Sophia Rose Feldman, aged 15, of Los Alamos, unexpectedly passed away on September 28, 2019. She was with her parents at Los Alamos Medical Center, where staff worked assiduously to revive her – we cannot thank them enough for their valiant efforts.
Sophia was a bright and eloquent spirit in the world. As a student at Los Alamos High School, she was looking forward to singing in the Bel Canto choir, learning how to drive, entering upcoming speech and debate competitions, and trying to figure out what she wanted to do in the world. She had her first-ever full-time, paying job during the summer with the Youth Conservation Corps and although she found it challenging, she did the hard work of hiking miles every day with tools in hand to extricate tree roots and build new hiking trails. She also had big plans for the money she saved in her first savings account! She perhaps loved dancing most of all and had started to take ballet and hip-hop classes again until a knee injury forced her to learn to “love” crutches.
Sophia was a happy child who loved to talk, read and be read to, listen to oral stories, play the piano, dance and sing. She loved musicals, especially American in Paris and Fiddler on the Roof; in fact, her pre-school teacher told us that she tried to get her classmates to play “Fiddler on the Roof” but couldn’t find anyone to play Tevye. She had the great opportunity to live in Vienna, Austria, in grades 2-4, where she attended the Vienna International School, and was still able to keep in touch with friends from that time. While there, she did so many wonderful things, including making her first communion with the Vienna English-speaking community; forcing her mom to take her to Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells; petting a rat in Prague; hiking the Wien Wanderweg every fall; and doing a passion project on efforts to save the Amazon river dolphin, raising about $200 and working with a renowned scientist in the field.
Back in Los Alamos, she had to work hard to catch up her math skills with Ms. Mann at Chamisa; win second place in the elementary school speech competition in Grade 5 with an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech; and enter robotics and electric car competitions with her GATE team. She loved spending time with her brothers and amazing sisters-in-law in Washington, DC and wonderful uncles, aunts, and cousins in Texas and California, as well as her awesome grandparents, who drove all the way from Houston to Los Alamos to play musical-chairs-by-violin at her five-year birthday party (in spite of the snow). She was passionate about many things, especially the idea that all human beings have equal rights and should be treated with dignity and respect and without judgement. She had wonderful speech, acting, and debate mentors and encouragement from Ms. Richard at Chamisa, Ms. Bublitz at LAMS, and Ms. Batha at LAHS, and so many other wonderful teachers at all of her schools, including Ms. Sam and Mr. Mosier at Ponderosa Montessori, who so fed her young brain and spirit. She also was so lucky to have excellent piano (and life) instruction from Dr. Madeline Williamson; swim coaching from Coaches Linda and Maribeth; and dance instruction from Mr. Jonathan and Ms. Tina. She found some wonderful friends along the way in both New Mexico and Austria and we treasure all of you, especially at this time. Her “auntie” Bernadette Tsosie of Grand Junction wasalso so important in her life and we will always treasure the time that they were able to spend together.
She is survived by her parents Alex Feldman and Julia Whitworth of Los Alamos; brothers and sisters Herb Allen and Sofia Hassander of Washington, DC; and Graham and Hannah Feldman of Bangkok, Thailand; grandparents Harriet and Gerry Payne of Boerne, TX; uncles Albert Feldman of Warrensburg, NY; Richard Whitworth (Wanda) of Harlingen, TX; and Sam Whitworth (Abby) of Austin, TX; aunts Elizabeth Whitworth and Cecilia Poole (Gordy) of Austin, TX; and aunt Barbara Hunt (Jeff) of Incline Village, NV; godfather Shin-Ho Wang of Salt Lake City; and 13 wonderful cousins in Texas and Lake Tahoe. She was pre-deceased by grandparents Betty Pastellak, (Captain) Herb Feldman, and John Whitworth.
A Rosary/prayer service will be held this Thursday, October 3, 2019, 7 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Los Alamos, NM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated this Friday, October 4, 2019, 10 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, followed by burial at Guaje Pines Cemetery, Los Alamos, NM.
Please share your stories and condolences on this, Sophia's memorial page.
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About |
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| Name | Sophia Rose Feldman |
| Date of Birth | April 16th, 2004 |
| Date of Death | September 28th, 2019 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Los Alamos | |
| Address |
1627 A Central Avenue Los Alamos NM 87544 United States |
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published a tribute .
