Josephine Victoria Reyes was born on Nov 14th, 2024 and passed away on Jan 17th, 2025 in the arms of her mommy and daddy – Sammy and Kaitlyn Reyes of Archbold.
Sweet Josie entered the world and was quickly rushed away to Cleveland Clinic NICU due to multiple concerns. She was then diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 13, or Patau Syndrome.
As you can imagine, her parents were shocked, but they were determined to love her and do everything possible to prolong her life- knowing her days were numbered by the Lord, whether that be 2 days or 50 years.
Pudgy, sweet and calm, Josephine was always up for warm snuggles with her mommy and daddy or other family and friends that visited. It was evident early on that she was special. Doctors and nurses would gravitate to her and adored her.
She is survived by her mommy and daddy, Sammy & Kaitlyn Reyes; sister, Natalie; brother, Christian Rodriguez, grandparents, Dennis & Teresa Collins, Mario Reyes, Loretta Benekam, Irene Collins; and many aunts, uncles & cousins. She is preceded in death by her Grandma Eunice, Uncle Robert & Cousin Titus.
Quite often, babies with her diagnosis are not offered the same medical care that other babies are. Luckily, Josie was offered many options! She received an aortic stent that had only been made 20 other times!
She miraculously made it through two surgeries. She was a fighter! And her parents said, “If she’s willing to fight, we will never stop fighting for her!” In the end, her little heart couldn’t fight any more.
In her 64 days on earth, there were thousands praying for her. How honoring to the Lord that so many were on their knees before Him because of her.
Her little life brought Him glory and will continue to do so for years. Her name means “He will bring victory” and He sure did.
All life is created by God. Whether preborn, healthy babies or medically fragile children, they are worthy of love and compatible with life. 78% of babies, when diagnosed with Trisomy 13 in utero, are aborted.
In lieu of flowers that will fade away, please join with the Reyes family in supporting a local cause that saves babies and upholds the sanctity of EVERY life: The Community Pregnancy Center (CPC) (1410 W High St. Bryan, OH 43506).
Visitation for Josie will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1pm to 5pm, at the Archbold Evangelical Church Multi-Ministry Room. Burial will take place at the Archbold Cemetery on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3pm. A memorial service will take place at 4pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the church, with Pastor Nathanael Miles officiating. The family would love it if everyone wore the color purple in Josie’s memory.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Grisier Funeral Home of Archbold is honored to serve the Reyes family.