Jolee Stewart

Treasured daughter of Wade and Jessee Stewart, sister of Avalee Grace in heaven, Finlee Lou, and Talmage John. Granddaughter of and beloved by Darrell and Leticia Stewart of Gridley, California and John and Cathy Brown Ure of Morgan, Utah.

Sweetest Jo!  Our hearts will always remember the day August 18th 2017 that you left us, and took your chubby rays of sunshine with you. We are happy (and envious) that you are with the angels, especially Ava, but filling empty in the space you left behind hurts our broken hearts.

You were born February 15, 2017 to anxious and hopeful parents. The Oroville dam(n) flooding  situation made the timing of your arrival filled with more uneasiness than usual!  More importantly, there were indications that your body was having difficulties, so we had many sleepless nights filled with heart-felt prayer and worry. How grateful we were to have our baby girl born safe and sound—only to quickly realize that your body was not so sound.

You received great care from all the NICU staff at Sutter Health Medical Center in Sacramento, and we finally got to bring you home a month after you were born. Your sister, Lou, may have loved you best, and how we wish that she could still go into your room in the early morning to snuggle and talk to you. Tal loved you too, especially those tiny darling toes of yours. He would lay his head on your chest to give you loves. You have left so many people here who adore you. You couldn’t ask for more tender and accepting grandparents, and all of your aunties mourn your passing. Your uncles, cousins, and numerous extended family members have prayed and fasted incessantly.  You were so fortunate to have such a large, loving family who cared so much for you and your well-being!

As your parents, we hope you know that we adore you. We miss your dainty chin and mouth, your pretty blues, your prickly hair, your chubby cheeks, and your overgrown thighs which starkly contrasted your tiny ankles and feet.

We cannot stop thinking of you; our whole world revolved around you and your care. Though caring for you was arduous, it was a privilege, and one we would choose to have back if we could.

Your life was a beautiful testament of love. Though it was probably filled with physical discomfort for you, your broken body brought the best out in all who met you. Dozens of doctors and nurses were brought together because of you. Our families showed their support in tender and touching ways, and strangers became our friends as a vast team of people rallied to help you live. We would like to extend our most genuine thanks to all of the highly compassionate and competent medical personnel who prized your life and the quality of it. Their guidance was invaluable, and showed us that some angels live on earth and practice medicine.  If your body would have been whole, all of this beautiful love and connection may not have happened. Thank you for that!

Jo, you have shown us what courage and perseverance look like. You are a warrior, and fought til the end. And, mercifully, it isn’t the end.  Wait for us, Jo, until we can meet again, and give Ava a kiss for us too. For now, we put our trust in The Great Physician that He will make you whole and heal our hearts.  We will always love you.

Love always,

Mom and Dad

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by writing a check to Sutter Medical Center NICU.