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Savannah Vassallo

June 8, 2007 - April 20, 2010
Alpena, MI

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Visitation

Friday, April 23, 2010
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Visitation

Saturday, April 24, 2010
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, April 24, 2010
2:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Vassallo Family/McWilliams Funeral Home
504 W. Washington Ave
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044

To assist the family with expenses

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Flowerland Designs
2205 US 23 S., Ste 108
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9377
Driving Directions
Web Site

Lasting Expressions
204 W. Washington Ave.
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9372
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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There are times in life when things just don’t make sense and even seem terribly wrong like when a vibrant, animated, and fun-loving girl with what would seem like her whole life ahead of her is tragically taken from those who cherished her. Savannah Rose Vassallo was such a remarkable young girl with a captivating smile that would draw others to her like a beautiful sunset splashed across the sky. She was an intelligent, funny, and imaginative girl who loved each new day as much as the day before. Savannah was a gift given to the world for such a short time, a true angel in the form of a beautiful little girl.

The year 2007 was marked by several historical events in America. It was during this year that President Bush sent an additional 20,000 troops to Iraq, the first female Speaker of the House began presiding over the 100th Congress, and major advancements were made in the scientific world regarding stem cell research. This was a monumental year in the lives of Melissa Villeneuve and Vernon Vassallo II as they welcomed their daughter, Savannah Rose, on June 8th. Savannah was born at Alpena Regional Medical Center and was raised in a small town. From the moment she was born she was a bundle of energy balanced with a sweetness about her that would melt the hearts of everyone she met. She enjoyed so many of the things that young girls so often do like playing, singing, swimming, writing on the sidewalk with chalk, and coloring while pretending to be an artist. In some ways, Savannah was “all girl” and loved dressing up, yet she also couldn’t get enough of her "Dora" four wheeler and riding her rocking horsie.

One of the most important parts of Savannah’s life was the way she touched so many others. She experienced her greatest joy through the relationships she had with her mommy, daddy, papas, and grandmas. Savannah had a pet cat named Butchie that was just like having a little brother around. They followed each other all over the house and did everything together. One of their favorite things to do was to cuddle while watching television – at least when Savannah wasn’t chasing and tormenting him in her own special way. She loved playing with her cousins on the "Sun of the Beach" and walking with her mother in the Fourth of July parade along side of the float where her dad was playing the drums. Savannah willingly gave her heart to everyone and in turn, everyone knew and loved her dearly. An important part of daily life for Savannah included plentiful kisses, hugs, and praise, too.

Although much of Savannah’s time was spent in a flutter of activity, she also enjoyed some quiet time. She enjoyed watching television and some of her favorite shows were Yo Gabba Gabba!, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Caroline, and Strawberry Shortcake. Savannah frequently loved watching her favorite movie, Cat in the Hat.

Even though she was only 2 years old, Savannah was as smart as a whip. She knew her ABC’s, the days of the week, bits and pieces of Spanish, and could count to 30. Savannah also knew all her colors and enjoyed singing songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in her sweet sing-song voice. With her intelligence coupled with her good manners, it was easy to see that she had a bright future ahead of her. Savannah could speak well for her age and when asked for her name, she would respond with “Vannah Vassallo.” She knew how to ask for what she wanted and some of her most frequent requests included, “I want Cat in the Hat,” “I want poker face,” and “I want cheese.” Of course nothing melted the hearts of her parents more than when she told each of her parents that she loved them time and time again.

With eyes that sparkled like the deepest sea, Savannah Rose Vassallo was a bubbly, active, and fearless toddler. She gave love to all she came across, and she gave her parents so much to be proud of. Even at a young age she was developing into a young girl all her own who shared close relationships with countless others. Savannah colored the world with her vibrant personality and unconditionally loved others as only little girls can. Although her days measured much fewer than most are given, the footprint she leaves behind will be no less significant than those who are given decades longer in which to live. Savannah’s memory will be forever cherished, her bright light extinguished much too soon.

Savannah Rose Vassallo died on Monday, April 19, 2010. Savannah’s family includes her parents; Melissa Villeneuve and Vernon Vassallo, maternal grandmother; Kathleen (Rob) Wilke of Hubbard Lake, maternal grandfather; John Villeneuve of Alpena, paternal grandmother; Shari (Chris) Fitzgerald of Alpena, paternal grandfather; Vernon (Jan) Vassallo of Alpena, paternal step-grandmother; Mary Wachowski, great-grandparents; Christena Fitzgerald, Leda & Edward Brotzke, Carol McKay, Aunts and Uncles; Ashley Villeneuve, Steve Vassallo, Brandy & Mike Wambaugh, Cory & Stephanie Villeneuve, Logan Wygant, Jessica & Matt Spencer, cousins; Dillan, Christopher and Xavier Wambaugh, her god parents; Mary Werda and Darryl Daoust and many, many, extended family members. Savannah was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Nancy Johnson, Fred Kelly and Sally Kelly, great aunt & great uncle; Nancy Kelly and David Kelly. Savannah is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Friday from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Please visit Savannah’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family, sign the on-line guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the family to assist with expenses.

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