Samia Valentina Scardina (Yonfa)

November 22, 2006 – October 27, 2026

It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved daughter, Samia Valentina Scardina (Yonfa), who left us far too soon on October 27, 2026, at the age of 19.

Samia was a beautiful, bright, energetic, and brave young woman whose presence could fill a room. She was smart, funny, adventurous, and full of personality. She had a smile that could light up a room, a wonderful sense of humor, and, of course, a little grumpy side that made her uniquely Samia. She lived life in her own way, with a spirit that was impossible to forget. Nineteen years was far too short a time, but the memories, laughter, and love she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

Samia loved adventure and excitement. She enjoyed playing softball, listening to hip-hop and rap, and the thrill of riding roller coasters. She loved trying new things and making memories with the people she cared about. One of her last unforgettable adventures was going skydiving with her friend Emma. She was so happy afterward and talked about how one day she would share that incredible story with her future children. That memory captures so much of who Samia was: fearless, adventurous, full of dreams, and always ready for the next experience life had to offer.

One of Samia's most special qualities was her enormous love for animals. Throughout her childhood, her life was filled with creatures of all kinds. She had chicks, a beloved dog named Doki, rabbits, a bearded dragon named Mrs. Glotz, fish of every color and size, a ferret named Coco, and two pineapple conures named Pina and Mango. She had a special place in her heart for animals and always dreamed of having a dog of her very own.

In true Samia fashion, she once surprised her mom for Mother's Day by buying her two baby goats. It was an unexpected, unforgettable gift that perfectly reflected Samia's funny, spontaneous, and animal-loving spirit. It was just the kind of thing she would do, creating a story that her family would remember and smile about for years to come.

Samia also had a beautiful connection with children. She worked as a preschool aide at Our Lady of Wayside, where she loved spending time with the little ones. She enjoyed coloring and making crafts with them, reading them stories, and joining them for music class. She brought her playful energy and creativity into those moments, helping children learn, explore, and enjoy being children. Her love for caring for others was also reflected in her babysitting, where she had the opportunity to spend time with children and be part of their lives.

Alongside her work with children, Samia worked at Garibaldi's, where she served as a front-desk cashier and driver. She was building her own path, discovering life, making plans, and experiencing the world as a young woman with so much ahead of her.

Above all, Samia was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend, and friend. She leaves behind a family whose love for her is immeasurable and whose hearts will forever carry her memory.

She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Alice and Vincent Scardina; her siblings, Nicholas and Grace Scardina; her beloved boyfriend and high school sweetheart, Jordan Cameron Elzie; and her extended family, including her uncles, aunts, cousins, and loved ones who were an important part of her life.

She is also remembered with deep love by her paternal grandfather, Phillip Scardina; her grandmother, Gladys Garces Roman, affectionately known as “Abue”; and her maternal grandfather, Manuel Moreno Govea, lovingly called “Papito.” She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Grace Scardina, affectionately known as “Nani,” whose love will forever remain part of Samia's story.

Samia's extended family includes Uncle Paul and Aunt Tracy Scardina; Aunt Lisa Scardina; Uncle Roy; Uncle Ricardo Moreno and cousin Ricky and Alex; Uncle Giovanny Moreno; Uncle Manuel “Manolo” Moreno and Aunt Paola Moreno, and their children, Manuel Alejandro and Melissa Moreno; and her cousins Joy and Louis Scardina, Zack and Brian Khan, and Tony and Andy Scardina. She will also be deeply missed by the many friends and loved ones whose lives she touched.

The sudden loss of someone so young is difficult to put into words. We wish we had more time: more conversations, more laughter, more adventures, more holidays, and more ordinary days together. We wish Samia could have fulfilled all the dreams she carried in her heart, including the day she imagined telling her skydiving story to her own children.

But we are grateful for the 19 years we were blessed to share with her. We will remember her beautiful smile, her funny remarks, her adventurous spirit, her love for animals, her creativity with children, and all the little things that made her who she was. We will remember the joy she brought into our lives and the stories that will be told about her again and again.

Samia, you were taken from us far too soon, but you will never be forgotten. You will forever be our beautiful girl, our adventurous soul, and a part of us that will never be replaced. We will carry you in our hearts through every memory, every story, every song, and every reminder of the love you gave us.

Until we meet again, may you rest in peace, surrounded by the love that will always belong to you.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Samia.

Family will be receiving guests on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. An additional church visitation will take place the following day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 432 S. Mitchell Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, beginning at 10:00 AM until time of service, which will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment Private.