DOMINIQUE J. GEIRNAERT

Feb. 29, 1992 - July 17, 2012 SOUTH BEND - Dominique (NENE) Joseph Lee Geirnaert, after a 20-year battle with microcephaly and cerebral palsy, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in his home. NENE is survived by his mother, Tina Geirnaert; a brother, Phillip Geirnaert; and a sister, Elaina Geirnaert. He is also survived by his father, Kwane Lewis; uncle, Brian Geirnaert; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Pamela Geirnaert; paternal grandmother, Betty Miles; and his great-grandmothers, Joan Geirnaert and Medrith Snyder.

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Marcel Geirnaert and Ralph Snyder; and by a great-aunt, Cindy Mumaw.

Throughout his 20 years of life, Dominique was a tremendous source of inspiration and love. He was not able to walk, talk, sit up, or enjoy food the way most of us do. Microcephaly and Cerebral Palsy caused him to endure severe physical restrictions and pain throughout his whole life; none the less, he showed us endlessly through his beautiful smiles and his enduring love. He was pure of heart, and he shared love with people without judgment or hesitation. He loved attention. NENE continuously demonstrated strength, perseverance and courage. He taught us to fight through life's challenges. He enriched the lives of all those who knew him and loved him. Even though Dominique never took his first steps here on earth, he is now dancing in heaven.

Dominique graduated from Washington High School in 2010.

We would like to thank the dear friends and family who helped care for Dominique. You know who you are.

Visitation will be from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. today, Thursday, July 19, 2012, at the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., South Bend, IN 46616. Also visitation will take place an hour prior to the services. Funeral services will take place Friday, 11:00 a.m., July 20, 2012, at the funeral home, with Pastor Philip Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses or to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 39555 Orchard Hill Place, Suite 365, Novi, MI 48375. Online condolences and personal remembrances may be made to the Geirnaert family at xavierandamaya@aol.com. 

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words: And will be missed without measure.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 19, 2012.

04/15/2023 EJS

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