Malia Jordan Gavagan

Our beloved Malia Jordan Gavagan passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2019. She was eight months, 21 days old. Malia was the light of the world to her mother, Julianne Gavagan, and to her family who are heart broken at the death of this beautiful child. She was treasured.

Baby Malia was a fighter from the day she entered the world 2 1/2 months early, on January 4, 2019, in Fort Collins Colorado. She weighed just 3 lbs. 2 oz. She spent 44 days in the Poudre Valley NICU. The dedicated medical staff and Julianne‘s constant presence helped Malia grow into a healthy robust baby girl.

From the top of her curly blonde hair, to her beautiful blue eyes, to the tip of her happy toes, she was every bit a Gavagan! She was our beautiful girl. Malia blossomed and surpassed every hope and expectation we had for her. She presented to us the best that this universe has to offer.

Just looking at her mother made Malia smile; and the first time she laughed out loud was when she heard her grandma sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody ..Who Loves Me”.

Malia loved bath time, her pacifier, playing in the jumpy chair at Papas, helping her Grandpa water the lawn and feed the birds, swimming lessons with her Mommy, and reading and dancing with her Grandma. She had a large family of adoring aunts and uncles and cousins, both near and far, who eagerly anticipated seeing her or hearing about her latest antics. Her family proudly showed everyone her photo saying “this picture is going to make your day! “

Malia was the Princess of Cheyenne Frontier Days when she rode in the 4-Generation carriage with her Mommy, Grandma, and Great grandma. She was proudly held and shown off as thousands grinned and waved at Malia’s beaming face. Her picture was snapped thousands of times by the adoring crowd.

Malia was cherished by her whole family we are devastated by the loss of this precious child. She gave our lives new purpose. She was our shining light.

Malia is survived by her loving family who mourns for her and the life she might have lived. Her mother, Julianne Gavagan. Her grandparents, Eileen Gavagan and Lane Hill. Her papa, Michael Elkins. Her great grandmother, Patricia Schafer. Her great grandparents Edward and Susan Gavagan.

She is also survived by her loving aunts, uncles, and cousins and extended family and friends.. all who loved her fiercely.

She is preceded in death by her great grandfather Edward Schafer and her grandmother Tracy Elkins.

Malia‘s memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Reception will immediately follow at The Gathering Place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Malia’s name, to Paul Smith’s Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.