Amherst, Willow Morgan Sivel-Irons, newborn daughter of Jonathan and Lydia
Sivel-Irons of Amherst, died September 16, 2016 at Baystate Children’s
Hospital in Springfield. Willow was with us from September 15th to
September 16th, and her short time here was peaceful. The radiance
that she brought with her into the world showed those who loved her
how strong the Light can be, even in such a small person who has had
so much taken from her. She left the world with gentleness and
strength as well, in the loving arms of her parents.

Willow’s parents, Lydia and Jon Sivel-Irons, her sister Wren, and
countless friends and family members (including grandmothers Mary
Irons and Palma Vaccaro; grandfather Henry Irons; grandfather who has
already gone, Richard Sivel; great-grandparents Owen McQueeney, Sue
McQueeney, and Doris Sivel; aunties Katie Sivel, Hilary Irons, and
Ariane Thompson; uncles Asa Irons, Carl Davulis, and Carlos Vasquez;
and cousins Tessa, Frances, Lephia, and Eva Luna) will always love and
miss this gentle soul.

The doctors, nurses, midwives, and other people who brought Willow
into the world and helped her leave showed incredible fortitude and
love. They worked very hard, and did everything they could for her.
We are grateful to everyone at the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
and Wesson Women and Infants Unit in Springfield, and the Birthplace
at Pioneer Women’s Health in Greenfield.

Willow’s memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24th at 2pm
at the Mount Toby Friends’ Meeting, 194 Long Plains Road (Rt 63),
Leverett, MA 01054. Her memorial service will be a time of reflection
in the Quaker tradition. There will be a Meeting for Worship, during
which time we will gather in silent contemplation, standing to speak
individually as we feel moved to do so, with no set program. As a
community we will hold Willow in the Light.