Isabella Amelie Rappa

Isabella Amelie Rappa, age 2 months, gained her wings on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. Isabella was born on Oct. 21, 2024, at Texas Children’s Hospital, in Houston, Texas. Isabella went from her mother’s loving arms to the arms of our Heavenly Father on Christmas Day.

Isabella is survived by her mother, Melissa E. Rappa, and her father, Anthony Rappa. Her maternal grandparents are Flora and Henry Enaje. Her maternal aunt is Stephanie Enaje and her uncle is Christopher Enaje. Isabella knows her dog-brother, Rocco Rappa, from all the barking he did when she was in her mother’s womb. She also knows her step-dog-brother, Vinny Enaje, who loved to make Rocco bark.

Her grandmother Flora, or Lola in Tagalog, said heaven gained an angel and the stars aligned when Isabella gained her wings.

“Heaven is your new home, joyful, peaceful and full of love,” Grandma Flora said. “Whispering sounds you’ll send us as you pray on our behalf in our earthly journey to keep us focused on being with you someday. For now, I look forward to seeing you in my dreams. Love and prayers, Grandma.”

Her aunt, or Tita in Tagalog, Stephanie said she will never forget meeting Isabella for the first time in the butterfly room.

“Your mission was greater, far greater than we can conceive or accept in our limited understanding of this gift of life we've been given,” Tita Stephanie said. “My sister is so strong. I've always called her ‘my little, big sister.’ I am not at all surprised that you are a descendant of hers. You are made of our dreams, our hopes, our wishes, and our truths. And for the short time that we carried you here on earth, you are now carrying us, from your post in Heaven.”

Isabella’s paternal grandparents are Mindy and Hiran Rappa. Her paternal aunt is Vanessa Rappa and her uncle is Ori Bensimhon. Her paternal cousin is Willow Bensimhon.

In the two magnificent months she was with her family, she brought immense joy and irreplaceable love that only a child could bring. Her father spent as much time as he could with his daughter and enjoyed learning how to swaddle her, changing her diaper and telling her stories about her family.

“What I’ve learned through my daughter is that those who love with their soul know that there is no such thing as separation,” Anthony said. “Who we decide to love so deeply we can never lose—because a love this deep becomes a part of us. Isabella will always live in my heart and I will forever be grateful for finally understanding the meaning of unconditional love.”

She impacted not only her family’s life, but also the wonderful team members and volunteers at the hospital, including members of First Memories Texas, an organization that takes photos of babies in the NICU.

“I believe God crossed my path with sweet Isabella and now to you,” said volunteer Lori. “I was in the NICU again and everyone who knew her is devastated. Everyone who crossed Isa’s path loved her and will always remember her.”

Isabella taught everyone around her so much about life and not taking one day for granted; even those whom she never met. Her dad’s childhood friend, Charmaine, spoke about Isabella’s courage.

“For every time I am weak, I will find strength in the life of Isa. Her short time made more impact than I can ever have in my life! I pray that Isa’s beautiful story will continue to make a God-filled impact in this fallen world we live in.”

Isabella’s mother knows how much her daughter’s life was nothing short of a miracle—from the moment she first met her in the midnight hour of October to the nine months she carried her. For every baby is more than their diagnosis and Isabella proved that with every heartbeat and every kick. She was unstoppable!

Isa was nothing short of a warrior who was breaking barriers every day! She was a courageous and a brave Edward’s baby, wise beyond her years. She was intentional with her voice and made her coo’s or her cries only when we wanted to say something, whether it was to change her diaper (diaper diva) or to be held.

Oh, how Isabella loved to be comforted and held. Whether it was from her family, the nurses, care staff or volunteers, she loved connecting her heart to theirs. She wanted to feel love and give love with all her being.

Isabella’s mother leaves with a message that she believes Isabella taught her. Her mother is confident Isabella will continue to teach her and will live through the stories we connect with, the love we share and the bravery within us.

“Don’t think that your passion, gifts or talents are worthless,” Melissa said. “No, for they can connect people to their wildest dreams! Even if you think no one might notice or feel hopeless, I promise you: your gifts and talents are meant to be shared. They will connect us. They will remind us to dream big and never lose hope.”

Isabella’s family are forever grateful for the kindness, support and generosity being shared with them during this time. Every message, every song, every kind gesture or action, does not go unnoticed. You all connect us to our biggest dream—Isabella Amelie. May she send you a sign, like she has shown us, that, like a child, joy and hope is just one bubbly ray of sunshine away.

No more medicine, no more pain, no more wires to hold her down. Isabella is free.

A visitation for Isabella will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 1505 Kane St, Houston, TX. A committal service will occur Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX. A reception will occur Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX.