Malia Jusczyk

Malia Dakota Jusczyk, born on June 26, 2008, in Ludlow, Massachusetts, and a resident of Plainville, Massachusetts, died after a heroic battle against relapsed neuroblastoma on June 14, 2023, at the age of 14.

A multi-talented young woman, Malia was an accomplished athlete, participating in the Old School Football Club, Plainville Athletic League, Plainville Youth Soccer League, District Select Team (2020), and the King Philip Basketball "KP ICE" team. She had a passion for soccer, baking, ping-pong, tennis, pickle ball, footgolf, basketball, track & field, softball, music, DJMJ (IYKYK), friendships, family, roller coasters, traveling, dancing, giggling, spreading kindness, and shining her bright light everywhere she went.

In 2021, she won an international baking competition and was named The Greatest Baker by Bake From Scratch Magazine. Malia also earned the position of Honorary New England Revolution Captain on September 25, 2021. Her greatest joys in life were her family, friends, soccer, school, baking, and traveling; she found purpose in being an inspiration to others during difficult times.

Malia is survived by her loving parents, Glen and Megan Jusczyk; her caring 7-year-old brother, Kole Jusczyk; and a host of adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Amy Marengo, Ada Rauscher, Mary Marengo, William III, Jeanne Lytle, Lance Jusczyk, Cecile Jusczyk, Dawn Citro, Tim Citro, Liberty Kendrick, Cameron Citro, Nathan Citro, Christopher Lytle, Jennifer Tamkus, Ireland Sargent, Damien Sargent, and Logan Sargent. Malia was preceded in death by her beloved uncle, Derrick Kendrick.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 2 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at St. Martha's Church, 227 South Main Street, Plainville. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, 565 Mount Hope Street, North Attleboro. There will not be a funeral procession the morning of the Mass from the funeral home to the church.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on St. Martha's YouTube channel at the following link: www.bit.ly/youtubePWC (capitals matter) or you may search YouTube for: Plainville Wrentham Catholic.

As we remember Malia, let us take in the words of philosopher Bertrand Russell: "Remind yourself that the world is what we make it, and that to the making of it, each one of us can contribute something."

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Malia’s honor to the For Kids’ Sake Foundation at www.forkidssakefoundation.org

Please share your stories of how Malia has and will continue to inspire your lives in her Facebook group: Malia's Legacy Loves On https://www.facebook.com/groups/1485902872232993

We encourage friends and family to also share their memories and upload photos to Malia's memorial page, as we remember and celebrate her vibrant life and the light she brought to all who knew her.