Keira Eden Joy Rodgers, 5 months
Keira Eden Joy Rodgers, 5 months
Keira Eden Joy Rodgers, 5 months old, of Newark, Del., “went from her parents arms into the arms of Jesus” on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware.
Sweet Keira captured the hearts of so many around the world, but especially her family, friends and all who cared for her. She had so much love for people, always brightening our days with her huge, beautiful smile and big, bright eyes. Keira was always so happy, almost never cried, full of pure sweetness and joy amidst all her struggles. Her best friend was her big brother Micah, whom she loved and adored. Micah loved her just the same, and took such good care of her.
Keira was born on March 26, 2012, a full-term, healthy baby girl. At 8 weeks old, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of an already very rare disease, pulmonary vein stenosis. She received much of her treatment and medical care at Boston Children's Hospital. There she was cared for by an amazing team of medical professionals who have dedicated their careers to finding treatments, a cure, and causes for this particular disease.
Keira's strength and courage inspired so many; her smile could melt the heart of stone. Her death was sudden, much sooner than we expected. Amidst our deep sorrow, we are comforted in knowing she is free from the struggles she endured.
She was preceded in death by her sweet, big sister, Hannah Joy; and paternal grandfather, John Rodgers.
Keira is survived by her loving and devoted parents, Joseph A. and Erika L. Rodgers, and brother, Micah Joseph Rodgers of Newark; paternal grandmother, Marge Rodgers, of Warren, N.J.; maternal grandparents, Bill and Martha Oursland, of Somers; maternal great-grandparents, David and Lois Phillips, of Kalispell; and numerous other beloved family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Love of Christ Church, 2157 Bear Corbitt Road, Bear, DE 19701; followed by a service in celebration of Keira's life at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Port Penn, Del.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to support pulmonary vein stenosis research at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Keira Rodgers. Contributions can be made online atwww.childrenshospital.org/tribute; or checks made payable to Boston Children's Hospital can be mailed to Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215. To express an online condolence, visit www.strano-feeley.com.