Lydia Irene Wahlstrom, 16

A beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Lydia Irene Wahlstrom passed away on Aug. 12, 2020, after an 11-year battle with Batten Disease. Survived by her parents Laura and Todd; brother Drew; grandparents Paul and Sheryl Magelssen and Jerry and Anita Wahlstrom, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Lydia Irene Wahlstrom was born July 18, 2004, to Laura and Todd Wahlstrom, St. Paul, Minn.

Lydia loved singing, music, Disney princesses, and doing arts and crafts. She knew how to celebrate her birthday like no one else! She was full of excitement and willing to share the joy with everyone she saw. One could often find Lydia reading quietly, laughing at movies, or singing Hallelujah (which was a favorite). She enjoyed spending time at church and school where she was around others who made her feel loved.

Lydia was simply one of a kind. She continued to smile and giggle as she faced Batten disease with a resilience that inspired all who knew her story.

Though she faced challenges that set her apart from her peers in many ways, Lydia had a unique way of bringing people together. Lydia truly loved people and especially loved her teachers, paras and staff from Richardson, John Glenn and North High School.

The family wore some of Lydia’s favorites in her honor (pink, Disney, sparkly or princessy) and invited guests to join in wearing one also.

Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, Minn. Funeral Service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 at Community of Grace Church, 4000 Linden Ave., White Bear Lake, doors opened at 12:30 p.m. for seating. Due to COVID and limited seating, the funeral was streamed on Lydia and Drew's Superhero Facebook page. Private family interment was at Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to one of these two organizations that help families with Batten Disease: Ethan's Reason (ethansreason.org) or Rare Sisters (raresisters.org).

Condolences may be sent to Todd and Laura Wahlstrom at 3050 Duluth St., Maplewood, Minn. 55109.

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