Ava Willford
July 13 1996 - October 6 2024
Visitation :
John Quint Treboni Funeral Home
Tuesday October 15th 2024 4-6:30 pm
1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43212
Services:
Celebration of Life
Tuesday October 15th 2024 at 6:30 pm
John Quint Treboni Funeral Home
1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus
, Ohio 43212
The Funeral Service will immediately follow the vistitation.
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Obituary
Ava Shawhan Willford, age 28 died on October 6, 2024, while undergoing a liver transplant, after living a life that was filled with the love and admiration of a multitude of family and friends. Ava lit up every room she entered. She was beautiful but that was the least interesting thing about her. Ava was a unique free spirit, and those who were fortunate enough to know her admired her individuality. She accomplished so much in her far too brief life despite all her health-related challenges. Ava was one of a kind, thoughtful, smart, genuine, stylish, patient, sweet, gracious, generous, authentic, vibrant, radiant, creative, effortlessly funny, wry, magical, whimsical, passionate, principled, loyal, dependable and, above all, resilient and courageous. She was not religious but was deeply spiritual, and socially conscious. Ava cared about the world. She was a feminist; she advocated for the environment and against racism, the death penalty and large companies like Amazon that squeeze locally owned businesses. Ava loved Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, hot gossip, pop culture (she briefly was Insta famous with her Dress Like Rachel Green project), thrift shopping, binge watching especially Law & Order: SVU, astrology and zodiac signs as well as joyfully celebrating every holiday to the fullest. Ava was born July 13, 1996, in Columbus, Ohio. She was the daughter of Bryan & Lynn (Hills) Willford. She attended Bishop Ready High where she graduated in 2014 and was a 2018 graduate of Ohio University with a BSc in Communications studying Integrated Media Production and Creative Writing. At Ohio University Ava joined Delta Zeta Sorority. She worked many jobs in social media marketing and retail, but her favorite was with Anthropologie. Ava was fashion forward and aspired to become a visual merchandiser and was taking classes at the Parsons School of Design. Ava is survived by her parents; brothers, Eric Willford and Ben (Rachel) Willford; sister, Merritt (Mark) Nemcek; beloved nieces and nephews, Vincent Willford, Harper, Hayden & Brooks Nemcek; her cat Midge as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends. Ava was preceded in death by her grandparents, Phyllis & Robert Willford and Lorraine & James Hills. Those who knew and loved Ava encourage you to learn the facts about organ donation, sign up to be an organ donor through your state's organ donation registry or a national registry like Donate Life America, talk about your decision to friends and family and include donation in your advance directives, living will and end of life documents. Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provided much support to Ava and her family when she, at 3 months of age, underwent her lifesaving liver transplant at the University of Chicago. Ava was a ray of sunshine in a dark world. She received the gift of life and then gifted all of us with her life. She has left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Ava Willford
From : Shelly Lewis Nalley
To : Lyn and Brian
Date: October 9th 2024
There are just so many memories of a beautiful little girl. One of my favorite was why my kitten had a first and last name as well as a middle initial. It was because Ava was with us when Suzy Q. Mittens joined our family, and she was determined that Mittens was included, as she was 'wearing' her white furry mittens always. Ten year old Ava was very wise. I will miss her always.
From : Erin Arnett
To : Willford family
Date: October 9th 2024
I will continue to lift your family in prayer as you navigate unthinkable grief. I will honor Ava’s life by continuing to advocate for organ & tissue donation and by leaning into my own free-spirited self. My mom heart aches for you.
From : Helen Yune Trowbridge
To : The whole family
Date: October 10th 2024
I did not know Ava but am a long-time friend of her aunt, Margaret O'Donnell, and am just so heartbroken for the whole family. (One of my nieces is also named Ava.) Peace and comfort to all of you on such a terrible loss.
From : Shirley Landthorn
To : Lynn
Date: October 10th 2024
Lynn, my heart breaks for you and your family! There are no words that any of us can say in this situation that will
make you feel better, but know that so many of us are there for you, and feel your pain! You raised a beautiful, gifted daughter, but you also raised "a fighter"! You were not only her mom, but her champion, her caregiver, and also her best friend. Let her strength keep you strong through this terrible ordeal, and let the memories keep her with you always, in your mind and in your heart! Love, your friend (and patient), Shirley XOXOX
From : Alexis
To : Avas Family
Date: October 10th 2024
I got to work with Ava for several semesters and absolutely loved whenever we had the same shift. Ava was always so fun, creative, and had the biggest smile. I hope we all get to work with people like Ava.
From : Jessica and Josh Thomaa
To : The Willford family
Date: October 11th 2024
Words are not enough to convey our sympathies for your loss. Ava was exactly as you described and as full of life as one can be. We are glad to have worked with for as long as we did. And to witness her humor, enthusiasm for life, and of course style, first-hand.
From : Kyle jones
To : Ava wilford
Date: October 11th 2024
Ava is amazing. It breaks my heart to hear of her passing. She’s in a better place and watching over all of us
From : Dani Shangold
To : Willford Family
Date: October 13th 2024
I went to college with Ava, I was a year ahead of her, and we became friends by floating in similar circles. She brought such a joyful spirit to everything she attended, every room she walked in.
There are many little memories I find myself holding dear right now. Her love of the song 'Africa' by Toto, I can't remember a time where I've heard that song and have not thought of her and smiled. When she decided to dress like Rachel Green for a week and capture it on social media; I remember at the time thinking how much I loved that Ava would do these projects just for her. Because it was fun, it brought HER joy; and she shared that with others around her.
We have very similar tastes, a love for popular culture and Taylor Swift and similar shows and movies; I was felt connected to her that way throughout the years I knew her. I was living in Los Angeles when she did her semester program there and I remember seeing Lady Bird together after work in the middle of the week because she wanted to see it as much as I did.
We fell out of touch as time moved on, as people do. However as she went through this incredibly difficult journey, with so much grace and bravery, I found myself thinking of her often. So impressed by her courage and sending hopeful thoughts.
I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. I know there are absolutely no words right now, but I hope you take comfort in the fact that everyone really loved Ava. She was such a beautiful girl, with a beautiful heart and spirit. I miss her, and I'll remember the found memories and smile, always.
My best,
Dani Shangold, fellow bobcat.
From : Cheryl Holtgreven
To : Bryan and Lynn and family
Date: October 13th 2024
Words cannot describe the sorrow and sympathy we have for all of you at this very difficult time. We are thinking of you , hugs to all of you
From : Miss Elaine Schuttinger
To : Ava Willford
Date: October 13th 2024
Bryan, Lynn and Eric, though I haven't seem Ava in years..... I do have wonderful memories of a hard working, kind, caring, friendly student of mine. Know that you have all been very especially in my prayers since I heard about Ava last Monday. Unfortunately I am out of town for the week so I will not be able to see you at the funeral home. Hopefully some of the other teachers will make it.
Though it was a short life I am sure it was a wonderful life for Ava. I know she will be looking out for all of you from heaven.
Keeping you all in prayer.....
From : Becky Swanson
To : Lynn and Bryan
Date: October 15th 2024
Holding you up in prayers and strength as you go through this difficult day .
My Emily went to OU and was in many classes and sorority with Ava . Emily enjoyed a wonderful friendship and many fun, good times with Ava.
Emily is traveling abroad or she would be there today . We will continue to encourage organ donation in Ava’s memory
From : Aidan Hatcher
To : The Willford Family
Date: October 16th 2024
I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. Ava was such a sweet and kind person and I can't remember ever seeing her without a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all