Remembering Everleigh 'Evy' Snell, 4, A Bright Light Taken Too Soon

Niagara Action
3 minutes ago
2 min read

A family and community are mourning the loss of Everleigh M. Snell, affectionately known as “Evy,” who passed away on October 16th, 2025, at just 4-years-old.

Born with a radiant smile and a spirit far stronger than her years, Evy faced unimaginable health battles. At only a few months old, she was diagnosed with severe epilepsy that resisted medication along with a rare neurological disorder known as infantile spasms, or West syndrome. Despite countless hospital stays and an exhausting rotation of medications, Evy’s determination and light never dimmed.

Her mother, Melissa, shared in a GoFundMe post: “My sweet Evy went to be with Jesus yesterday. Evy was an amazing beautiful little girl that fought with everything she had. Over the past few months Evy started getting better. She gained this amazing laugh and huge beautiful smile.”

Her aunt worked tirelessly with her to build strength and independence and recently Evy had begun to roll, attempt to sit, and show the joyful spark of a child who wanted to thrive.

Evy’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with love. She was the cherished daughter of Samuel and Melissa Snell and the beloved “bonus daughter” and niece of Jennifer and Darrin Glass. She was adored as a sister by Samuel Jr., Noah, Kallie, Gianna, Brayden, and Jennifer, and as a cousin and bonus sibling to Annabella, Darrin Jr., and Bradley Glass. Her grandparents, Josephine and James Shadle and Pamela and the late Billy Snell, along with her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, treasured her deeply.

Melissa’s words capture the pain of a parent’s greatest loss: “I never thought I’d ever have to bury one of my children. The pain is unexplainable and I wish no parent ever has to do this.”

Now, as the family grieves, they are asking for help to give Evy the service and burial she deserves. Funeral costs are expected to exceed $6,300 for the service alone, not including the burial and plot. “Every cent will be put towards her service and burial,” Melissa wrote. “Anything extra will be put to her stone.”

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/Sheridan Drive, on Monday, October 27th between 1–7pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 28th at 10am at the funeral home with interment at Elmlawn Cemetery. The service will be open to all, reflecting how widely Evy was loved.

In the words of her mother: “Evy was only 4 years old. Evy was an amazing beautiful little girl that fought with everything she had.”

Her laughter, courage, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

If you can donate, please do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-honor-evys-memory-with-a-beautiful-service