'One Of The Brightest:' Morris County Mourns 8th-Grade 'Star'

ROXBURY – Maya Guberman was one of the brightest, one of the "most amazing young ladies" you'll ever meet, a family friend said. She did amazing things, too.

She started her own GoFundMe page, at the age of 13. It was all about saving the ocean, but she made sure to let people know that this was a project she really cared about.

"Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me," the page, which dedicated money toward the Oceanic Global Foundation, says. "I've enjoyed the ocean ever since I was little, and it breaks my heart to see how bad it's been doing because of us humans destroying it."

It was the tragic news of Maya's passing that got people to remember the amazing things she did. Perhaps the memory of those things also helped the Roxbury community deal with their grief on Thursday and Friday, just as the school community offered counselors to families and students.

"Maya was 13 and one of the brightest, most amazing young ladies I have ever met," said Claudy Rojas Larrahondo. "The world was shortchanged a bright and shining star while heaven gained an angel."

Maya Claire Guberman, 13, passed away on Thursday, and a GoFundMe page was set up to assist the family and pay tribute to the eighth-grade "star."

Also, services were announced: The celebration of Maya’s life will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16, with visiting hours from 2 to 6 p.m. and a celebration-of-life service from 6 to 7 p.m. at Temple Shalom, located at 215 S. Hillside Ave. in Succasunna.

"Maya loved the beach, snowboarding and volleyball," according to the GoFundMe page. "She was a member of Three Danes Crossfit for two years. She loved cheerleading with the Roxbury Jr. Gaels and participating in the Eisenhower Drama Club."

"Maya was loved by everyone. She was caring, kind, and brought light to the world around her. "

Loretta Radulic, Roxbury superintendent of Schools, made the announcement of Maya's passing with "deep sadness and with the family's permission," noting that she was an 8th grade student at Eisenhower Middle School.

"I am asking that you respect the privacy of the family, but keep them in your kind thoughts," she said. "Know that we have been working with administration and staff to share resources available to our students. From you, parents, we ask that you please pay attention to your children's reactions."

Morris Sussex Sports reported that Maya Guberman was "a beautiful person and proud member of the Junior Gael Cheer Program whose life was cut way too short."

"We are calling on the Morris-Sussex sports community to help Maya’s family and the town of Roxbury deal with this unimaginable pain by letting them know we are all Roxbury Strong," the publication said.

To help support the community, Eisenhower Middle School will continue to offer counselors to children and their families.