Aurelia Park

Aurelia Park

January 15, 2009 – May 24, 2025

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we remember Aurelia Park, a radiant soul whose sixteen years with us were filled with laughter, creativity, and deep, unwavering love. Smart, funny, and fiercely determined, Aurelia had a quiet strength that drew people in. She didn’t need to speak loudly to be heard—when she spoke, her words carried weight, often laced with perfect timing and gentle wit.

Aurelia led with her heart. She embraced each day as a gift and every person as a friend. She saw the world through the eyes of an artist—finding beauty in the overlooked, meaning in the mundane, and joy in the smallest of moments. Her spirit was both strong and soft, blending drive and discipline with a love of fun and a contagious laugh that made every moment brighter.

Born on a snowy January day in 2009, Aurelia arrived just forty seconds before her twin brother, Isaac—a fact she never let him forget. From the very beginning, she was full of life and curiosity. Her early nickname, “Ya Ya,” given by Isaac, stuck around as a sweet reminder of their bond.

Aurelia grew up surrounded by love in a home filled with laughter, creativity, and the occasional friendly sibling rivalry. She shared a special closeness with her older siblings, Madison and Josh, and a deep, unshakable connection with Isaac. Her dad, Kevin, stayed home with the kids, and Aurelia—never one for naps—kept him on his toes. Her mom, Roni, shared with her a love of theater, home repairs, and spontaneous adventures, including a cherished trip to Toronto to see Broadway shows. “Hamilton” and “Six” were her favorites.

Aurelia had a fearless love for travel—no journey was too big or too small. Whether it was a spontaneous late-night Taco Bell run for a box of tacos and a Baja Blast or a cross-country road trip with her family, she embraced every outing like it was the start of a grand expedition. To her, every destination held the promise of discovery, and every mile was a memory in the making.

A student at Portage Central High School, Aurelia was in 10th grade and thriving. She loved art and dreamed of attending Notre Dame, drawn not only to its academic excellence but also to its rowing and water polo teams. A true water bug, she swam competitively, played water polo, and became a certified lifeguard. One of her proudest moments was scoring seven of her team’s nine points in a single water polo game—a memory she and her family held close.

Though naturally introverted, Aurelia had a wide and diverse group of friends. She was kind, loyal, and always made people feel accepted. Whether standing up for causes she believed in, like the LGBTQ+ community, helping coach swim and water polo, or just being a thoughtful friend, she made others feel seen. Her best friend, McKenna Lamp, had been by her side since third grade—a bond filled with laughter, trust, and unwavering support.

Aurelia had a flair for the unique. She loved changing her hair color—pink was her favorite—and had a soft spot for horror movies, Poke bowls, popsicles, Harry Potter and the Twilight and Hunger Games series. She was proud of earning her driver’s license and looked forward to all the milestones ahead, especially voting.

She also had a gift for baking—her cinnamon rolls and homemade pretzels were legendary—and she loved the cozy smell of bookstores and the joy of cooking shows. Whether running errands with her mom or going for a drive with her dad, she simply loved being with her family.

Aurelia’s taste in music was as bold and diverse as she was. As a proud member of the Portage Central Chamber Singers, she loved performing—but her playlist didn’t stop there. From the dramatic flair of Broadway musicals to the thunder of heavy metal, she embraced it all with fearless enthusiasm. Music wasn’t just something she listened to—it was something she lived.

In August 2024, Aurelia’s world shifted when she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Even in the face of this unimaginable challenge, she remained true to herself—resilient, grounded, and full of grace. She never let her illness define her. Instead, she continued to live with purpose, humor, and love.

Aurelia’s time with us was far too short, but her impact was immeasurable. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and creativity. She is deeply missed by her parents, Roni and Kevin; her siblings, Madison, Josh, and Isaac; her grandparents, Stuart and Mary Clark and Betty Jo Park; her aunts, uncles and cousins and all those lucky enough to have known her.

Aurelia is preceded in death by her grandparents Stephen Park, Ron and Julie Thebo, and Susan Jenquin.

We will carry her memory in every bold hair color, every dive into a pool, every shared laugh, and every cinnamon roll baked with love. Aurelia’s light continues to shine in the hearts of all who loved her.

Please join us for a Life Story Service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared will follow. Celebrate Aurelia's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, Bronson Health Foundation- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fund, or to Portage Central High School, Women's Aquatics-Water Polo.