Sofia Anne Belanger

Sofia Anne Belanger, 17, of Manchester, NH passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023 at her residence in Manchester, NH.  

Sofia Anne was born on December 7, 2005, in Manchester, NH, the daughter of Lisa Mellor and Ryan-George;Belanger. Sofia leaves behind her mother, father and siblings, Jewel-Lena, Ella-Jane, Irelyn-Rose and Alexander Patrick Mellor.  She was a lifelong resident of Manchester.  She attended Job Corps in Manchester, NH where she completed her hospitality trade and received her high school diploma.  Sofia was proud of these accomplishments.

Sofia had an outsized personality with an amazing sense of humor. She left her mark wherever she went.  Sofia spent hours after school riding horses and showing off her skills at UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center. She participated in the Volleyball club, where she earned bragging rights as the tallest player. She enjoyed days of skiing with her sisters, and at some point during the trip would always enjoy a giant M&M cookie. 

Sofia had an innate ability to relate to and take care of young children as shown with her countless younger cousins.  She took pride in learning how to cook and bake-Always ready to make her world famous grilled cheese, or a few extra baked snacks for a taste test. Sofia loved playing with her dog Jax, taking him for walks and giving him extra treats in exchange for snuggles and hugs. Sofia enjoyed playing XBox with friends and her sweetheart, James. They spent hours each day bringing out the best in each other while laughing endlessly, closing each night with a MUAH!

If you knew her well or barely at all, she always left you thinking.  Whether it was about how absolutely beautiful, ridiculously funny, or just down right inappropriate she was, she made an impact.

She will continue to stay with us all through memories. The laughs she made us all endure whether we were in the mood or not. We will see her everywhere - mermaid tails, flower legos, boujee water, duck faces, jeeps, domino's pizza, red curly hair, converse sneakers, peppa pig, butterflies, pink bathrobes and fuzzy slippers.

Sofia would always share with everyone in her family how many days it was until her birthday…usually starting with the following day.   If Sofia was here today she would have liked to tell everyone that there will only be 223 more days until her next birthday.

 In her short life Sofia loved so many and was loved by many more.  She had an energy that with just one encounter with her, you would remember her for life. Sofia has changed our lives for the better.  She brought wit, singing, laughter, silliness, and so much love to our family.  She would embrace you with her enveloping hugs. We will never be able to fill the void that Sofia has left behind.  She will be watching, protecting and flying among the butterflies. Fly high sweet girl and spread your wings.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and in the evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. A funeral service in her honor will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Bedford, NH.   

Donations can be made to UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc in Goffstown NH.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/