Westfield 8th Grader Dies After Long Battle With Brain Tumor

WESTFIELD, NJ — The community is mourning the tragic loss of Westfield eighth grader Siya Singla, who died on Saturday, Jan. 4 after a long battle with a brain tumor.

"Our hearts and prayers are with her family as they endure this tragic loss," said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle during a Council meeting on Tuesday.

A Celebration Of Life for Siya will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Westfield Community Hall, 425 East Broad St., Westfield.

Siya was described as a very artistic girl who loved to sing.

"She would sing soft melodies like an angel, and went from singing in the shower to giving performances, with dreams of one day appearing on America’s Got Talent. She also enjoyed dancing and gave many performances on stage since she was just 5 years old," according to her obituary."

Siya was also described as compassionate and someone who was always extending a helping hand to those in need.

"She believed in equality and at such a young age could stand tall stressing the importance of equality. She was ambitious and smart, constantly pushing her boundaries and setting new goals for herself," according to her obituary.

Siya was also an incredible tennis player who spent hours practicing daily and competing in tournaments every weekend.

"She was brave and fought for her life till the last breath. She, before and after her disease was diagnosed, taught many life lessons to her family members and those very close to her. She would smile even when the disease had crippled her with the inability to move, control her neck, speak or swallow. She wanted to live but her life was snatched away too soon from her," according to her obituary.

Siya leaves behind her loving parents Ashima and Amit Singla, her grandmother Promila Marya, her siblings, and her stuffed animal, Rabbit. Also her extended family including her Uncle Ankur Singla, Aunt Savita Singla, Uncle Raman Marya, Aunt Meghna Bhardwaj.

"Dear our Siya, we are all so grateful for coming into our life, we are grateful for the time we spent together and the memories we got to make with you. Your will stay in our hearts forever," according to the obituary.

Arrangements were made under Funeral Director Christine Cuoco of Ruby Memorial Funeral Home. Family and friends may offer prayers and condolences at www.rubymemorialhome.com.

See Siya's full obituary here.

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