Funeral for 20-Month-Old River Eddie Ma Wilson in the Bronx
On Wednesday, over 200 people gathered at a church in the Bronx to honor 20-month-old River Eddie Ma Wilson in what was described as an “angel” funeral.
River was celebrated as a “beautiful spark,” known for her joyful spirit and warm greetings. The service took place at the Roman Catholic Church in St. Helena, Castle Hill.
“What a god!” cried Ima Wilson, River’s mother, as a small white casket was brought into the church. She nearly collapsed as she made her way up the stairs, overwhelmed by emotion.
Inside the church, the tiny casket was adorned with flowers and framed photographs of River and her family. Pastor Jorge Ramirez shared that the little girl would be baptized posthumously, acknowledging the deep love everyone felt for her.
“We all loved her, and we are here to remember the light she brought into our lives,” he expressed. “She had a way of making us all smile, and that’s what we’ll carry with us.” He reminisced about how River was always playful during prayer, sometimes causing a bit of mischief, but always encouraging her family to embrace joy.
During the service, 14-year-old Naomi O’Boyle, River’s cousin, referred to her as an “angel.” She remarked, “In her short time, she taught me more than most people do in a lifetime.”
Authorities reported that River had accidentally drowned at the daycare she attended, the Butterfly Garden Family Group, after being left unattended for about 20 minutes by the staff.
The daycare provider, Anagonzalez Ferris, has not publicly addressed the incident and has remained silent despite inquiries from River’s family.
Knowing the significance of this tragic event, River’s family invited the media to the funeral, aiming to highlight the urgent need for improved childcare safety measures in the state.