I received your card today and am so, so, so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Unfortunately, Ardi and I never had the opportunity to meet Sophia, but through the years we've looked forward to your Christmas cards to get a peek into your life with her. Your comfort can be in the great joy she gave you during her too-short life. Sometimes a soul knows it has a short time to shine and shines so brightly during that time that everyone is touched. It seems Sophia was one of those bright souls. May your hearts be comforted.
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I didn't realize this page of beautiful memories and mementos as well as condolences existed until today when I looked back on her obituary. I decided to say my condolences. I just want to say thank you, Sophia's mom for picking up her phone that day and letting me know of her passing. I couldn't bring myself to believe it was true when told by a friend. But hearing your words made it real. It is quite a terrible thing to lose someone. I miss her greatly, and I will always miss the joy she brought to my life since I met her in the eighth grade. I can not even bring myself to imagine how hard it has been. I remember how quick she was to make sure I was doing okay. She helped me get through tough times. We were close friends and its almost as if a piece of myself is missing. I remember our silly jokes during PE class and helping her work through the highs and lows of figuring out which depression medication worked best. And through all of that, she almost always had a smile on her face, always there to hug or confide in. She always gave people the benefit of the doubt and never hesitated to speak her mind. Lastly, I would like to thank you, Sophia's mom and dad, for raising such a beautiful, respectful young woman. I will remember her light forever, and work to spread her caring ways to others I meet in life.
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published a tribute .
A classmate of Sophia's here.
Sophia and I were pretty close friends back in middle school.
She helped me through a really difficult time in my life, and though we'd drifted apart since, I'll never forget that.
She was a terrific person, always one of my saner friends. She'd never hesitate to provide a shoulder to lean on. I remember she gave really nice hugs. And she had such a terrific laugh, whenever I told a particularly bad joke. I wish I could hear that laugh again, just once.
I found out about her death on Sunday, and I've long since run out of words to talk about it.
She was such a terrific person and it's so terribly sad that she's gone. The school (not to mention the world) isn't the same without her.
I miss her so much. All of us here at LAHS miss her.
And to the family, I say: I'm so sorry. It's an affront to the nature of the universe that she's gone.
I'm not religious, and I never have been. But if there is a heaven, I hope she's there and I hope she's happy.
My words are pitifully inadequate to convey what I feel, and they don't even come close to covering all that needs to be said.
She was such an amazing person and I can never describe just how amazing she was. I don't know if anybody can.
And my metaphors are beginning to tire, so I'll wrap this up.
Sophia, you were a great person. I wish you hadn't died but there's nothing I can do about it but honor your memory.
I hope it wasn't scary.
I hope it didn't hurt.
And, this is so cheesy, but I hope with all my heart that if there is another life it's better than here.
We miss you, Sophia.
Rest in peace, and goodbye.
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published a comment .
Will, Sophia spoke of you. you have said many of the things that I have been thinking over the last several weeks and you have said them quite well. If she were here, and I believe she is, she would tell you to embrace your family and friends and make good decisions.
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published a comment .
Sophie- Thanks for the photo and your emails. I remember that day fondly. I have been reading several short books by Elizabeth Kubler Ross, a Swiss physician and they have been helping.
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published a tribute .
Dear Sophia's Family and Friends -
Losing a child is the absolute hardest thing and it goes against human nature to find a way to accept it. We lost our daughter 6 years ago and still today it does not make logical sense to live without her. However some how we do - we learn to live life for her always feeling her presence. Sophia will always be there even though she is physically not with you. Let her memory always live on through those who love her. Time doesn't heal all wounds but it makes the grief easier to swallow. It sounds like even though her live was too short, it was filled with so much. It's hard not to focus on what could have been rather than what was.
Our grief counselor wrote this and it was on our refrigerator for the first two years to remind us.
Death…too soon? We often have preconceived notions about how we should consider life as complete. For some, it’s harder to accept the deaths of a ten year child or thirty year old adult than it is to accept the death of an eighty year old. Human logic and reason tell us that it’s really the eighty year old who had the most complete
life because he lived the longest and experienced the most. Yet despite our notions, it’s important to realize that every life is complete within its own right. A complete life has only two necessary components: birth and death.
Of course we want to fill this time in between with more years, more goals, more accomplishments, but these are human desires. We might feel that death came too soon to our loved one, but we can take comfort knowing that even if that life was brief, it had meaning and purpose, it was complete. Linda H. Phelps, Ph.D., LMFT
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Thanks so much for your thoughts Jennifer, especially given your own loss.
