July 3, 2006 – December 14, 2012

Allison “Allie” enjoyed gardening with her mother. She was vibrant, funny outgoing and kind and a “budding artist. She covered her family’s home in her paintings and drawings. She smiled easily and wouldn’t hesitate to share her Goldfish crackers with a stranger.” [1]

Allison’s grandparents lived in Dayton, Ohio. When they heard about the shooting in Newtown, they encouraged the members of their parish to pray for the family. The parish website said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut on December 12, 2012. We are especially saddened as we have discovered this has hit our parish community directly.” On Friday, “one of Allison’s aunts posted on Facebook that her nieces attended Sandy Hook school, and asked for prayer. ‘One is fine and the other is missing at this time.’ We are remaining positive at this time and counting on the power of prayer.” After she discovered that Allison was killed, she again asked for prayers. [2]

Allison’s younger sister, Lauren was also at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on the day of the shootings but survived. Friends of the family set up a memorial fund in Florida, where they used to live. Allison’s parents Ben and Cheyanne said: “We are in awe of the outpouring of support we have received over these difficult past few days. We know how many people are trying to help.” [3]

Police stand watch during the funeral for Sandy Hook Elementary School student Allison Wyatt at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Southbury, Connecticut on Thursday December 20, 2012. Photo: Christian Abraham

Mourners embraced as they arrive for Allison’s funeral at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Southbury, Connecticut on Thursday, December 20, 2012. The Rev. Joseph T. Donnelly thanked the parish for welcoming the Wyatt family.

Two Connecticut state troopers led the family into the church while Pallbearers carried the small, white casket to the front. Soloist Rachel Ulreich sang Hallelujah. Photo: Christian Abraham

In Southbury, mourners tied green ribbons to trees around town in honor of six-year-old Allison Wyatt.

Rev. Donnelly said, “We are in the middle of an overwhelming experience for this family, this town and our nation. It’s good that we’re here together. Our connecting with one another can be a great source of support.”

Rev. Walter L. Pitman, the senior pastor, led the service and was the only one who spoke at the funeral that several hundred people attended. He noted that Allison taught her younger sister, Lauren, how to “ride the school bus. He told the mourners that “Allison was a young artist who turned her room into a studio. Now, she is going to have “a much bigger studio” in heaven. Although she was only with us for a very short time, we are better people for having her with us.” [4]

None of the family or friends spoke at the funeral. Pitman did not know the Wyatt before the terrible shooting but had spent time getting to know them “and their beloved Allie.” Pitman said, “She had her two grandfathers wrapped around her finger and she knew it. Allie loved to read, often digging through bags of books. She loved math. That alone makes her a saint.” He said Allison “wanted to be a teacher…and like most children, was naturally inquisitive.” [5]

Pittman said, “There wasn’t a simple answer for Ally. You couldn’t just answer a question with `because.’ The next words out of her mouth would be `Why?”

The color green became a symbol of support for the victims. “Many of the mourners filing into the church wore green ribbons.” There was a gazebo not far from the church with a “large green ribbon… and trees were adorned with green ribbons as well.” [6]

Pitman encouraged the mourners to learn “from Allie’s kindness and exuberance. Live your life the way she lived hers. Be funny. Be goofy. Be silly. Greet each day with fun and a sense of adventure. And, whenever possible, share your Goldfish with a stranger.” [7]

A jogger runs along Main Street after workers from Brickman Group, a national landscaping company, put up green ribbons on 26 trees on Southbury Green property in Southbury Connecticut. Photo: Christian Abraham

Courtesy of Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play, The Sandy Ground project opened a playground in memory of Allison Wyatt at Oyster Shell Park in Norwalk. Copyright © 2017, Hartford Courant

🖥 Allison’s Playground in Norwalk Opens

[1] Amanda Cuda, A ‘fortunate group’ to know ‘Allie,’ CT Post, 12/20/2012, http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/A-fortunate-group-to-know-Allie-4135366.php; retrieved 12/12/2017

[2] The Newtown Shooting Victims: Who They Were, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/The-Newtown-Shooting-Victims-Who-They-Were-183658461.html; retrieved 12/13/2017

[3] Pete Samson, US Editor, Dylan died in the arms of the amazing Mrs. Murphy, 4/4/2016, https://www.thesun.co.uk/archives/news/347549/dylan-died-in-the-arms-of-the-amazing-mrs-murphy/; retrieved 12/12/2017

[4] John Hilton, New Haven Register, Young artist Allison Wyatt, 6, was a great big sister, 12/20, 2012, http://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Young-artist-Allison-Wyatt-6-was-a-great-big-11507020.php#photo-13777968; retrieved 12/12/2017

[5] Amanda Cuda, A ‘fortunate group’ to know ‘Allie,’ CT Post, 12/20/2012, http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/A-fortunate-group-to-know-Allie-4135366.php; retrieved 12/12/2017

[6] Amanda Cuda, A ‘fortunate group’ to know ‘Allie,’ CT Post, 12/20/2012, http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/A-fortunate-group-to-know-Allie-4135366.php; retrieved 12/12/2017

[7] Amanda Cuda, A ‘fortunate group’ to know ‘Allie,’ CT Post, 12/20/2012, http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/A-fortunate-group-to-know-Allie-4135366.php; retrieved 12/12/2017