Kaleah Lynn Mays

Kaleah Lynn Mays
June 12, 2017 – May 11, 2024
Kaleah Lynn Mays' beautiful soul was brought into this world on June 12, 2017, in Loma Linda, California to parents Kionna Gutierrez and Maurice Mays JR. She was sadly and abruptly taken from us on May 11, 2024, after having a normal day filled with cuddles and smiles.
Early Life and Health Challenges
Kaleah's parents knew before she was born that she was going to be a special child. Ultrasounds showed swollen kidneys and brain abnormalities, but they didn't know just how special she would be until she was born. After her delivery, her parents anxiously waited to hear that first cry as the NICU team worked quickly to help Kaleah breathe. It felt like forever, but they finally heard her precious little raspy cry and were filled with relief. Kaleah was taken straight to the NICU before her parents could even hold her. She spent the next month and a half there, where her parents learned about the care needed for Kaleah to go home. Kaleah was sent home needing oxygen, antibiotics, physical and occupational therapy, and had a planned surgery for her future, along with countless follow-up appointments with several specialists all working together to keep her happy and well.
Kaleah's Joyful Spirit
In her precious, yet short six years of life, Kaleah faced numerous obstacles, including kidney infections, seizures, several surgeries, and sepsis. But more importantly, Kaleah was loved and cherished by so many of her family members and Kaleah always remained joyful.
Kaleah loved watching her favorite show, Baby Einstein, which brought her so much joy and excitement. We'd hear her laughing and yelling throughout the house. Tori Kelly's gospel songs and covers also brought our girl so much joy every day.
Cherished Moments
Kaleah loved watching her favorite show, Baby Einstein, which brought her so much joy and excitement. We'd hear her laughing and yelling throughout the house. Tori Kelly's gospel songs and covers also brought our girl so much joy every day.
For playtime, Kaleah's favorite toy was a VTech laptop that we brought everywhere, along with her bells and she loved doing whatever silly activities her mom set up for her with beads and pom poms. Kaleah got a lot of entertainment from watching and listening to her little brother Levi and her cousins play around her. Levi would talk to her, show her toys, and even hold her (regardless of how much bigger she was).
Kaleah's mom and dad could always guarantee she would have a nice long nap when lying with dad, and massages from her grandma were a sure way to relax her. When it came to holding her, it never mattered how long she grew or how heavy she got-her parents always made sure to pick her up and hold her often, especially her papa, even when they worried it would hurt his back. Our family was fortunate to have the chance to see Kaleah spend time with her grandma Teri and great-grandpa Paul before their passing.
Love and Care
Kaleah was never in short supply of love from her whole family. Whether it was with kisses and cuddles, reading her stories, singing songs or good conversation from all her family who loved and cherished her. She truly was so loved by everyone who got to know her, including the amazing nurses and doctors at UCLA who showed Kaleah and her parents what it looks like to take excellent care of their patients. Kaleah and her family considered UCLA to be a second home. They treasure the good memories of Kaleah healing and feeling better, and they hold so much gratitude in their hearts for the moments of seeing them help Kaleah in her time of need, knowing she was in good hands.
Final Thoughts
Kaleah brought so much light and joy into her parents lives, and into the life of her little brother Levi. She taught them lessons they will never forget, and they will always cherish each other and to appreciate the little moments in life.
Kaleah is loved and missed by:
Her parents, Kionna Gutierrez(mother) Maurice Mays Jr(father), and her caring little brother Levi Mays. Her loving grandparents Natorsha Haynes(grandmother), Maurice Mays(grandfather), Joseph Gutierrez(grandfather), Sandra Gutierrez(grandmother). Her great grandmothers, Victoria Gutierrez and Patricia Hart. Her caring Aunts and Uncles Tesha Edwards, Chris Edwards, Rachel Hibbert, Brianna Curd, William Curd, Toni Cerros, Ta'yonna Mays, Noah Griffin, David Orr, Daniel Gutierrez and her many dear cousins and friends.