Elias Wezowicz

GORHAM — Elias Thomas Wezowicz, 9, of Gorham passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 at Maine Medical Center in the arms of his parents after a courageous battle with mitochondrial disease.

He was born Feb. 1, 2006, at Mercy Hospital in Portland, and was the firstborn child of Sarah and Joel Wezowicz.

Family was everything to Elias. He spoke of his love for them right until his passing. He is survived by his parents, younger sister Adia, grandparents Sherman and Penny Milliken of Topsham, and Thomas and Mary Ellen Wezowicz of Bridgton, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that he adored.

Elias loved to be with others. He was a fourth grader at Narragansett Elementary school, where he was able to spend time with his friends. He had a great sense of wonder, loved art, science and learning about the world. He was a compassionate young man with an amazing sense of humor. Elias took great joy in making others laugh.

At an early age, Elias enjoyed doing karate, playing soccer and tee-ball and going on hikes with his family. As his energy began declining, he found more joy in his garden, fishing and playing games with friends and family. Through all of his struggles, Elias never gave up and continually showed his selflessness, always wanting his sister to participate in all of the activities he could no longer physically do.

Elias was very spiritual and had wisdom well beyond his years. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish in Westbrook. He loved to attend Mass when he was well enough and prayed every night for others suffering from illness. His faith gave him a great sense of peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elias’ honor to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation’s Path to a Cure at www.umdfpathtoacure.org

Visiting hours were held on Friday, Nov. 27 at Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street in Gorham. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 28 at St. Anthony of Padua, 268 Brown Street in Westbrook followed by a committal service at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com