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published a tribute .
I had the delightful pleasure of working with Sophia in the Nutcracker a few years ago. She was a beautiful "Flower." Her love of dance and life was so apparent on stage and in the studio. She was a real joy to all around her. Sending prayers of comfort to you - Lisa Jaegers
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Many thanks Lisa, we have many wonderful photos of Sophia as a flower...
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published a tribute .
I was a periodic helper in Sophia’s school class when she was in 2nd grade. She was always kind and polite and there is one day in particular that I remember. There was something really bothering me that I couldn’t put aside even though I really enjoyed working with the kids. Sophia gave me a hug that day. Years later when talking to her about her 7th grade GATE project, she explained about how she was going to help people. My deepest condolences to Sophia’s family.
Many thanks for this beautiful anecdote Judy. Her 7th grade project was to try to bring refugee kids to Los Alamos for schooling - foiled by visa problems, but her heart was in the right place. Thank you for working with the kids - one of the things that makes our community wonderful.
Julia and Alex
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published a tribute .
Dear Julia and Alex,
No words will never be enough to express the sadness for Sophia's loss. Sophia was a beautiful and caring young woman. She loved life more than everything. Yesterday, I listened to American in Paris from Bernstein to honor her as she loved American in Paris. This morning, I played piano for her and I had a feeling she was observing me with a smile and encouraging me as I play like a beginner. Sophia will always be part of us and of our lives. She is in the arms of the angels now living her new life to the fullest as she always did. I am sure we will see her again in the other world when we all go there. I am sending you all my love. Anabelle joins me. We are all thinking of you in these very difficult moments.
Love,
Sophie, Anabelle, Chris, Julie and Leandro
(Vienna, Austria)
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published a tribute .
I didn't know her well enough to write a poem about her, but when I heard of her passing, I gasped in shock and repeated her full name in disbelief.
I remember her bright, metallic lipstick, and the many, many times my daughter mentioned her.
I didn't know her well enough to write a poem about her, but I know that she was smart, brilliant in fact, talented, friendly, a bright shining star.
I saw her with her mother at Pig and Fig the day before school started, and she laughed and told me she was rushing to finish the summer reading assignment. I reassured her that my daughter was at home doing the same.
I didn't know her well enough to write a poem about her, but the day after I found out she was gone, I looked around at the people going to the grocery store and gas station and wondered how her parents could bear it...the world at large seemingly the same while their world had just been destroyed.
I didn't know her well enough to write a poem about her, but I feel the loss of her and see the pain and emptiness that loss brings to my daughter. She sometimes drove Sophia home.
I didn't know her well enough to write a poem about her, yet here I sit, pen to paper, dumb, numb, intermittent tears rolling down my silent face, desperate to express the effect a girl I hardly knew has had on me and my grieving daughter who was her friend.
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published a tribute .
Dear Fieldman family,
Sofia was an amazing girl. She had a great heart.
My daughter was new at school and nobody wanted to be friends with her in her classroom. Even though Sofia was in another classroom, she came to my daughter and ask her to be her friend. She comforted her and helped her get through it. My family and myself are very sorry for your loss. Sofia was a little angel that will rest in piece. Our sincere condolences and prayers.
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published a tribute .
Dear Julia and Alex, Natalia and I send our deepest condolences for your loss and you are both in our thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of Sophia from the time I met here, she was a dynamic, intelligent, thoughtful and caring young lady. Our heart goes out to you. If there is anything we could possibly do please let us know.
Bill, Natalia, Declan, Morgan
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published a tribute .
Dear Feldman family, you don't know me but my daughter, Laura, was in choir with Sophia and started as an alto this year. Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I have been thinking of you this week and praying for your family, may God be with you at this heart breaking time. with love, Melissa Scott
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published a comment .
My daughter met your daughter this summer at Fuller Lodge art camp. We no longer live in Los Alamos, but saw this post and were deeply saddened. Moriah said your daughter was very kind.
published a comment .
Our deepest condolences, and many prayers to the family. Heaven's newest angel.
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published a tribute .
