In loving memory of our precious Ivy:
Ivy Irene passed away, unexpectedly, at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge on February 6th, 2025. Ivy was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 11, 2023 at 10:23 PM to her mother and father, Sydney Sanders and Alex Faulk.
Ivy Irene is survived by her mother, Sydney Michelle Sanders; her fur brother, Baker; maternal grandparents, Christian “Pawpaw” and Michelle “Mimi” Sanders; maternal aunt and uncle, Loren “Nanny” and Brock Andrus; maternal nephew and niece, Tanner Brock and Spencer Kate Andrus; great-grandfather, Hulon Taylor; great aunt and uncle, Kaylyn “Gammy” and Donovan Andrews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Ivy Irene is also survived by her father, Alex Christopher Faulk; paternal grandparents, Chris and Deborah Faulk; paternal aunt and uncle, Sarah and Houston Bates; paternal aunt, Taylor Faulk; paternal niece and nephew, Gracie and Holt Bates.
Ivy Irene is preceded in death by maternal great grandmother, Carolyn Irene Taylor; and maternal great grandfather and grandmother, Irving and Carolyn Sanders.
Sweet Ivy girl was well known for her OOTD (outfit of the day) and a big hair bow to match. Her smile was so contagious; belly laughs became so normal for Sydney and her family. Their love for Ivy was so evident and deep; she changed their hearts forever. It’s hard to put into words just how special Ivy was. To know her is to love her – it was effortless. She was pure joy. She was so, so sweet but sassy too! She also had a feisty side with supernatural strength. Throughout her journey here on Earth, she demonstrated to us that God was the source within her, always faithful and present – capable of the impossible. Ivy continued to fight and win, despite every odd. And with her mother right beside her, they conquered all the battles they faced. Ivy empowered others from all over the world, who have enjoyed watching her grow and overcome. Her journey here on Earth, was far too short, she left behind a lifetime of love and special memories. She is dancing with Jesus, completely healed, made brand new.
For all of Ivy’s life here on earth, we were hopeful that she would have her heart completely healed and that she would be “pink.” Ivy Irene finally had her heart repaired in December of 2024. Our girl was finally pink. In honor of Ivy and her mother, we request that you wear pink or a touch of pink to her Celebration of Life if you are able too.
Services:
Celebration of Life
Thursday, February 13th, for the public from 5:00-8:00 PM at Unity Prayer Center— 28145 S. Frost Rd, Livingston, LA 70754
Funeral
Friday, February 14th from 9:00-11:00 AM for the public, with services for immediate family and close friends beginning at 11:00 at Unity Prayer Center— 28145 S. Frost Rd, Livingston, LA 70754.
Burial for immediate family and close friends to follow at Colyell Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Brock Andrus, Justin Andrews, Jordan Andrews, Jaron Andrews, Cade Taylor, Jared Taylor, and Michael Taylor.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you donate to DSAG, Down Syndrome Awareness Group of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here is a link to Ivy’s team for the DSAG Buddy Walk so that all donations would be in memory of Ivy Irene.
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025buddywalk/team/983718/
33 comments
Trudee Bezerra
February 17, 2025 at 1:25 pm
My heart broke when I learned of Ivy’s passing after so many months of such hard work, testing, procedures, etc. I was praying that God had finally given you all a break in life. But what we sometimes think and long for, are not necessarily what God plans. Only our God sees the whole picture and we can question, but should never doubt what He has allowed to happen. May our consoling, merciful, heavenly Father wrap His arms during the next period of your life and comfort you through these next difficult weeks/months!! Bringing you to Jesus’ feet and leaving you there for His comfort and love!!
Debora Martin
February 14, 2025 at 2:43 pm
There are no words that can heal your pain. As we know, from previous loss, only time will lessen the heartache. Ivy seemed such a strong baby girl! She endured so much and tried so hard. Merciful God gave her wings so she suffers no more! Hugs for you niece Sydney, my brother Christian, Sis-in-law Michelle and the family, Ivy’s support team! May you find comfort in the days, months and years ahead!
Sending Love and Peace Your sister, Debora
Danielle Nicole Bamber
February 14, 2025 at 1:12 am
Praying for u and the family… We love and miss u Ivy girl!!
Kristy McShan
February 13, 2025 at 8:07 pm
I have been following Ivy’s story for many months and praying nightly for her. I was so hopeful when she had her heart procedure in December. Her passing was a complete shock. Prayers for the family in the weeks and months ahead. I can only imagine the heartbreak you all are enduring.
