Age 22 passed away after a long and courageous battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Alanna graduated from Christiana High School in 2000, where she enjoyed playing lacrosse and volleyball.
She also attended Wilmington College and majored in criminal justice.
She excelled academically and was looking forward to a promising future in law.
Above all, Alanna will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, her love for life and for cherishing the quality time she spent with her family and friends.
She touched the lives of those who were fortunate to know and love her.
Recently married in January to the love of her life and best friend, she will be sadly missed by her husband, Christopher Riess; her parents, Lorretto O'Brien-Dach and Dean and Terry Herfindahl, Jr.; her brother Trey, and his wife, Kristie; her sister, Lauren; her in-laws, Gary and Mary Riess; her sister-in-law, Michelle; her grandparents, Dean and Anne Herfindahl, Sr., Timothy and Rita O'Brien and Elaine Mitchell; her cousins, Shannon, Fran, Andy, Connor, Aidan and Liam; her uncle, Teddy and his wife, Patty; her aunt, Lynn and her husband, Mike.
She will also by missed by a host of close family and friends, including her beloved cat, Pumpkin Eyebulb.
Alanna also had a special place in her heart for her nephew, Patrick Riley, whom she loved to spoil.
She was predeceased by her uncle, Cullen.