Eleanor Astrid Eppley's Obituary
BIG RAPIDS - Eleanor Astrid Eppley, of Big Rapids, passed away from complications of Trisomy 18 on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at home with family by her side. She was born on Monday, May 4, 2015, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Jonathan and Megan Eppley, of Big Rapids. Although Eleanor lived for a brief 24 days, she touched the hearts of loved ones across the state, country and around the world. Most babies with the same diagnosis don't survive to birth, leaving the parents to expect Eleanor would not come home. After four days in the hospital, she defied the odds and was able to live in the loving care of her family at their home. The tremendous strength she showed for more than three weeks can be an example to us all. Eleanor is survived by parents, Jonathan and Megan; big brother, Benjamin Alexander Mumah; grandparents, Robert and Audrey Eppley, of Port Huron, Kathy Welborn, of Big Rapids, and Dale Welborn, of Traverse City; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and many family and friends. A memorial service for Eleanor will be 6:00 pm on Monday, June 1, 2015, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until the time of service on Monday, June 1, 2015. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or to Hospice of Michigan's perinatal/pediatric program in Eleanor's name.
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