Lucia Natalia Ayala

It is with heavy hearts and unimaginable grief that the family of Lucia Natalia announces her passing on March 7, 2026. Our Lucia was born on February 8, 2024 as a cherished gift from God. She was named with intention, as Lucia means “light,” and never has a name been more perfectly given. Not only did Lucia come into our lives during a season when our family needed her light to shine brightest, but her flame continued to grow and guide us through one of the most pivotal chapters of our lives for two years.

Although the loss of Lucia is immense and has created a significant void in our lives, we choose to believe she was a precious soul lent to us by God precisely when we needed her most. Her presence strengthened the family in immeasurable ways, and she played a profound role in deepening the bond of her parents' marriage, bringing them the second child they had longed and prayed for.

Lucy was a spunky, energetic little goofball whose personality filled every room she entered. She was wonderfully ornery, able to flip a switch from being wild & silly to being the sweetest angel in the blink of an eye. She was constantly moving, snacking on everything, giving the cheesiest smile. Her mamá lovingly called her a “hot mess express,” a title that perfectly captured her lively spirit and endless amount of energy. She always wanted to be close to her mamá, practically joined at the hip. Their favorite song was "Dancing in the Moonlight.” Lucia’s face would light up anytime she heard it and would immediately ask mamá to dance. She had the cutest dimples and loved when her mamá would tickle her little cheeks. Lucia shared an incredibly close bond with her papá, their love & connection were evident to everyone around them. She loved to share “bubbles” (sparkling water) with him, steal his chapstick, or ask for a spritz of his cologne. She could never sit still, except for when she was sitting on her papá’s lap. She always wanted to copy everything her older sister “Vále” was doing; playing dress up, singing and dancing, painting their nails, coloring, and “haciendo travesuras” (being mischievous). They loved bath time together and sharing Mexican “pan” and café in the morning with mamá and papá.

Lucia adored being surrounded by our huge family. She loved running around with her many cousins, always trying to keep up with the older kids & making us all laugh. Some of her happiest moments were during our weekly family dinners with lively games of Italian cards, where she would giggle, play, and sneak as many sweets as she could. Little Lucy loved to be right in the middle of the chaos.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her great-grandparents, Emidio and Rosa Piermarini; Guadalupe and Josefina Ayala; Refugio and Natalia Torres; and her Zio Serafino.

Lucia is survived by her parents, Victoria (Piermarini) and Arnoldo; her big sister Valentina (“Vále”); her grandparents, Pellegrino and Tina Piermarini (“Nonno” and “Nonna”), and Martha and Juvenal Ayala (her “Titos”); and her great-grandmother, Olimpia “EIO” Fatica. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Olivia; Emidio (Monica); Oscar (Claudia); Hermila (Juan), who are also Lucia’s padrinos; and Hugo.

She will be greatly missed by her cousins, with whom she beamed with happiness from ear to ear: Selina, Gia Bella, Olimpia, Emiliano, Matias, Joshua, Emily, Jimena, and Owen. Lucia also leaves behind many aunts and uncles and countless second cousins who loved her dearly. We feel blessed that Lucy had the family she did, one that will continue to keep her memory alive.

Though Lucia’s time with our family was far too short, what a blessing it has been to have such a true “light” in our lives, and a light like hers was never meant to shine for just a moment. Lucy will continue to shine in every milestone her big sister reaches, every family dinner where her name is spoken, every moment her parents look at each other remembering the impact her life had on the family. Our family takes comfort in knowing that this beautiful child of God is now held safely in Heaven, wrapped in the eternal love of the Lord and the arms of our loved ones who went before her.

Vuela alto nuestro angelito precioso.

Friends may be received from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday March 15, 2026 at St. Joseph Parish Church, 1761 2nd St, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday March 16, 2026 at the church as well, with Fr. Jared Orndorff officiating.