Loreina Checketts, age 2 ½, died at home in her father’s arms on Sunday, March 24, 2024. She was surrounded by her parents and siblings.
A celebration of life will be held for Loreina on March 30, 2024 at 10 am at 951 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102. A short service will be held in the chapel followed by a fiesta including some of Loreina’s favorite foods and activities. Her family would like to invite anyone who was impacted by Loriena’s sweet smile to join them in celebration. Interment will be in Glenrock, Wyoming on April 2, 2024 at 11am at the Glenrock Cemetery.
Loreina was born on May 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City to Hyrum and Becky Checketts. She was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Due her condition, she underwent multiple open-heart surgeries, including a heart transplant in December of 2023. Loreina’s life was filled with frequent cardiology visits and therapy appointments. Smiling through it all, she made many friends and won hearts everywhere she went. She was a true “heart warrior” and inspired many in her short life with her grit and gusto for life.
She enjoyed being with her siblings and liked to try everything they did. She was never afraid of a challenge and was very strong willed, as her therapists can attest. From wrestling with her brothers to playing dolls and dress up with her sister, Loreina brought joy and happiness to every situation. She liked to help out in the garden and was a very efficient tomato picker, regardless of the ripeness of the tomato. She loved being included and was quick to say, “mí, mí” when her parents asked who wanted to help or participate.
Loriena was full of light and joy despite her medical difficulties and won hearts fast with her bright smile. She was frequently seen calling out to others and waving at them up and down the hallways of the hospital. She was smart, a hard worker, and quick to help others. Her zest for life and contagious happiness will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her parents-Hyrum and Becky, her siblings- Josiah (7), Zella (6), Lamont (4) and Oren (3mo).
Hyrum and Becky thank the medical team and staff at Primary Children’s Hospital in the CICU, CCU, and Heart Transplant team for their tireless efforts to provide amazing care to Loreina which allowed her family to enjoy her for 1047 days. They also express their heartfelt gratitude to the donor family for their selfless decision in their time of loss. Thank you, Doug and Kristin!
I heard about your loss from my sister, Rebecca Miller. I just wanted your family to know that we are mourning with you. I cried when she told me about it and I cried again when I read her sweet obituary. I lost my 6 month old in February due to a cardiac event and I know that we will have our children in our arms again. We’re sending our love and prayers.
Nos amamos voces!
Sinto muito por sua perda.
Loreina teve os melhores pais nesta terra.
Voces sao maravilhosos!
My heart goes out to you Hyrum, Becky and family. Loreina is such a special little girl. Heaven gained a bright, shining star. My condolences and love to you all. May our Savior’s peace and comfort sustain you at this time 🕊️
Enviando nuestro amor y oraciones… les amamos y admiramos💛
Ustedes son unos padres maravillosos y han formado una bella familia. Una hermosa hija que en su corta vida en esta tierra a dejado huellas maravillosas en los corazones de quienes la conocieron. Les amamos y no dudamos que Loreina está feliz de su tiempo vivido en esta vida con su bella y eterna familia.
Becky,
My heart hurts for you. Sending love, prayers, & condolences to you and your family.
I was so blessed to get to know this beautiful Angel and be the recipient of so many of her wonderful smiles and early morning snuggles. I have no doubt in my mind she was called back early to her Heavenly Father due to her powerful spirit and strength—even at her young age, you could tell she was beacon of light. Her wonderful light will live on forever in my memory and through her incredible family. The Checketts have been such an incredible example of faith and strength not only at this time but also throughout Loreina’s hospital stay. It is no wonder such a sweet spirit was sent to such a powerful family. I will always be grateful to have known Loreina, despite so much hardship in her short life, she was always happy and smiling. I hope one day I will be able to face my trials as she did. Until we meet again, my sweet Loreina!
With so much love,
Nurse Julia <3
Our little family has been praying for yours every night. Love you, Becky <3
So sorry for your loss. I know she was a bright spot in your lives. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for eternal families! She will be missed but knowing you will see her again is truly a blessing! Prayers for your family! ❤
My sincerest condolences to Loain’s going home to her Heavenly Father! I know she has brought you a lot of joy, even so you had a lot of heartache related to her illness.
Your Family is in my prayers!
Becky our hearts were crushed to hear of the loss of your sweet little girl. She was raised and surrounded with an incredible amount of love. Please know that we will continue to lift your family in our prayers in the days to come. We love you all ❤️
