Makala Ashmar, 29, died on Sept. 5, 2020, after a valiant battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile duct.

The daughter of the late Samir Paul Ashmar and Sharon L. (Miller) Ashmar, she was born in Allentown.

She was the proud older sister of the late Sierra C. Ashmar, and Joshua A. Ashmar.

Her other survivors include grandparents Rommy “Youmna” Ashmar and James M. and Deanna J. Miller.

Raised in Upper Macungie Township, she attended Parkland High School and graduated with the class of 2009.

The following fall, she attended Bloomsburg University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree, while majoring in political science and history.

She also obtained a certification in public administration and graduated with the class of 2013.

After her time at Bloomsburg University, she accepted a position as an outreach coordinator and constituent services representative for former Congressman Charlie Dent.

After Dent’s retirement, she accepted a managerial position with Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority as a properties coordinator.

The recipient of many prestigious accolades throughout her life, she was a graduate of the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Services Series, a program which trains women to be more effective leaders both in politics and in their communities.

She was elected chairwoman for the Pennsylvania Young Republicans in January.

In February, she was named as one of Lehigh Valley’s “40 Under 40.”

She also worked as an advocate for Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, and was an ambassador for the Lehigh Valley Organ and Tissue Donation, as well as a member of the Spirit of Courage Cabinet Member for the Burn Prevention Network.

A lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA, she was recognized with the “Take the Lead” award, an honor which distinguishes women whose leadership and achievements have strengthened their communities.

Though the various awards bestowed upon her are impressive by any measure, they are infinitesimal when compared to the kindness of her heart.

Those who were fortunate enough to be around her know her every thought and action was made selflessly and with the utmost sincerity.

She spoke her mind and told people what they needed to hear, both good and bad. This honesty endeared her to the hearts of her friends and family, whom she loved fiercely.

She had an unrelenting desire to support not only her loved ones, but her community as well.

Her foray into politics allowed her to embody this desire, as she used her platform to become a role model for young women everywhere, symbolizing perseverance and great inner strength.

Perhaps her greatest trait was her ability to see the best in people, no matter the circumstance.

She believed people could change their lives for the better, regardless of how far they had fallen.

She always wanted to see people achieve the very best versions of themselves, and she would do whatever she had to in order to help them get there.

In the end, she died the way she lived; on her own terms, in her own way.

She did not allow adversity to hinder her life, but instead accentuate it.

She turned her battle with cancer into a force for good, raising money and awareness with which to fight the disease.

Though she will be greatly missed, her impact on the world she left behind will be felt for years to come.

She has left behind a legacy that those of us who loved her are unfailingly proud of.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date when all her family and many friends may attend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, 620 W. Germantown Pike 250, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Arrangements were made by Trexler Funeral Home, Allentown.