Laine Manning VanHoutan
When Laine VanHoutan began her great adventure, she had no idea what was ahead. She only knew that she loved to dance, play dress-up with her twin sister Emily, and teeter-totter in a tiara with her older brother Noah. While she started out in tutus and twirls, it soon became very clear that she was more than just a regular princess. She was an Adventure Princess, with an explorer’s heart, the strength of a lion, and the courage of a superhero. The world is big, and in her 12 years, she lived it. She skied white powder mountains in Keystone. She breathed the fresh evergreen air in Snowmass. She felt the tickling sands between her toes on the beaches of Florida. She loved “the castle” at Disney. She ached from losing her big brother Noah to CLN2 Batten disease in 2016. And she felt the enormous love and support of her hometown of Downers Grove, IL and surrounding communities. Although she was an Adventure Princess, she didn’t pack light. She forged ahead through each new day carrying with Noah the unbearable burden of Batten disease. As her skips turned to trips then to a wheelchair, and her toddler chatter turned to silence, she continued to move forward, inspiring those who helped to find a new drug that slows the progression of Batten disease. Still, Laine continued her journey with her brother as her map; her mom, dad, and sisters as her navigators; and her caregivers, teachers, nurses, doctors, neighbors, family, and friends as her light in the darkness. Like a shadow at sunset, our little girl’s spirit reached out and touched so many more than her beautiful body could ever permit. Laine’s great adventure ended on March 20, 2018, at the too-young age of 12, but we will carry our Adventure Princess to the four corners of the world as she will live forever in our hearts. Laine inspired us to truly experience each new day, to courageously seek new solutions that improve our world, and to love and appreciate all those around us who support our own great adventures. Loved daughter of Tracy and Jennifer VanHoutan. Dear sister of Emily, Colette and angel Noah. Cherished granddaughter of Norb and Jacque Farnaus, Madilyn Abernathy and Jerry and Susan VanHoutan. Beloved niece, cousin, friend and inspiration to many. Visitation 1pm to 7pm Thursday, March 22nd at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5211 Carpenter St., Downers Grove, IL. Funeral service on Friday, March 23rd at 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5211 Carpenter St., Downers Grove, IL. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Noah’s Hope (www.NoahsHope.com) for Batten disease research or for final expenses to Noah VanHoutan Family Trust would be appreciated. P.O. Box 54, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home 630-964-6500
Such a beautiful tribute to an amazingly beautiful young lady. ❤
We will always remember her as a fiesta little girl, who wouldn’t give up, no matter what! You and your husband have our thoughts and prayers! Karen Jensen
“Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are happy.” – Inuit proverb
Peace and love sweet Laine????
A beautiful tribute to am amazing young lady
This is such a beautiful tribute. Sending love and peace to you all. ❤️
What an amazing tribute for much loved sweet Lainey Lou ❤️
Love this 1000x
Beautiful! For a beautiful Adventure Princess! In your short time in this world you left an amazing legacy of love!
What a beautiful tributeto a precious little girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
The love you have shown is beyond what many of us will ever understand.
Gods Grace and the lives of two of his beautiful creations has given new hope to many.
Thank you Laine and Noah . Through you there is a rainbow for the friends you left behind
You worked hard. It’s your time to rest in HIS loving arms.
We are so sorry for your family, but believe a reunion one day in heaven. What a beautiful tribute.
A beautiful tribute to our little princess. Love, “Grandma Judy and Grandpa Tom”.
Most beautiful tribute to the most beautiful,strongest, most adventurous Princess Laine????????. Your family is so incredibly brave,strong,and kind. Laine is now with her heroic brother Noah. Certain things in life don’t make sense and this is one of them. God bless your family and thank you for everything you do. Prayers and love ❤️
Such an eloquently written tribute to a Beautiful Adventure Princess!
Fly high, beautiful Laine…heaven now has a beautiful angel ???? ????????????
You are a truly remarkable family. My deepest sympathies for your loss. So much love over the miles to you all from us.
Truly a gorgeous tribute❤️ Thank you for honor of meeting Miss Laine and your family. Thinking of you, your family, friends, and entire Batten family. Much love ❤️
The brilliant light of your sweet girl is shining in the night sky next to her beloved Noah .. our hearts ache for your loss and holding your family in love.❤️????
I am so so sorry for your loss(es), such a beautiful tribute. I’m a DG resident, my heart goes out to you and your family that the pain eases as days go by.
So very sorry for your loss. Your strength during Noah and Laine’s battle with Battens is commendable, especially your fight for a cure so other families have a chance. Rest in The Lord’s assurances as your two children are reunited in Heaven. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.