Autumn Soyka

Growing up i was friends with Dan, and i can recall swim parties and sleepovers in the log cabin.  At that time Autumn was the pesty little sister who was always around.  she was always a good sport, and if i recall, quite the tomboy. I saw Autumn and Dan a year or so ago when they came back to Irwin and we hung out with them a night or two.  It was the first time i had seen either of them in over 15 years and it was like they had just moved yesterday.  What a wonderful family, i am very sorry about the recent turn of events.

Autumn was a good freind and classmate of mine. I met her in sixth grade chorus class, she had a great sense of humor and we always shared a laugh or two. We became great friends, sometimes my mom dropped me off  at her house after school and we would always hang out in the park across the street. Once i was invited to stay for dinner, Lynn had made spagetti and i dropped a plateful on the the white carpet, i was so embarrassed. Autumn thought this was really funny and we would always laugh about the "spaghetti incident" from that day on. Autumn loved to laugh and could radiate a room with her personaltiy and beauty, she loved and lived life to the fullest and her spirit lives on through all that she touched forever. I love you Autumn.

The last time I worked campus with Autumn was late February; her family had just received some bad medical news and Autumn was reeling. Her profound love for, and commitment to, her family was so evident. There were tears a few times that day, but every time, she took a deep breatth, wiped her eyes, and said "here's what we need to do next." Autumn was definitely a doer!

A little over a week ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting Autumn and her family through my dear friend Christiana. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time. I know she will continue to live through the memories of her loved ones. We will all miss her so very much.

I have so many memories that often started with a call or a text to my roommate and best friend Christiana.  Autumn was part of her team when she joined Pearson, and from the start made her feel welcome.  The two of them bonded and the relationship extended from just coworkers to friends.  Even though they lived across the state from each other, Autumn was always checking in to see how Christiana was doing with work AND life.  We miss you so very much, and are grateful for the time we shared.  Love always!