Emma C. Lawniczak

A miracle baby, Emma was born at 25 weeks and 3 days, weighing just 14.1 oz on November 1st at 6:59 pm, just after her siblings Micah and Rebecca. “Baby C” brought light and love to the world for 73 days until she was called home by God on Friday, January 13th. Emma passed away surrounded by her loving family and dedicated medical team, lying in her Mommy and Daddy’s arms.

“Baby Courageous” was not expected to survive while in the womb, nor to survive delivery. However, Emma had bigger plans and showed everyone her strength by beating the odds and gracing the world with her presence. After her Mommy was admitted to the hospital due to Emma’s critical in-womb condition, Emma managed to hold on to life inside the womb for an extra week to help let everyone grow for as long as possible. An inspiration to all, she fought to make sure she and her siblings were safe during delivery too, sending her Mom to the OR first thing in the morning on November 1st for a “test run”. When everyone returned to the room still on board, the doctors were able to give medicine through her Mom’s IV to protect their brains. A second trip to the OR happened around midday to make sure that Mommy knew what to do, and the triplets were born on the third and final trip to the OR. Emma’s beautiful strength was a gift from God, and was bolstered by prayerful support from friends, family, and strangers from all over. A special thank you to all the nurses, doctors, and staff of the labor and obstetrics department at Strong Memorial Hospital and at Strong Perinatal Associates.

Right from the start, Emma amazed all the medical staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital’s NICU, overcoming so many obstacles, all with sweetness, patience, and faith. Though one of the smallest babies ever in the NICU, Emma miraculously tripled her birth weight, weighing in at 3 lbs 3.3 oz on her final day on Earth. She maintained a positive attitude and exemplified her faith when after four unsuccessful attempts at a picc line installation, she finally received a central line in the form of an IJ, thanks to the collaboration of many teams of nurses and doctors who loved Emma. She made incredible progress and was even able to come off of her high frequency jet ventilator as she grew bigger and healthier.

Emma’s favorite pastimes included blowing spit bubbles, enjoying breast milk swabs, being held by Mommy and Daddy, being sung to, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, watching the “Good Night Lights” outside her window, celebrating holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s), having people talk to her, receiving visitors, reading books, and being cared for by all her nurses and doctors.

Emma was adored by all she met, quickly earning a “favorite” status among the staff. Emma also had the great honor of being lovingly baptized as a member of the Catholic Church when she was 8 days old, a beautiful sacramental experience that saved her.

Emma will forever be remembered and loved by the many communities she had the privilege to be a part of, including the parish and folk group of Saint Pius X, Our Lady of Mercy School community, Sun Valley Campground , Bills Mafia, and the NICU.

A tremendous thank you to the entire staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital’s NICU.

Emma Cherise is predeceased by her great grandfathers Michael Reed Sr., Donald Bleistein, and Edwin Lawniczak, Great Grandmother Irene Lawniczak, brothers Derek and Luke Lawniczak, and many other darling extended family members. She is survived by her GiGi Denise Reed Lamoreaux, Grandpa Gary Lawniczak, Grandma Cheryl Lawniczak, Uncle Justin (Valerie) Lamoreaux, Aunts Juliana Lawniczak and Christa (Eddie) Cruz, cousins Patrick and William Lamoreaux, great grandmothers Joyce Reed and Mollie Bleistein, brother Micah Lawniczak, sister Rebecca Lawniczak, and numerous additional beloved family members and friends.

Emma’s family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to her calling hours on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave, Rochester, New York 14624. A funeral mass will occur on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 3010 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Golisano Children’s Hospital’s NICU in memory of Emma, as we are profoundly grateful for the incredible care Emma was given and want to support the NICU as much as possible.

Donations can be made by following this link:

https://tinyurl.com/yc2bn3t5

Or by sending a check to:

Golisano Children’s Hospital

NICU

300 East River Road

Box 278996

Rochester, NY 14627

Please make checks out to Golisano Children’s Hospital-NICU

In the memo line, please say in Memory of Emma Lawniczak

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alvahhalloranandson.com for the Lawniczak family.