Cara Lynn Golias, 16

Cara Lynn Golias
October 30, 1997 - September 28, 2014

Heaven has gained an angel. Cara Lynn Golias of Fairfax passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2014. She is survived by her mother Kristin Bertelli and stepfather Christopher Bertelli, as well as her father, Michael Golias, all of Fairfax. She leaves behind a beloved sister, Kelsey Elizabeth Golias. She is also survived by her grandparents Susan and David Gay of Topsham, Maine; Marilyn Golias of Falls Church; and Wendell Golias of San Antonio, Texas; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cara was a junior at Fairfax High School and a member of Fairfax United Methodist Church. She was a passionate athlete, dedicating eight years to the FYPC Lions soccer team, as well as playing volleyball her freshman year, and running cross country her sophomore and junior years. In addition, Cara excelled at school and was especially passionate about math and the sciences, maintaining a 4.3 GPA and taking multiple Advanced Placement courses. The highlight for Cara was becoming Grand Prize Nominee in the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair, which earned her a trip to Los Angeles in May 2014 to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Cara was also an avid volunteer, traveling to Peru with her sister Kelsey and dear friend Erin Suidikas to work in a preschool with children. In addition, she was involved with the Jeremiah Project and taught English to Spanish-speaking adults through her church. Notably, Cara was the youngest competitor (age 14) in the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon, completing that race three years in a row. Cara was interested in medicine, loved unicorns, sharks, being outdoors, and taking photographs. She loved music and her favorite foods were gummy bears and steak. She had a sweet tooth and preferred to eat dinner for breakfast.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cara Lynn Golias Memorial Fund or can be mailed to AFSP, 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005.