Isabella R. "Bella" Pape

Isabella "Bella" Rose Pape It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Bella on February 14th, 2022 at Children's Hospital Wisconsin from COVID-19 at the age of 13 years old. Bella was surrounded by family as her body could no longer contain her courageous and joyful spirit. A celebration of life will be held at Mueller Funeral Home in Grafton on Monday, February 21st. Visitation with family will be from 11 am -1 pm, and funeral services at 1 pm led by Patty Kubala. Private burial to follow. Bella was born on June 9th, 2008 in Mequon. Early in her life she was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome, a rare genetic condition. This presented some limitations and associated medical conditions, but instead of being of detriment, it allowed her enthusiastic and fearless spirit to shine. At the age of 3 she was enrolled in an early learning program in Cedarburg. She loved everything about it - her teachers, her classmates, snacks and most of all riding the bus. She showed this same excitement and enthusiasm while attending Thorson Elementary and then Webster Middle School through the homebound program. Bella endured many obstacles to learning. With the tremendous help of teachers and therapists who worked tirelessly to accommodate her many unique challenges, along with her own hard work and determination, she conquered all. Bella was never one to surrender, but rather a soul to be honored and respected. She faced many threatening health challenges such as open heart surgeries, liver transplant and kidney failure. All led to lengthy hospitalizations, which became normal in Bella’s life. Big or small, she took them on with the same fearlessness and resiliency she lived her life by. And, after each challenge she faced, it seemed her spirit was emboldened, growing a little bigger, a little stronger. Bella amazed us on a daily basis with her passion to live life the only way she knew how - with strength, perseverance and joy. Her attention and care for others showed maturity way beyond her years. She loved to hear about the daily lives of everyone she knew and looked for humor in any situation. Her sassy and spunky personality was beloved by all who knew her. Bella idolized her big brother Payton without limits, and cherished being a big sister to Brianna and Will. She treasured fun adventures including fast rides and floating high in a swing. Bella’s zest for life and superhuman strength was admired and cherished. Her bright spirit will never fade and continues to inspire her family, her friends, her team at Children’s Hospital, and her fellow Kabuki warriors and families. Our hearts are broken. Our world is shaken. But Bella is at peace. And we are forever grateful to have shared her life with her. We are grateful for Bella's extensive care team of doctors and nurses who tirelessly and compassionately cared for her as if she were their own. And they became like family to her as well. Thank you seems a small sentiment for sharing your lives, passion and tenderness with our sweet girl. You made all our lives better. Bella, you continue as the light of our lives! We valued each moment with you and will always remember your brilliant sense of humor and wit, your appetite for both adventure and delicious foods, admiration of your big brother, and absolute loving spirit!. We promise to carry on in advocacy for others. We love you Bella. Bella is survived by her parents, Katie Pape of Cedarburg and Kelly and Malisa Pape of Grafton; siblings Payton (16), Brianna (4) and Will (1); maternal grandparents Gary and Linda Zaffke of Cedarburg; paternal grandparents Kevin and Jackie Pape of Cedarburg; maternal aunt Natalie Zaffke of Grafton; and paternal aunts Molly Pape of Cedarburg, Maggy (Morgan) Marks of Mequon and Emily Pape of Cedarburg. Many other cherished cousins, family, step family and close friends survive. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the new All Children’s Playground in Bella’s name. We are hope to donate a swing with her name on it. Venmo to @Cedarburg-Friends with a note that funds go to Bella Pape. You can also send a check to Cedarburg Friends of Parks and Recreation, address PO Box 864, Cedarburg, WI 53012.