Zaia Karen Loomis aka “Grey”

Born at home to the type of intentional parents who invent a name for their child, “Zaia” was a hybrid of “Zion” and “Gaia”, a reflection of mom and dads’ shared values and hope for their baby.  The first born to not only the Loomis’ but also to their friend group, Zaia’s energy and enthusiasm easily captured any room.  Spending time with lil’ Z changed the minds of several couples who had vowed to not have kids, and do now; there are at least 3 humans who may not exist had it not been for lil’ Z’s charm.  With near limitless energy and driven to entertain, Zaia was a powerhouse of curiosity, creativity, and laughter.  She loved filming, being filmed, and taking photographs.  As the number of children in the tribe grew, Z was a natural leader.  It was not uncommon for a small herd of obedient little boys to follow Z around for the weekend at The OchO waiting to do her bidding.  “I’m not a princess, I’m the Queen,” she was quoted as saying.

Zaia and her brother were close, and spent much of their younger years frolicking at nearby parks and playgrounds.  She spent much of her childhood outdoors climbing trees, riding bikes and scooters, swinging, exploring, and camping.  Zaia loved water, and would spend an entire day swimming or playing at waters edge. Her boldness and fearlessness usually had her as the first child down an improvised water slide or tree swing, and she loved catching frogs.  She was riding the most intense rollercoasters as soon as she was tall enough, and easily navigated public transit for herself and her brother at a young age to spend the summers at Lagoon.  

Zaia adopted the name “Grey” as they grew from a child to a teenager.  They were equally at home with one foot in the darkness and the other in the light.  Grey had infinite style and loved fashion, nails, hair, and all things esthetic.  They had a dark sense of humor, and loved horror films.  With a deep passion for music, Grey lived their life to a constant soundtrack and the music played around the clock.  They loved attending concerts and festivals, playing volleyball, skateboarding, urban exploring, and investigating abandoned houses.  Grey loved animals, especially cats and horses.  They had an incredible work ethic, and worked two jobs; serving seniors at a care facility and working at a boba bar.  They found school to be uninteresting and pointless.

Grey did things ALL the way.  During their princess phase as a little they only wore princess costumes, all day every day, everywhere, for years.  During their gymnastics phase, they literally travelled by cartwheel, whether down the sidewalk or in the grocery store.  During their piercing phase they self pierced their own tongue and a dozen other places on their face, as well as an alarming number of friends in the high school bathroom.

They were an empath with a huge heart, and made friends easily.  In middle school they “adopted” younger students into their friend group to protect them from bullying.  Grey loved deeply, and put their whole being into their relationships.  They ended every phone call and visit with everyone with an “I love you”.   Grey touched the lives of hundreds of people, worked to make the world a better place than they found it, and left on their own terms.

Grey’s body will be terremated and transformed into soil.  This soil will be laid to rest in Memory Grove at The OchO, a family property, and other special locations.  Apple trees will be planted with this soil at The OchO as a living memory.  Grey’s last wish was that they never be forgotten.

        Grey is survived by their mother Michelle, father James, brother Ziggy, and grandparents Malcolm Loomis and Jean Fischer.  They are preceded by their grandmother Karen Loomis and Dave Fischer. 

A celebration of life for those who knew Grey personally will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 4-7pm.  Those who would like to attend are asked to wear Grey.  Please do not send flowers or other gifts.  For those who would like to contribute, please donate to Grey’s Memorial Grove fund at https://gofund.me/d89d5e94

“Those who shine the brightest also burn the fastest”.