June 15-21, 2014
Eden lived a very short six days, but left a lasting impression on those she met and on many she did not get the opportunity to meet. Born six weeks early, she fought hard and well, surprising her doctors and hospital staff with how quickly she began to thrive. Her determination was evident, giving cause for nurses to nickname her “Sassy.”
After just a couple days, there was no doubt she would survive and likely make a full recovery from the fetal-maternal hemorrhage that caused her pre-mature birth. On her sixth day, heart trouble was detected and she was life-flighted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. Doctors there found her in dramatically worse condition than when she left Missoula and just moments after they began working, her tiny heart stopped beating. In the wee hours of her seventh day, Eden rested in the precious arms of her Creator.
Eden is forever loved and remembered by her surviving family: parents, Jonathan and Kristin Sardella and brother, Ezra, of Stevensville, MT; grandparents, Rick and Diane Sardella of Arnold, MD and Terry and Karen DeWaard of Ferndale, WA; uncles and aunts, Bud and Stacey Rinker, Wade and Kerri Howard, and Kenneth and Karen DeWaard; cousins, Josiah Rinker and Isaac, Levi, Luke, and Elijah Howard.
In the short little while she was on earth, Eden was able to live up to the meaning of her name. She was a delight.
A memorial will be held in honor of Eden’s life at 7 p.m. on August 15 at First Baptist Church in Stevensville. Contributions in her honor may be made to Community Medical Center Foundation, 2827 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula MT 59804 or by calling (406) 327-4141.
R Pearson says
So sorry for the family of such a small child. God must have big plans for Her. Take comfort in that thought.