Michelle B. Deasey | Episcopal student, 8

Michelle B. Deasey, 8, of Malvern, an Episcopal Academy student and athlete, died of complications from liver disease Wednesday at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington.

A third grader, Michelle excelled in academics and sports, her father, William Deasey, said. She played on a travel soccer team and won medals in freestyle events for the Upper Main Line YMCA Swim Team. She also enjoyed basketball, video games, and playing with her golden retriever, her father said.

"She was like a little fawn," he said. "She had a tremendous amount of energy." She read the sports section in the newspaper every day, he said, and was an Eagles fan.

Michelle became sick in early December and her condition quickly became critical. She had a liver transplant Dec. 14. Her cousin Ryan Egnazyack donated part of his liver. It was a perfect match, her father said, but she was too ill to survive.

In addition to her father, Michelle is survived by her mother, Donna Altenpohl Deasey; brothers William and Zachary; and grandfather Paul Altenpohl.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. today at St. Denis Church, 2401 St. Denis Lane, Havertown. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Michelle Deasey Memorial Scholarship Fund, Episcopal Academy, 376 Latchs Lane, Merion, Pa. 19066.