When Zoey relapsed once again this past January 9th, she acquired numerous infections. With heavy hearts, all gathered around their precious princess with hope and prayers. The day came when it was decided home was the best place for Zoey to be. Just as the clear night sky was filled with the shimmer of gleaming stars on that Pennsylvania tarmac the night of July 5, Zoey began her new journey into the stars. She would have wanted it that way, outdoors and under the stars, free from pain, worry, illness . . . like the child princess she was destined to be, dancing with the angels, effortlessly.

Zoey Izabelle Pesch, "Princess Zoey", age ten, of Kalamazoo, died Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Children Hospital of Philadelphia. Members of her family include her parents: Bonnie Mortimore (Dave Musall, Jr.) and Jason Pesch (Trina Gifford); four siblings: Daniele (18), Alexis (16), Jazmine (12) and Austin (8); grandparents: Judy and Jerry Weston, Merle and Gail Mortimore, Steve Pesch and Donna Thomas; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visit with her family and friends on Saturday from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw, 60900 M-40; 657-3870 where services will be held Sunday, July 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Princess Zoey’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to D.C. Strong or Cancer Family United.