Remembering Dr. Eileen "Zee" Aria

Remembering Dr. Eileen "Zee" Aria

Dr. Eileen Zelis Aria, “Zee”, tragically passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020 at the age of 35 in a terrible bus accident in Pennsylvania. We are raising funds in order to honor her family’s tradition of a proper burial for Zee in wake of her sudden death. Zee’s father, Erdal, is faced with only the option of cremation due to lack of finances, although her family would like for Zee to have a proper resting place on this earth. Unfortunately this is currently not possible without your support. Please join us and reciprocate the love given to us by Zee to her family to help honor her life.
 
Those lucky enough to know Zee will be forever touched by her wonderful personality and beautiful spirit. I was fortunate to meet Zee on her first day of dental anesthesiology residency at Jacobi Medical Center. Over time, I have been able to witness and appreciate the thoughtfulness, compassion, and kindness she showed to every human being she has touched. She was an extremely cheerful person, who always carried a smile, even after 12 daunting hours as a dental anesthesia resident. Zee was always one to count on, a true team player, and hard worker. She will be remembered for her compassion, contagious laugh, and zest for life, especially her love for nature, travel, and roller derby. She was a unique and wonderful person, her absence will be felt by all who knew and loved her. I am thankful and honored to call her my friend. She was like a sister to me.
 
Zee’s father, Veysel Erdal Gulertekin, depended heavily on his daughter as she was the sole provider for the household, as well as his caregiver. Erdal relocated to the Bronx NY from Columbus Ohio for this reason. Erdal hails from Turkey, and is facing a challenging time adapting to life in the U.S. due to language, cultural, and financial barriers. He had Zee to help, but will struggle enormously without her daily presence. With Zee's passing, Erdal has also lost the financial and personal assistance his daughter provided. In solidarity with Zee, we will provide Erdal with the remaining funds to assist his living costs.
 
Please join me in support of giving our beloved Zee a proper burial in a nature preservation setting she will love, and in support of Erdal at this time. This GoFundMe page is approved by Zee’s family. The funds raised will go directly to Erdal. Erdal will be accepting of all proceeds of this campaign.