Sydney Fodrie

Sydney Grace Fodrie was born January 7, 2010 to Joel and Lindsey Fodrie. She was blessed to have an adoring older brother, Rafe, who was so anxious to meet his little sister. Sydney weighed 4 pounds and 3.8 ounces and was 15 � inches long. Sydney Grace was a miracle, and she would prove over the next couple of weeks what a strong spirit she was.
From the very beginning she proved that she was a fighter. At Lindsey's 19 week ultrasound, she and Joel were informed that Sydney had a rare genetic disorder called Trisomy 18. At that point, they were told that Lindsey would likely miscarry. If the baby were to survive, she would most likely be born between 28 and 32 weeks. Even then, her chances of living through birth would be small. The hope and prayer was that she would live long enough to meet her parents, brother and family- whether only moments or perhaps a few hours.
Lindsey was unexpectedly able to carry Sydney Grace for 39 weeks. Because of Lindsey's health, she was admitted to the hospital on January 6, to be induced the following morning. Sydney Grace was anxious to arrive and meet her family, and came so quickly that only Lindsey, Joel, and the nurses were there for her arrival. She was born at 5:11am only minutes after Lindsey called her family to tell them she was in labor. The family arrived to find Sydney was alive with a stronger heart rate than expected.
The following days were full of miracles. Sydney Grace was stronger each time she was checked, rather than weaker. She was also able to meet many family and friends and completely defy all odds. Her story quickly spread through the hospital, then the community, and eventually throughout the world.
Sydney Grace's life has been a true testament of the power of prayer and the grace of a loving Father in Heaven. "Grace" has been defined as, "A divine means of help or strength given through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ." How fitting for this angel who has certainly allowed all within her reach to feel of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, to be named Sydney Grace. In times of weakness, she has given strength to her family. Because of her life, thousands have been brought to their knees in prayer. She has reminded us all of the words of our Savior in Matthew 19:14, "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Sydney left this mortal existence and took Jesus' hand to enter His peace and rest on January 27, 2010. Sydney Grace is at peace and her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. She was truly a miracle, sent from heaven. In such a short time, she provided joy that will last a lifetime. It has been said that some souls are too pure for this world. Sydney Grace is surely one of those precious souls. In the words of Celine Dion, "Fly, fly little wing. Fly where only angels sing. Fly away, the time is right. Go now, find the light."
Sydney Grace is survived by her parents: Joel and Lindsey Fodrie and brother, Rafe, of Smyrna, NC. Maternal Grandparents: Glenn and Sheri Lowe, Smyrna, NC; Maternal Grandfather: James Fodrie, Morehead City, NC; Maternal Great-Grandparents: Frank and Rachel Moore, Harkers Island, NC; Paternal Great-Grandparents: Jesse and Doris Lowe, High Point, NC; Aunts and Uncles: Jessica Baracos, Smyrna, NC; Paige Willis, Harkers Island, NC; J and Jamison Ipock, Beaufort, NC; and Jim Fodrie, Eason, MD. Cousins: Tyler and Nicholas Baracos, Smyrna, NC; Jessica Robinson and husband Brad, Beaufort, NC; Will Ipock and wife Kayla, Beaufort, NC. Her paternal Grandmother Freda Kay Fodrie preceeds her in death.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Friday at Carteret Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday at Munden Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carteret General Hospital Foundation ? Nursery, 3500 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.