Julia and Alex,
Finally here in White Rock, to spend time with you and your family. I can still hear Sophia laughing and involved with engaging conversations. She had a great start in life because of you both. You raised a caring and intelligent young woman. I am thankful for the opportunity watching her growing from a baby. I can still see my mom playing and laughing with Sophia as she held her. Mom was hoping she would spend time with her in Shiprock when she was older, she made my mom happy. As Sophia got older we became friends and a great kid to hang out with. I enjoyed her interests in other cultures. Sophia always provided me with great music recommendations, and enjoyed watching her dance and playing the piano. I will miss Sophia.
Love you both!
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published a tribute .
Julia, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Reggie and Kim Page
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published a tribute .
Dear Julia, my family and I are sending our deepest condolences and warming thoughts. It was not long ago when Sophia was having fun in our neighborhood with Alex, Maria, and Irina. I simply cannot believe she is gone....My thoughts are with you and I wish you both the strength to overcome this loss.
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published a tribute .
I was in Concert choir with Sophia last year. She was an alto solo for one of the songs we performed, and she has an excellent voice. It just feels so unreal to hear that she tragically left us.
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published a tribute .
Julia and Alex - I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing Sophia when I visited you in Los Alamos and Vienna. You and she are in my thoughts.
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published a tribute .
I recently had the honor and privilege of meeting Sophia at dinner during one of my trips to Los Alamos to work. Alex and Julia, I am deeply saddened for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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published a tribute .
Julia and Family,
My family and I are sending you our deepest condolences and prayers for the loss of Sophia. May God Bless you all during this difficult time and may you find comfort knowing that this not forever, this is until you meet again. May our loving God hold her in his loving arms.
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published a tribute .
Julia and Alex, I am so sorry to hear about Sophia. I remember so many stories I'd hear from you about all the amazing activities she was involved with, and how she was developing into a wonderful young woman. My deepest condolences.
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published a tribute .
While I understand that my words will not fully comfort you during this time, I want you to understand that I am here to listen if you ever need and understanding ear. I am so saddened for your loss, and I am here to support you in any way you need.
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published a tribute .
My condolences. It is never easy to lose a family member, but always harder to lose a child. The family is in my prayers.
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published a tribute .
I didn’t know Sophia but she is a beautiful young girl and my heart goes out to her family and friends. Such a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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published a comment .
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. While I didn't know Sophia personally, I knew OF her by all the wonderful things her mother talked about and the way her face glowed with joy when describing her daughter. She is clearly a remarkable young lady and the world will miss her.
published a comment .
I saw he picture and looked at her age and my heart was saddened. I lost a son at age 15 December 29, 1996. My heart aches to this day. My deepest condolences to the family. May God strengthen you all!
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published a tribute .
Hi Julia and Alex we have just learned about Sophie. We hearts go out to you both. We remember Sophie as a delightful young lady and especially when we joined you all in celebrating Sophie's First Communion. This was so special, not just for Sophie and you guys but for us too. We are sending so much love to you both winging its way from South Africa. Take care, look after each other. All our love Rob and Ann
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published a tribute .
I didn’t know Sophia but she sounded like she was very special. I am truly so sorry for your loss. My god hold your family and Sophia in the hollow of His hand.
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published a tribute .
Sophia was such a beautiful young woman, inside and out. She was always caring, kind, and a good friend to my daughter. It's a great loss to those who knew her and to those who didn't know her yet. So much love to her family.
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published a tribute .
Dear Alex and Julia,
I have no words to express how sorry we are to hear of this passing of your wonderful daughter Sophia. Take comfort in knowing that Sophia is rejoicing in Heaven. We are praying that your faith will help you through this very difficult time. We pray that you will find the strength to get you through your grief and sadness. With our deepest sympathy, we love you guys.
Leonard & Rachel Manzanares, Megan, Mia and Marcos
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published a tribute .
She was just an absolute joy to teach in the Chamisa library. My deepest sympathies and prayers go to her family and friends. This world is lessened with her passing.
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published a tribute .
What a beautiful tribute to Sophia. I know how very much she was loved. My heart goes out to you.
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published a tribute .
Words are not adequate to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. You daughter was an inspiration to everyone around her. They say we never lose the people we love because she will live on with us in our hearts.
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published a tribute .
Dearest Julia and Alex, we extend our deepest condolences to you and we are sending our love and prayers to you! No words can describe the sadness and loss, we cry with you and wish you strength and support. <3 <3 <3
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published a tribute .
On behalf of Rivera Family Funeral and Cremations of Los Alamos we extend our deepest love and condolences to the family of Sofia.
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