A true Angel in life, Zoe Jayne Orcutt was called by God on Feb. 1, 2013, with her parents at her side. Zoe was born on Oct. 4, 2006, in Elkhorn. When Zoe was 8-months-old, she was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that causes developmental delays, lack of speech and walking and balance difficulties.
These children are known for their sweet demeanor and happy faces, and Zoe’s smile never failed to light up a room. She was a beacon of happiness and love that far overshadowed her physical limitations. Zoe did not know hate, evil or greed. She was created the way God intended for us to be. She only knew love.
Zoe touched the lives of everyone who met her. Her younger brother Deaken loved to play with her and was the recipient of an abundance of wonderful hugs, kisses and an occasional tug at his hair.
Zoe loved water, the wind, bubbles and animals, and she especially loved music. Zoe loved to dance, using her walker to move with grace and pure joy.
Zoe’s parents, Dusty and Cyndee, were dedicated to giving their daughter the most life had to offer. Theirs and Zoe’s diligence and perseverance resulted in Zoe surpassing every threshold her therapists and teachers had set for her.
Although Angelman children rarely develop spoken language, Zoe had her own unique silent voice that spoke the language of unconditional love.
When Zoe was diagnosed with the brain tumor that gave her a few precious remaining days, her grandparents Steve and Evelyn Yonker, Suzi Browne, Betty and Doug Moscrip, and many family members and friends gathered to surround Zoe with their love.
Zoe has been welcomed by the angels in heaven, where she will spread her wings to sing and dance for eternity.
Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. at Christian Life Fellowship Church in Ontario, Ore. A Memorial service will be held at a later date in Lake Tahoe, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation at www.angelman.org. The family will also be collecting donations at the services for the Fruitland Elementary, Special Needs Department.
