Obituary: Taleah Louise English

7/24/00 ~ 7/22/04

Taleah Louise English earned her angel wings Thursday July 22 two days before her fourth birthday. She passed away quickly and peacefully at home among her brothers and sister.

While Taleah was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, that was only one facet of her life.

There was never a braver, more patient, more amazing child.

She had many hospitalizations, many challenges, many physical limitations, and she handled all of them with amazing grace. She was never shy about the medical aspects of her life, she was proud to show off her g-tube, her "elephant nose" bi-pap mask, and the lion roars she could make with her cough machine. She spent her days painting, playing with her tea set, listening to stories and watching her favorite television programs.

She loved Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and never tired of watching the movie. The highlight of her year was attending the Families of SMA conference where she loved being among all of her friends with SMA.

She will be missed beyond words by her Parents John and Monica English as well as her siblings, Ethan (10), Natalie (6) and Colin (10 months). Grandparents Terry Ann and Byron Harward of Payson, Utah, Jane and Dale McKenna of Orem Utah, and great-grandparents Merlin and Avon Compton, St. George, Utah, Marve Harward of Provo Utah, Robert and Melva Dean English of Salt Lake City, Utah and Ila Faber of Mountain View California also honor her life and mourn her passing.

Many, many aunts and uncles will miss her smiles and presence.

Taleah's website can be visited at www.storesonline.com/site/taleahlouise

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the amphitheater at 3626 W Center St. Provo.

Viewing will be held at her family's home at 854 W 225 S Orem.

Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Sunday evening and 11-Noon Monday morning.

Memorial Donations may be made to Families of SMA www.fsma.org

in Taleah's name for Dr. Kathryn Swoboda's research fund at Primary Children's Medical Center and would be accepted with humble gratitude.