A little over 12½ years ago, on September 2, 2010, our world was blessed to have Caitlyn Ann Yoder become a part of us. She changed and inspired our family to reach out and do more than anyone of us ever could imagine, and we all battled with her to overcome her limitations. On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Caitlyn joined our Lord and Savior in heaven, leaving a void on earth that can never be filled.
We will always remember her for her fight and determination.
But Caitlyn was so much more than that.
She was Mom’s Baby Girl. Daughter of the greatest Super Mom, Jen. Jen battled for, cared for, was her advocate, and showed a level of unconditional Love for Caitlyn that is truly unimaginable. This selfless woman worked day and night to keep Caitlyn safe and healthy and didn’t stop until she gave Caitlyn the best quality of life she could achieve. And boy did Caitlyn love her “Mom.” To this day, that was the only word she ever spoke. (It might have been because Chase said it 1,000 times a day while Jen was pregnant with her). No one gets her to smile like her Super Mom, Jen. The Glow in Caitlyn’s eyes and the Smiles on Caitlyn’s face when Jen held her was the true picture of the unconditional love that a Mother and Daughter share with one another.
She was Dad’s Baby Bear. She could melt his heart with that smile. Her “Cheesers” were the best! That was her way of telling him, “Dad, it’s all okay today.” She could break his heart when she was in pain. She loved to cuddle cheek to cheek and nuzzle closer and closer the more he talked. She loved “Hair Bow” mornings; nobody could do her hair quite like Dad. (Jen may beg to differ on that). She pushed her Dad to become an advocate for a disease that is so brutal and complex that it is almost impossible to understand or explain. Most importantly, she inspired him to be a better husband and father. She taught him one of life’s most important lessons: Not to take one day for granted.
She was Little Sister. She was Chase’s biggest fan. Her eyes would light up when he would walk into a room and she heard him talking. Although she rarely got to go to his baseball games, she could predict how he was going to play that day, and was almost never wrong. (Dad would always ask her to smile if Chase was going to Pitch or Hit well, and she batted a clean .750. It became Dad’s superstition before he went to see him play!). She was also “Little Sister” to Emily, her most recent caregiver. Emmy was known for The terrific care, The Mani Pedi days, The arts and crafts, The cuddling, and The Music Time. (BTW, Caitlyn loved hearing Emmy sing, as we all did over the intercom!) The love Emmy and Caitlyn shared was much, more than a caregiver; it was a genuine friendship that made Caitlyn feel like a normal little girl.
She was Big Sister to her two Golden Doodles, Curry and Harper, the dynamic duo, the protectors of her and her lovie stuffed animals, and her best buddies; the ones she would gladly let steal and eat her socks!
She was Grand Daughter to Cliff and Pat Thompson and to Patsy and Bill (whom I’m sure greeted her with open arms in Heaven) Orander. She was niece to Clifford and Tracy Thompson and cousin to Cameran, Carson, Emily, and Megan.
But more than anything, she was supported by, cheered for, and loved by an immeasurable number of Friends, Special Caregivers, and Family. We honestly believe Caitlyn felt all that support and loved each one of you.
We know your body is now healed. We will miss you all the days of our lives until we can hold you again. You fought a long and courageous fight. Now go and enjoy your new perfect Eternal Life. Run, Laugh, Play, Sing, Love, and most of all, remember how loved you are, our Baby Girl.
We would sincerely like to thank everyone who loved her so very much and sent in prayers and well wishes.
Jennifer, Jerry, and Chase Yoder
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, 494 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Caitlyn’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at Lake Norman Baptist Church Chapel, 7921 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.
Caitlyn will be laid to rest with her immediate family afterward in Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville NC.
In lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to the United Mitochondrial Foundation (https://give.umdf.org/team/502144).
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family.