Samantha Truszkiewicz

Samantha Truszkiewicz passed away peacefully after a long battle with Batten Disease in the comfort of her home in Haskell, NJ on February 26, 2016.

Samantha was born on February 1, 2007 in Paterson, NJ to her parents, Luke Truszkiewicz and Kamila Wojcicka. She was a happy and healthy little girl full of joy who loved to share her smile with the world. After developing normally for the first 3 years of her life she began to experience seizures and a steady loss of motor functions. On January 3, 2012 Samantha was diagnosed with Batten Disease. This rare and terminal degenerative brain disease has no cure or effective treatments. Despite the diagnosis and a more rapid loss of motor functions, eyesight and ability to speak, Samantha continued to fight on and show the world her beautiful smile. She enjoyed long walks in the park, splashing in the pool, sunny days at the lake and snuggling on the couch with her mommy and beloved dog Misiu.

Samantha is survived by her parents, Luke Truszkiewicz and Kamila Wojcicka; stepfather Matthew DePeri; grandparents, Wieslawa, Alicja, Jan, Michael and Janet; aunts, Ursula, Agata and Cassandra; uncles, Radek, Michael Jr. and John; and cousins, Natalia, Nicola, Jonathan and Jordan.

Precious Samantha has earned her wings and is free from the pain and struggles of her disease. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Sacred Heart at 6 pm on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 12 Terrace Avenue, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Sammie’s memory to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association at www.bdsra.org