Nancy Hall
February 13, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Ivy was such a blessing, I loved watching her progress. The morning I saw she passed, I cried like a baby. I felt like she was my baby too. I can’t imagine your pain Sydney but I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. LLII💙💛💙💛
Barbara Whitecotton
February 13, 2025 at 3:15 pm
How fitting that sweet Ivy Irene be buried on Valentine’s Day!! She was our valentine during her short life on earth. She is now in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Praying for strength for this beautiful family!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Alphonce
February 13, 2025 at 6:31 am
We are really praying for you together with street children here in Kenya 🇰🇪 Ivy really touched our heart in different ways and she was our inspiration. Will be offering mass for Ivy and all of you at our Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish, Adams – Nairobi at 13:00 pm EAT and at 5:00 pm EAT. Sydney and your entire family Just know we love you and are with in our hearts and always in prayer.
Lilli Bear
February 13, 2025 at 3:01 am
You and Ivy were an inspiration to all of us. We were all fighting for Ivy. She fought a good fight with you, her warrior, by her side. The tribe was your strength but you were ours. My heart was broken when I read Ivy lost her battle. Tears rolled and all I could think of was how much she will be missed. You, Baker, Edith and your family stay strong and hug each other. That belly laugh sound, big bows and sassy smile will be with all of us forever. Prayers
Susie Q Davis
February 13, 2025 at 5:13 am
💕 🎀
My whole heart is just broken.
Ivy will remain a part of all of our hearts, and the world that walked this walk, with you & Ivy ~ will be surrounding you, Sydney {with Love & Support}
🩷,
Susie “Q” Davis
•Michigan•
Sallyce Mitchell
February 13, 2025 at 2:29 am
God has a new babyAngel. 🩷👼🩷
Ivy is now in Paradise.
Sharon Shown
February 13, 2025 at 1:34 am
I am so sorry for the loss of beautiful Ivy! I have been following her journey for long time. Her outfit, bows and contagious smile lit up Facebook! How many lives she touches! What a miracle she is! You rest easy in the arms of God baby girl. We will never forget you!♥️🙏🙏🙏
Rose Robin
February 13, 2025 at 1:32 am
Ivy is truly healed and smiling down at her Mom. I’ve followed Ivy’s journey for a very long time and kept her in my prayers daily. I will continue to pray for Sydney and that God will continue to wrap her, and all those that loved her ever so much, in His arms and with his love.
Joann Dennard
February 13, 2025 at 1:21 am
So many prayers for Ivy Irene’s family. I have followed Ivy’s journey since she was about 3 months. The way she smiled at her moma would melt your heart. I wish I could have meant Ivy, but I feel I know her. God please wrap your arms around Ivy’s family, hold them tight in the days, month and years to come.
Kathleen Fitzgerald
February 13, 2025 at 12:45 am
My heart has been touched so much by following the journey of sweet baby Ivy .She will hold a very special place in my heart since I have worked with babies and kids just like her and am currently a caregiver .She has given me so much hope .praying for you Sydney and your family
Lori Hutson
February 13, 2025 at 12:44 am
I started following your journey and spent many days saying little prayers for both of you and the medical staff taking care of her! The obstacles you went through for her care, the struggles and heart wrenching decisions you had to make along the way were testaments to your love and believe in God! January now looks like a gift for all of us to celebrate how far Ivy came while here on Earth. Sydney you are the most selfless, inspiring, smart and amazing mom navigating with God’s help Ivy life. Never negative only hopeful for the next win. While Ivy has won big time with Jesus I hope you continue to love and live life and encourage and inspire others when you are ready. I pray for more blessings to be given to you!
Janice Murphy
February 13, 2025 at 12:15 am
I too already miss seeing that beautiful smile! She smiled with her whole body, putting everything into the beautiful smile. She went from day to day with Grace! If we couldn’t see the tubes we wouldn’t have known she was sick.
Sydney, I’ll continue to pray for you and your family. From what I can tell you are a strong woman, a Godly woman and that is what will carry you through the days ahead.
Facebook follower and great aunt of a 4 year old with Down’s syndrome and from Louisiana
Christina Godfrey
February 13, 2025 at 12:06 am
Ivy’s joy will always radiate and be remembered. Thank you for letting us follow her journey with you! She will be missed just as much as she was loved 🩷
Peggy Stone
February 12, 2025 at 11:50 pm
We will never forget you, Ivy. Hugs and prayers Sydney, family and friends.
