In Loving Memory of Zoe Reeves

From her first moment to her last brave breath, our daughter Zoe Reeves taught us—and so many others—what courage truly is. On Friday, October 17, 2025, our sweet pea Zoe, passed away peacefully at home due to ongoing health related complications. She was just twelve years old, a Grade 7 student at Tofield School, and a bright, determined light in our family and community.

Zoe lived with more medical challenges than any child should have to face, yet she refused to let them define her. She met hard days head on, with a determination that took one’s breath away. She was a teacher of resilience—without ever standing at the front of a class. She showed us how to endure pain, and how to keep going when life was hard.

Zoe loved the simple things and made the ordinary beautiful. Our table was always covered with crafts, painted rocks, lego and artwork in progress. With an unconventional sense of humour Zoe had a penchant for turning everyday items, especially her medical paraphernalia into instruments - to eat with, decorate her wheelchair and backpack with, or hang on her bedroom door. Zoe was an animal lover, especially marine animals. She longed to go to the ocean to see dolphins and whales. She had a special relationship with Luna, our family dog, who can now be found snuggled on her bed, no doubt missing her. She also had a passion for all things medical. Among her favourite tv viewing was the veterinarian show “The Incredible Dr Pol” and “Secrets of the Zoo”. She aspired to, and was perfectly suited to becoming a veterinarian or having a career in the human medical field. Zoe’s favourite physical activity was swimming. Oh, how she loved the water!
From the time she was little, when asked about her favorite color Zoe would assert that it was “Rainbow”. She claimed she could not choose because they all belonged and looked best together. She was however very particular that the colours be displayed in the proper rainbow order!

Zoe’s circle is extensive. She is held in love by her dad Brian Match, her Mom Kathleen Reeves and Megan Appleby - family caregiver and second mother. Her siblings Ben (Sian) Match, Dan (Dallas) Match, Paige (Mathew Bilyk) Reeves, Alex (Emily) Reeves, Isaac Reeves, Jane Reeves, Claire Reeves, Kyle Reeves, Gavin Reeves, Naomi Reeves, Charlotte Reeves, and Camryn Appleby who miss her deeply already. Her grandmother Kay Reeves, her nieces and nephews Rhiannon (Jaedon) Gacek, Jerica Match, Abby Match, Lexi Match, Brik Match, Edison Bilyk, Franklin Bilyk, Rowan Reeves and great niece Brynn Gacek also greatly feel her loss. Zoe will be heartbreakingly missed by her bffs; Myra Hudson, Carolyn Hosker and Saige Penner of the MCZS Squad. Zoe’s absence will be sadly felt by special friends Stephanie Clark and Sheila Smook.

To Zoe’s classmates, teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, mentors, and neighbours, Thank you for seeing her the way she wanted to be seen—not as an illness, but as a kid who loved to learn, to play, to belong, and to participate fully in life. Thank you for following her lead. You helped her live a fuller, happier life, and that gift will echo in our family for years to come.

We would also like to acknowledge with heartfelt Thanks; Dr. Lyle McGonigle, Garneau Pediatrics and the myriad of health and medical professionals involved in Zoe’s complex medical care over the years. We are forever grateful to Dr. McGonigle for ensuring Zoe’s wellbeing as he honored her wish to die at home.

Sweet girl, you changed us. You taught us how to be brave, how to be tender, and how to love with our whole hearts. We will miss you every day, and we will love you forever.

Memorial Service:
Gather with us to share stories, food and love as we celebrate Zoe’s life. “Zoe’s Rainbow Party” will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tofield Community Hall in Tofield. All who knew and loved Zoe, or were touched by her life, are warmly invited to join us. In honour of Zoe, feel free to wear bright colors.

If you wish to do something in Zoe’s memory, donations can be made to Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society  https://www.zoesanimalrescue.org/ or to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. https://www.stollerykids.com/