Alyssa Anne Apostolakis, 21, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in Asheville, North Carolina. Alyssa was born February 13, 1994 and grew up in Medina.
She attended St. Francis Xavier School and was a 2012 graduate of Auldern High School. She was a student in Asheville, North Carolina at Warren Wilson College and AB Tech and was affectionately known as “AP”. Alyssa had a beautiful and captivating smile that spread her genuine sunshine to all. She was quick to laugh and love and had a gentle soul that she freely shared with others. Alyssa embraced people with her warmth, vibrancy, courage, positive outlook and hilarious sense of humor. She touched many lives in her short years and taught many people how to love themselves and others. As a young woman, she loved music (especially the Grateful Dead), art and photography, snowboarding, the outdoors; both sea and mountains, animals and McDonald’s. She was a talented artist and loved drawing and painting and gifted many of her creations to friends and family. Her greatest joy was spending time and traveling with her family and friends with whom she shared her love immensely.
She was preceded in death by her dear grandparents, Richard and Jay Heidman, and Jo Malone.
Alyssa is survived by her adoring parents, Lea Anne Heidman and Brian Malone; sister, Nicole, brother, Carter; niece, Lilly, and her grandmother, Char Malone.
Throughout her life, she was surrounded by a loving and supportive family, extended family and many, many close and encouraging friends. Alyssa’s sweet spirit, sparkling eyes and infectious smile and boisterous laugh will live on in our hearts forever. Alyssa, also known by her family as “Wyssa” will be greatly missed and always loved.
I Will Take You Home (Little Girl Lost) by Grateful Dead
“Wherever we go, there will be birds to cheer you
Flower to color in the fields around.
Wherever we go, I’ll be right here near you
You can’t get lost when you’re always found.”
Two memorial services, honoring Alyssa, were held in Asheville, North Carolina. Her remains may be viewed on the Blue Ridge Mountains on a sunny day with China Cat sunflower in the foreground.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Vista Treatment Centers, a residential facility designed to assist teenagers and young adults in overcoming substance abuse and mental health issues. Vista Treatment Centers, 1122 W. South Jordan Parkway, Suite B, South Jordan, Utah 84095. Please put “Alyssa Apostolakis-Heidman” in the memo of your payment, and it will get credited to an account that assists families in need.
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