Shaylee Junga

Shaylee Barbara Junga, who was born an angel, has received her beautiful wings and flown.

Born September 18, 2000, Shaylee was an immediate joy and a ray of sunshine to her family.

Fate was not kind to Shaylee, who courageously fought dozens of battles with health issues related to Rett Syndrome throughout her 19 years on earth, until her brave and resilient little heart finally surrendered.

She passed away on Saturday morning, June 20, at Toledo Hospital, a place she had become all too familiar with. Throughout her life, however, Shaylee had a positive impact on all those privileged to have met her.

Unable to ever walk or speak, the beauty of her captivating big blue eyes and unforgettable smile propelled her through life, and did the communicating for her. Hidden beneath the innocence and charm was the unwavering courage and tenacity of a warrior, who overcame major surgeries and numerous bouts with seizures and pneumonia.

Shaylee's final victory came when she survived a valiant 57-day battle with COVID-19, with no family at her side, only to pass nine days after she finally tested negative.

But the lasting image Shaylee leaves behind will be the countless smiles she brought to others with a radiant personality that her mother and father, Cheri and Steve Junga, will now struggle to live without.

Shaylee also enjoyed many healthy days, exuding a consistently serene and pleasant demeanor. She always enjoyed following the cartoon exploits of lifelong TV pal SpongeBob SquarePants. If Shaylee's life had a clear message to others more blessed, it would be to appreciate good health and treasure life's simple gifts. Unburdened, Shaylee is now free to run and sing.

Shaylee's parents are forever grateful to the many family members and friends who shared their daughter's journey, and the healthcare professionals, "Shaylee's team," who were crucial in helping her thrive – physical therapist Ann Nagle, doctors Michael Nagel, Pierre Vauthy, Aaron Buerk and Sanjoy Banerjee, the doctors at Franklin Park Pediatrics, homecare nurses Michelle Ngo, Josephine Steele, Malaysia Johnson, Tanya Eriksen, Sara Kohlenberg, Stephanie Miller and Mary Rogers, and teachers Maria Braknis and Lindsay Sabo.

Thanks to the nurses, aides, and administrative staff at Luther Home of Mercy in Williston, under the direction of Dan Housepian, and the gifted nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists in the Pediatric ICU at Toledo Children's Hospital.

She is survived by her beloved parents, Stephen (Becky) and Cheryl (Heath); sister, Kristen; grandmother, Barbara Baird; aunts and uncles, Cyndi (Marty), Barb (Dick), Debbie (Bruce); cousins, Cathy Jo (Scott), Rich (Barb), Ron (Laura), Joelle (Fernando), Rick, Jill (Greg), Kelly (Jim). She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry Randolph, Stephen and Barbara Junga; aunts and uncle, Pat (Charlie) and Judith; cousins Barb (Mike).

Family and friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, OH 43616 on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Luther Home of Mercy, Williston.

www.freckchapel.com

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Published by The Blade from Jun. 25 to Jun. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Shaylee Junga

Sponsored by Freck Funeral Chapel.

8 Entries

Judy Friesner

July 1, 2020

So very sorry for your loss. I wish we could have met as my girl also has Rett. Hugs and prayers.

Rick Wing

June 30, 2020

As a former neighbor, I seen first hand not only the sacrifices that both of you made for that little girl, but the heartache with all the medical emergency's endured through the years. She was the apple of your eye, and she lit up when you both entered the room.
You were both blessed to have each other.
My condolences to Steve, Cheri, and Kristen
Rick Wing

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Tom Guitteau

June 27, 2020

Steve, so sorry to hear of your angel passing! You are a great role model for a terrific care giver! God Bless You and my your Angel rest in peace! Our prayers are ongoing for your family!

Jodee Dantzer

June 26, 2020

I remember Shaylees beautiful eyes and contagious smile! I know the Immense joy she brought to you and many. Im familiar with your pain of saying goodbye to a beautiful, precious and innocent human being. I know shell never be forgotten.
My heart hurts for you and your family.
Rest Shaylee Rest! Then Soar!

Jamie Wamer

June 25, 2020

My heart felt condolences to the Junga family. Very sorry for your loss. God Bless to you all.

Roxanne Martin

Planted Trees

Ken & René Steingraber

June 24, 2020

We met the beautiful young baby named Shaylee prior to her diagnosis. Her parents were glowing with excitement and looking forward to the many years of memorable events to come with there newborn baby girl. It was a very short time later that God decided Shaylee and her parents would experience a different path. They would still enjoy many wonderful moments together, just not the ones they first dreamed about. Steve and Cheri were Blessed with Shaylee and Shaylee was Blessed with Steve and Cheri. What incredible courage, care and love they shared. Shaylee will always be remembered for her incredible desire to survive and persevere. An amazing fighter. May God keep her and reward her with everlasting Peace. Our thoughts and Prayers are with Shaylee and her family.

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