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A Special Soul

urb of Bexley. She was an ardent fan of the
University of Michigan, however, the alma
adyn Erin Larky was a sweet and fun- mater of her mother, Liza, and father. She
proudly wore her U-M shirt and
loving girl who enjoyed
was looking forward to spend-
spending time with her
ing her fourth summer at Camp
family, eating ice cream and gig-
Michigania near Charlevoix with
gling with her friends. Jadyn’s
her family, where she enjoyed
young life was cut tragically short
archery, arts and crafts and water
when a tree fell on her cabin at
sports.
Camp Livingston in southeast
She was a good student who
Indiana during a severe thunder
realized that hard work was an
and lightning storm in the early
important component of success,
morning hours of June 21. She
Jadyn Larky
even at such a young age. She was
was 11 years old.
a member of the girls’ lacrosse
According to Jadyn’s father,
team at her school; she also took
native Detroiter Howard Larky,
Jadyn was a kind and gentle girl who always karate lessons and frequently participated
in CrossFit sessions with her father. She was
had a smile on her face. She was especially
fascinated by cars and had started learn-
close to her little sister, Elliot, whom she
ing about the various brands, makes and
never failed to hug and kiss good night.
models.
“She was my soul mate,” said Howard
“I don’t know how she accomplished all
Larky. “She was one of those kind souls who
this in only 11 years, but she did … she
was loved by everyone.”
was such a special girl,” said her father. “If
Jadyn lived in the Columbus, Ohio, sub-

Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer

J

someone had a disability, she made sure to
include that person in her group of friends.”
One of Jadyn’s great pleasures was visiting
with her Metro Detroit family: grandparents
Sheldon and Barbara Larky; aunt and uncle
Lorie Savin and Adam Larky; and her cous-
ins Elizabeth and Abigail.
“She loved spending time with her cous-
ins, and no trip here was complete without a
visit to Steve’s Deli for chicken noodle soup,”
said Sheldon Larky.
Like many girls her age, Jadyn liked rid-
ing her bike and having sleepovers with her
friends. She loved sweets and steak dinners
and enjoyed reading every night before
bedtime. She dreamed of becoming an inte-
rior designer and was looking forward to
celebrating her bat mitzvah in Israel instead
of having a fancy party at home. She was
thoughtful and sensitive, described by her
sister’s camp counselor as “one of the sweet-
est girls I have ever met.”
To honor the memory of their friend,
neighbor and schoolmate, the Bexley com-
munity started a white ribbon campaign,
adorning clothing, trees and Facebook
photos with white ribbons of all shapes and
sizes.
“We saw close to 1,000 trees between

Bexley and Columbus decorated with white
ribbons,” said Sheldon Larky.
She enjoyed going to sporting events with
her father, admitting she enjoyed his com-
pany more than whatever game was being
played.
“I was blessed to have been a close part
of Jadyn’s life for nearly four years,” said
Howard Larky’s girlfriend, Lori Kaethow.
“She was a lovely girl who had such love for
her daddy. Her laugh was infectious and she
always had a smile on her face. My daughter
Alyvia and Jadyn were like sisters. Alyvia
loves Jadyn so much, and we both will miss
her so much.”
Jadyn is survived by her mother, Liza
(Terri Moore); father, Howard (Lori
Kaethow); sister, Elliot Hannah Larky;
grandparents, Barbara and Sheldon Larky
and Debby and Jerry Yarov; great-grand-
mother, Cecile Freedman; uncle and aunt,
Adam (Lorie Savin) Larky; cousins, friends
and other relatives.
A private service and interment were held
in Ohio. Those wishing to make a donation
may contribute to the Jadyn Larky Camp
Scholarship Fund c/o Columbus Jewish
Foundation, 1175 College Ave., Columbus,
OH 43209.

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66 June 30 • 2016

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