Nora Kimberly Smiechowski

Nora Kimberly Smiechowski, infant child of Michael and Heather (Webb) Smiechowski, earned her angel wings on December 15, 2014. Nora was born on June 24, 2014, in Indianapolis.

In addition to her parents, Nora is survived by her big sister, Marlina Leigh Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Rick and Tracy Furmon of Richmond; Bridget and Mark Webb of Cleveland; paternal grandmother, Kimberly Smiechowski of South Bend; great grandmother, Wilma Smiechowski of South Bend. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lori Webb and grandfather, Michael Smiechowski.

Pastor Tim Lindsey, II will officiate a Celebration of Life service for Nora Friday, December 19, 2014, 1 p.m., in Life Line Baptist Church, 11387 N. Slideoff Road, Camby. Friends may call at the church from 11 a.m., until services. Burial will be in West Newton Cemetery. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory, view Nora’s Life Story video or to sign the online guest registry.

Nora's Life Story:
Why some are given decades in which to compose their life’s song while others are given a mere whisper in time remains one of life’s most difficult unanswered questions, however, in the short time she was here Nora Kimberly Smiechowski was a true gift to her family. She was a miracle right from the start and so deeply cherished before she was even born. Her sister’s princess, Nora could light up a room with her smile, and she had the most contagious laugh, too. Already emerging as a bright little girl, she was so much fun to be around as she was blossoming on a daily basis. Nora’s death leaves behind a gaping hole in the hearts of everyone she met, but she will never be forgotten.

It was just as the winds of fall were beginning to hint of the coming winter in Camby, Indiana, in 2013 that Michael and Heather (Webb) Smiechowski learned they would be welcoming a new little one the following summer. They were so excited that four year old Marlina, would have a sibling all her own. As the holidays came and went that year it was not long after that Heather went in for what she thought would be a routine appointment only to discover that things would not be so routine after all. It was determined that the baby she was carrying, the precious girl they named Nora, would have Turner’s Syndrome and was given only a five percent chance at best of being born alive. Heather’s pregnancy was considered high risk, however, it was such a relief when a new doctor, Dr. Sumner, became involved in Heather’s care and was much more hopeful and encouraging to Heather along the way. Although she was on bed rest throughout the majority of the pregnancy and spent countless hours having prenatal appointments, Heather, along with her husband, was strong and courageous as they faced the possibility of the unknown.

After the winter that just didn’t seem to end finally gave way to spring and eventually summer in 2014, the Smiechowski family was filled with great anticipation as the due date drew nearer. The big day finally arrived on June 24, 2014, when Nora Kimberly made her grand entrance at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 12.9 ounces ounces, and at nineteen inches long, she showed no signs of the stereotypical Turner’s syndrome characteristics and was perfectly healthy. Not only was she welcomed by her parents, but her older sister, Marlina, couldn’t have been more proud to be a big sister. Nora was Marlina’s princess and was affectionately called Sissy. Nora often kept Marlina quite busy since the big sister loved being involved in the baby’s care, and Marlina also loved playing “Super Baby” with Nora.

Nora had the most beautiful bright blue eyes that just sparkled in a way that made them impossible to miss. She could light up a room with her smile, and she smiled at everyone as she just loved people. Nora was happy all the time and had the most delightful personality that was unfolding every day. She certainly made diaper changing time an event as she just loved to pee all over her parents, in her own cute way, of course, and like most babies she was perfectly content just being naked.

As the days turned into weeks, Nora seemed to change and grow by the minute. She had two teeth come in by the time she was just three months old, and she liked to chew on her mommy’s shoulder when being held. What a delight it was when Nora learned to laugh, and she had the most contagious laughter. She loved all dogs, and anytime she saw one she just laughed and laughed. Nora had recently discovered how to mimic the behaviors, sounds, and expressions of those around her. She could turn anyone’s frown upside down with her smile, and being around her for even a moment could make anyone’s become only a distant memory.

With what should have been her entire life filled with laughter, love, and priceless moments with her family ahead of her, Nora Kimberly Smiechowski was taken from her loved ones without warning. Despite the limited number of days she was here, there was no one who met her that didn’t instantly fall in love with her. Truly captivating, Nora was blossoming into a special little lady more and more each day providing her parents and sister with fun, laughter, and new things to delight in. She had the sweetest personality and just brightened the world around her in every way. Nora will be forever missed while the countless memories she leaves behind remain a lasting treasure for years to come.

Nora Kimberly Smiechowski died on December 15, 2014. Nora’s family includes her parents, Michael and Heather (Webb) Smiechowski; big sister, Marlina Leigh Rodriguez; maternal grandparents, Bridget and Mark Webb of Cleveland and Rick and Tracy Furmon of Richmond; paternal grandmother, Kimberly Smiechowski of South Bend; great grandmother, Wilma Smiechowski of South Bend. Nora was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lori Webb, and grandfather, Michael Smiechowski. Pastor Tim Lindsey, II will officiate a Celebration of Life service for Nora Friday, December 19, 2014, 1 p.m., in Life Line Baptist Church, 11387 N. Slideoff Road, Camby. Friends may call at the church from 11 a.m., until services. Burial will be in West Newton Cemetery. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory, view Nora’s Life Story video or to sign the online guest registry.