Freya Everly Ness Ulwick

Freya Everly Ness Ulwick was born on March 12, 2020, and lit up our world from the very beginning (fun fact: Freya was born the morning of Covid-19 lockdown in Chicago). Freya's five years on this earth were full of laughter, fierce determination, and love so deep that it has forever changed us. Freya was diagnosed with leukemia in 2024 and while she was in remission from leukemia and continuing maintenance treatment, complications from a viral infection proved too great for her compromised immune system.

She passed far too soon and left a hole in this world, in our hearts, and in the lives of everyone who knew her and loved her. Freya was only five years old, and we hoped for so many days with her, and for her. We were not ready to say goodbye, and the world was not ready to lose her. But we can say, confidently, and without reservation, that she spent every one of her days on Earth loved wholly and intensely, and loving fiercely in return.

Freya was a small, but mighty five-year-old with a big presence and a strong and spicy personality. In every interaction with her she showed us just how much love one little heart can hold, and just how much one little life can shape the world around her. Freya had a way of drawing people in and reminding us of what really matters. She was a ball of brilliant stardust, and you couldn't help but love her.

Her name, Freya, is of Norse origin and means "noble one." It is a name rooted in strength, love, and protection, and one that has a deep and beautiful meaning for our family. Freya had strength in spades, from her fiery determination in the way she faced each new day, to the powerful presence she brought to our family. She was gentle and fierce, tender and unyielding—anchored by the love that she had for us, and that we had for her.

As we watched Freya grow, we taught her patience, strength, and how to find joy in everything. She taught us how she felt all of these things, and how she saw the world, in her own unforgettable language. Her smile, her determination, and her quiet bravery left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Freya met life as it was, with honesty and resilience, and taught us how to love more openly and more fully. She was open and honest, mischievous and funny, sweet and strong. She was all of the things we loved, and more.

Though she was with us for only a little while, Freya's impact will be lifelong. She lives on in the way we choose compassion over fear, presence over distraction, and love over all else. She lives on in her siblings, in her family, and in the community that surrounds us with love and care.

We will remember Freya in laughter and stillness, in small wins and quiet courage. We will say her name often, carry her story forward, and honor her by loving others the way she showed us to love—wholeheartedly, fiercely, and without reservation.

Freya will always be a part of us, and if you met her, we hope she will always be a part of you, too. And please know this: her light never faded; it simply changed form. We will carry it with us, always.

A Memorial Visitation and Service will be held on Saturday January 3, from 3pm until a 4:30pm Memorial Service at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Memorial Services will conclude at 5pm.

The outpouring of love, condolences and supportive messages are greatly appreciated while we navigate our new reality as a family. So many of you want to help, and we want to honor that with ways to do so. If you are local and want to bring the family food, a Meal Train site has been set up for the Ness Ulwick family. If you would like to contribute financially, a GoFundMe has been set up in honor of Freya.

https://gofund.me/a2fec7017

https://mealtrain.com/q2013r

All funds will be given to the following amazing organizations that have helped Freya and her family in the last year of her fight with leukemia: Cal's Angels, Christmas Without Cancer NFP, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and Project Fire Buddies.

For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.