Imogen Sky Roudebush

Imogen Sky Roudebush was born August 24, 2012 to proud parents, Gwen Stoltzfus and Jack Roudebush. Early on she established herself as a loving, but independent baby. It wasn’t long before she was walking, exploring and generally engaging the world around her. Always surrounded by loving family, Imogen was an exceptionally bright and self motivated little girl who would not hesitate to let you know what she had in mind. In short, she was a delight to be with in all regards.

Just before her third birthday, Imogen became very ill while visiting her Dad in Tampa. The diagnosis came quickly, and it was not good. Imogen had a rare but very aggressive cancer that needed immediate treatment. Imogen and her Mom immediately returned to Washington DC to begin treatment at Children’s National Hospital, and Dad followed very shortly thereafter. The treatments were hard on little Imogen, but she showed us what courage is at every turn. Her smile was always there, and a dance party was always just a song away. Initially it appeared that the treatments, harsh as they were, were working. Sadly, that was not the case. The cancer returned and was even more aggressive. Regardless, Imogen did not have an ounce of “give up” in her, and she fought it to the end. Surrounded by family and friends, and with her Mom and Dad right by her side, she was taken home to be God’s newest angel on August 2, 2016.

Imogen is survived by her Mom and Dad; grandparents Chester and Christine Stoltzfus, and Jim and Cindy Roudebush; maternal great grandparents Alvin and Esther Miller; maternal aunts Amber Grimaldi, Violet, Ruby and Trudy Stolzfus; and paternal uncles Andy and Mike Roudebush. It will surprise no one that friends came to love Imogen like their own, and became an important part of her family. Notable among these special people are Tommy and Cody Vink, Ivan Allen and Sydney Martin.

Imogen Sky Roudebush touched each of us in a very special way. The hole she leaves in each of our hearts will be filled with the memories of a brave and beautiful little girl who showed us what courage and grace really mean. When we think of Imogen, we will see a little girl full of joy and life, who couldn’t help but make us all dance.

A celebration of Imogen’s life will be held on Sunday, August 7th, at National Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA. Viewing will be from 11AM to 1PM, the memorial service from 1PM to 2PM, with interment following the service at National Memorial Park.