Besides her parents, Alya’s memory will forever be cherished by her grandparents, Doug & Marsha Graveland, her two aunties, Trish Fleming and Erin Quinteros; her cousins: Brooklyn, Nathan, Jaden, Jordan, Elin and Ethan, her Uncle Ruben, her Grandma Rose and her big South Carolina and North Carolina family. She is also survived by her father, Mark in Australia, as well as other extended family members living there.

From the moment Alya was born, her family knew she was destined for great things. She began to read at the age of two, and by the age of 5 she was already an avid chess player. Alya had a curious mind and loved to research anything that was of interest to her, and she remembered everything that she read. In recent years, Alya taught herself sign language and was also learning several other languages on her own. Alya attended St Teresa of Calcutta Elementary School, St Francis Jr High, and Catholic Central for a short time in grade 10 before becoming ill. In grade 9, she received an Honours with Great Distinction award, and was in the top three in her class. After high school, Alya was planning to attend university, and in recent months was considering becoming a speech pathologist.

Alya was passionate about her walk with the Lord and was baptized in May 2024. She loved to attend youth group at the Miz, and enjoyed having deep discussions with some of the youth leaders. She often challenged them with her thought provoking questions.

Alya was a beautiful soul. She was caring, sweet, compassionate, funny, loving, creative, a good and loyal friend, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She will always be her Mom and Dad’s Sunshine.

A Celebration of Alya’s life will be held at the MIZ CITY CHURCH, 502 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, July 4, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Daniel Zopoula officiating.

The Celebration of life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Alya’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.