Ilsa Mae, was an angel. She had an angelic personality, laugh and smile. In her short span of time on this earth, she had earned her wings by bringing a bit of joy to everyone she met. This angel was with us for a limited engagement due to a rare neuromuscular killer, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

On May 18, 1998, this little angel arrived. After a few hectic weeks with a new baby, thoughts turned to all she could accomplish. Dad was hoping to watch her excel at golf, baseball and hockey. Mom planned to introduce her to running and tap dancing.

When Ilsa reached the age of four months, this angel was not yet able to lift her head, roll over, or do much more than wiggle her toes, but everyone thought she was just setting her own timetable. At six months, Ilsa was diagnosed with SMA.

Ilsa was not expected to be here for her first birthday. Her first birthday came and went along with her second Christmas. On March 28, 2000 Ilsa passed away peacefully while watching Bear in the Big Blue House, just a few months short of her second Birthday. This little angel endured much in her short life without complaint.

Ilsa, our little angel, continues to touch many people’s lives as she teaches them how precious life is.