Kelli Helmer
February 12, 2025 at 11:40 pm
I have followed your story almost since the beginning. The strength of mama and daughter was something I always admired. I am sending my deepest condolences. Ivy is now watching over her mama thanking her for watching over her while she was on earth. 💛💙
Ani
February 12, 2025 at 11:26 pm
Ivy what an honor to have watched your sweet short life. You are an inspiration and will truly be missed by so many more than your family. You are so loved. Dance with the Angels now sweet girl.
Janie Ganyard
February 12, 2025 at 10:49 pm
I followed Ivy’s journey faithfully on Facebook, prayed for her and her precious mom and loved them both. I am so sorry and sad. Know I am still praying for Jesus to mend your broken hearts
Stacey Barnes
February 12, 2025 at 9:23 pm
My heart broke when I read that Ivy had passed, I had followed her since early last year and prayed for her and her family, and was so excited when she was able to have her heart surgery and to see her pink up…I followed y’all to her follow up and was so excited things checked out ok…I loved her smile and her big bows, her smile lite up her beautiful spirit and I’ll never forget that lil tongue,,, that was what made Ivy so precious..that was her way of smiling at the world…my condolences from a Facebook friend and a angel
Mom too of a special needs son, from North Carolina 🙏🩷🕊️💐
Kaye Cardenas
February 12, 2025 at 9:04 pm
Sending love, hugs, prayers, and sincere condolences to Sydney and family.
Susan Maris
February 12, 2025 at 9:04 pm
Fly high baby girl ❣️
You were a beautiful baby girl who the world came to love and I will miss seeing your pretty clothes and big smile on Facebook .
An Angel forever 💕
Wanda Byrd
February 12, 2025 at 8:44 pm
I will do sadly miss seeing lvy 😭 she was such a a joy to see on my Facebook feed and to watch her and mommy. My prayers are with you daily 🙏
Melissa Hooks
February 12, 2025 at 7:44 pm
My heart is broken for you. I could tell how much ivy was loved. I’m so sorry. Parents shouldn’t bury their kids
Love to you all
Cookeville TN
Melissa Carol
Silvia White
February 12, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Although I never met Ivy personally, I so loved this little girl. What a gift from God to place her in my life. I have prayed for Ivy and Sydney for over a year and know that God has a plan which we have to accept. Ivy IS with Jesus now. As our priest once said, “we don’t pray for baby’s that have passed on, we pray TO them as they are with God in Heaven”. Thank you Sydney for being so strong. Ivy is now praying for you.
Pauli Cockerham
February 12, 2025 at 6:46 pm
Ivy, you are so, so very loved. Your life touched so many people. I am so sorry that you had to leave us so soon, but I know that you will make one incredible angel.
Sending thoughts of comfort and support to Sydney and to the family. Thank you for sharing your precious Ivy with all of us.
Wanda Erickson
February 12, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Your journey was tremendous and forever in our hearts. My family loves you and your momma and rejoiced with every bit of progress you made. We will never forget you and the souls you brought to Jesus. We have a baby girl with Jesus, too, and her name is Jessica Joy. Please give her a big hug for us. We know she will have one for you in return. Eternally happy you will be. Moma will come. Love, the Ericksons.
Debbie Adams
February 12, 2025 at 6:15 pm
Sydney, my heart breaks for you! I found you and Ivy about 6 months ago. I followed every post, celebrating every win right along with you. I have no words for Ivy’s passing. She was a precious superhero, and she affected so many of us for the better. She will be greatly missed. Know that her life, ever so short, was so important to so many. We will all be carrying you in prayer as you grieve this great loss! You are loved! Ivy is healed! God is in control!!
Debbie Adams
Texarkana AR
Shery Christopher
February 12, 2025 at 5:37 pm
Iva came to teach unconditional love to so many. She shared her amazing spirit and smile for a short time, but touched the lives of so many around the world who followed her story.
She will forever shine in the hearts of her mommy, Sydney and her family members who cared and loved her so very much.
💕shery
Gena Bohl
February 12, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Sweet, sweet girl. She touched our 💕 hearts and we will never be the same. We love you Sydney. We are praying for you.
The Stunningly Strong Community
Savannah Beard
February 12, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Prayers for you all. We love our Ivy girl.