Cora Caitlin Witmer, age 12, of Danville PA passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023
DANVILLE, PA ~ Cora Caitlin Witmer, age 12, of Danville PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 12, 2023. She was born December 11, 2010, in Danville PA the daughter of Scott E. Witmer and Laurie A. Sweney-Witmer.
Cora previously attended Liberty Valley Intermediate School which she thoroughly enjoyed. Due to her on-going battle with cancer, she most recently participated in the Danville Middle School Cyber program. Cora excelled at learning and loved interacting with her teachers and friends who have been very supportive of her over the years.
Cora had many creative interests. Her greatest passion was dance. She studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop through the Catherine Treon School of Dance. Her artistic abilities included drawing, painting, printing 3-D images and making slime. Her artistic talent earned her a “Best in Show” ribbon at the Bloomsburg Fair and the honor of having her artwork on the cover of the 2021 Make-a-Wish holiday card. She had a zest for life, always “in the moment” and ready to go wherever you wanted to take her. She loved to travel, especially to the beach, the Finger lakes, and Disney World. Cora was very fond of collecting things she loved including Mini-Brands, Squishmallows and fidgets.
Cora was proud to have been selected as the 2018 Honorary Chair for the Tri-County Relay for Life. She never wasted time complaining or dwelling on the daily activities associated with battling cancer but instead, arose COuRAgeously each day to take on the challenges that would come. “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try again tomorrow.” Cora was the sweet and quiet warrior who was ready to take on tomorrow. She lived every minute to the fullest, never feeling sorry for herself and always planning for her future. Cora would want everyone to know that her life was not defined by cancer.
She will be lovingly remembered for her funny and feisty personality. Most of all Cora will be remembered for her sweetness and kindness towards others and the small gifts she made to bring smiles and love to those she cared about.
In addition to her parents who were her rock and her strength, she is survived by her loving brother Ryan F. Witmer and her Make-A-Wish puppy, Cocoa, whom she adored. Her sweet brother “Ry Ry” was Cora’s best friend, standing by her side and supporting her.
She is also survived by her paternal grandmother, Edna Witmer of Williamsport PA and her maternal grandparents, Michael and Maureen Sweney of Gettysburg PA. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Harold Witmer.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Walk-Through Celebration of Life to be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA. Services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Geisinger Health Foundation, with “Child Life” written on the memo line. 100 N. Academy Avenue Danville PA 17822. Cora was inspired by the Child Life staff that worked with her over the years so much so that she wanted to become a Child Life Specialist herself someday. She wanted to help comfort children going through what she did. The staff where Cora received her treatment would like to honor Cora’s memory using the money that is raised.
Links: Facebook.com/visneskifh ~ Twitter.com/visneskifh ~ www.Visneski.com