A sadness fell over our world on Aug. 6, 2017, when J’da Jill Lemm lost her battle for life.
She was born in the morning of Jan. 4, 2007, in Anaconda, Montana, and came into life as she left it with grace, determination and tenacity. Her young childhood was as most parents would have it, growing and learning, bumps and bruises, smiles, laughter, dances and song. She brought peace at the end of long days, purpose and value to all she came into contact with. Her sense of humor was keen from a very early age, and it was not hard to see she would make a mark as she explored her life.
After just turning 6, J’da was diagnosed with a genetic terminal illness, and her struggles quickly developed. As she began to experience the changes her body would make, she continued to be the inspiration she was meant to be. She attended school, took part in family adventures, helped anyone with anything at any time, giving of herself. Her sense of humor flourished, and her eyes and smile brightened the world around her, even in her own pain and suffering. She continued to be our little girl but we could see the subtle changes unfold. As J’da began to experience physical difficulties, her personality continued to grow. She never complained, she applied herself in all aspects of her life, and she increased her effort to share of herself with all who shared her world. She continued to go to school, to be a part of all of the community around her, and never missed a chance to be with her family and friends.
At an early age J’da began to “collect” people. As her disease continued to make extremely difficult changes to her body, her spirit seemed to magnify. Young and old, people would spend time reading, singing, talking and just visiting and spending time with her. As her ability to talk began to subside, God granted her an amazing way to communicate with others through her smile, her infectious laughter and her captivating eyes. Those who were closest to her never had to question how J’da felt or what it was she was trying to say, and up to the very end she was able to make her feelings known. She continued to attend school, completing the 4th grade, and her social life was non-stop.
Her “zoo” grew as well. J’da declared at 4 years old that she would grow up to be an “animal-taker-care-er”. Dogs and cats quite literally adopted her, and her love of all God’s creatures was second to none. She was friend and mom to turtles, birds, reptiles, and a multitude of insects and other wild animals, and those where the ones we knew about! Summers would bring insect lore science projects, and each and every year she would grow and nurture butterflies to “help God make more”. Every butterfly she ever saw was hers, and it was no wonder why butterflies were her absolute favorite thing to see in nature. They seemed to follow her as well…the icon for the MLD.org website is none other than a purple butterfly.
If one wanted to know anything about J’da, you would only have to look at her photographs. A common thread was found in all … smiles, animals, silliness, or her nephew Thomas. A bond grew between those two like no other, and their love and appreciation for each other was obvious even to the casual observer.
The task of carrying on her memory is now the privilege of those who survive her — her mother, Cathy Elfstrom; father, Jerry Lemm; grandfather, Ot Lemm; grandfather, Paul Praast; grandmother, Virginia Dougan; her sister, Shelbi Lemm (Mike) and her niece, Odessa Lemm; her sister, Amber Elfstrom (Brett); brother, Kelly Elfstrom (Whitney); nephew, Thomas Elfstrom; aunt, Patricia Praast; uncle, Allan Praast (Elena], and her cousin Ashley; her uncle, Tom Lemm (Stacie); aunt, Sandy Lemm; aunt, Dee Barker; cousin, Tasha Crist (Travis); cousin, Cody Lemm (Katie); and cousins, Carson and Bella. Also surviving her are numerous more cousins, relatives and a multitude of friends … but especially her 15 “J-dettes”. They became her inspiration, her support group, and her sisters. May God bless and keep them.
J’da was reunited with her Grandma “C’ Lemm who preceded her in death just two years ago. It was joked that Grandma “C” would be waiting for J’da with glitter and purple paint at the ready to begin decorating her new room. We can only pray there is enough paint and glitter for that project!
The remembrance of this remarkable girl’s life will commence with a vigil on Monday, Aug. 14, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 West Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, Montana, beginning at 6:30 pm. The celebration of her life service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Holy Family as well, beginning at 10:30. People who are attending are encouraged but not obligated to wear their favorite shade of purple, (butterflies are welcome too)!!!
Donations in J’das memory can be directed to Pintler Pets of Anaconda, the MLDfoundation.org, or charities of your choosing.
J’da’s family encourages everyone to take a moment to appreciate their families, and hug their children.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of J’da.
Axelson Alternative Cremation was privileged to serve J’da’s family.
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