Lydia Jo Leep

Lydia Jo Leep was born at 2:26am on January 11th, 2026, at Children's Hospital Colorado, but her life began many months before that moment!

For 27 weeks and 5 days before she was born, Lydia brought her family, particularly her mother, immense joy. Every kick, twist, turn and hiccup brought an immeasurable glow to her mom's face throughout her shortened time in the womb. Hopes and dreams for Lydia's life brought joy to her daddy, mommy, sister, extended family and friends each day!

Early on during Lydia's time in the womb, it was noted that she had a hernia in her diaphragm which ultimately led to severe impacts on her lungs and their development. While this brought fear and sorrow to her family for what she would face, she reminded them daily that she was doing just fine with a not so subtle poke or kick!

On January 2nd, Lydia wanted to make her appearance and labor began. Through the gift of prayer and the help of the medical team in Bozeman, Lydia's mom was stabilized and flown to Denver on January 3rd to be at Colorado Children's Hospital where Lydia ultimately needed to be for her hernia repair and recovery. Thankfully, Lydia's daddy was able to get on a flight, rent a car, and make it to the hospital room within 10 minutes of Lydia's mom!

At Colorado Children's Hospital it was desired for Lydia to remain in the womb for several more weeks. However, due to a number of reasons, Lydia had to come earlier than hoped for. Lydia's parents were blessed to spend a week in Colorado Children's Hospital prior to her birth, side by side filled with joy, happiness and love. Without the outside distractions of the world and with the addition of constant monitoring, Lydia's parents were able to be extra blessed by her hiccups, kicks and every move she made! This was a cherished time together.

While it was in our kind and gracious God's plans to be at Colorado Children's Hospital for delivery, He had different plans for Lydia's short life. 13 hours after Lydia was born, she succumbed to the lung complications caused by the hernia. She passed from the arms of her loving mother, to the arms of her loving Savior!

Though these 13 hours of life brought immense sadness and sorrow, Lydia found ways to bring her parents much joy during that time that they were able to be with her. They were able to spend time holding her, kissing her, praying with her, reading to her, and talking to her. They were able to clearly see physical traits from both sides of her family, which was a joy to note and even giggle about! Even though she was on a lot of medications, she responded with her eyes to their voices and touch, which was so special. Though short, her parents were able to love her well and remain so thankful for the gift of time God gave to spend with her.

Lydia's family is grateful to be able to bring her home to Montana and lay her to rest right next where her parents will be buried someday.

While heartbroken, her mommy and daddy are praising the Lord that they will be reunited with Lydia in eternity someday! We praise our God for His generous mercy on babies and the unborn and look forward with sure hope that because of Christ, we can spend all of eternity getting to know and love our sweet girl!

Our precious daughter is survived by her heartbroken yet eternally grateful parents, Brendan and Kaylee Jo Leep; her adoring big sister, Aliyah Leep; her grandparents, Sherwin and Tamara Leep (paternal) and Jeffery and Peggy Semprimoznik (maternal); her great-grandparents, Bob and Diane Korthuis (paternal), Wardine Riechmann (maternal), and Albert and Gayle Semprimoznik (maternal); and many cherished aunties, uncles, cousins, and extended family who were blessed by her brief, beautiful presence in our lives.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents on her father's side, Elaine Korthuis, Andrew and Arla Leep; and her great-grandpa on her mother's side, Marvin Riechmann?who now welcome her with open arms in eternity.

Private family services were held.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com