Kayla Lynn Svendson

In Loving Memory of Kayla Lynn Svendson

Fearless, Fierce & Forever Kayla

Kayla Lynn Svendson passed away on November 6, 2026, at the age of 32, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 10, 1994, in Mesa, Arizona, and raised in Ahwatukee, Kayla brought her own special light into the lives of everyone who knew her. She had Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), but that never defined who she was. Kayla was social, spirited, and very aware of everything happening around her.

Kayla loved music, birthdays (hers and everyone else's), spicy food, and Cheetos. She especially loved family vacations to Florida, where she enjoyed amusement parks and walking along the beach, putting her feet in the shallow ocean water. As a little girl, she had a favorite stuffed dog that was obviously well-loved. Her sweet, unique giggle wasn't heard often, but when it came, it was treasured. She also had her own special way of signing “bear,” scrunching up her face in a way that always made her family smile. Kayla had a personality all her own, and those little things made her unforgettable.

Kayla shared a special bond with each of her siblings. Her younger brother, Tyler, grew up alongside her, and the two shared a lifetime of memories and a connection uniquely their own. Brandi and Graydon were loving and devoted siblings who also shared many memories and remained close to Kayla throughout her life. Brandi also shared many special years caring for Kayla, along with cousins Kyle and Garrett Voepel, who lovingly helped care for her when they were young adults.

Kayla lived for nearly 10 years at Eve and Sun Group Home in Chandler, where she became part of a loving extended family. The owner, Jewell Strong, along with her sister, daughters, and all the caregivers who cared for Kayla throughout the years, became very special people in her life. She had many caregivers who helped make her days comfortable, happy, and full of love. They all loved Kayla, and she loved them.

Kayla also attended My City Radius, Day Program for Special Needs Adults, where the staff loved her and provided her with many fun and happy days. Throughout her life, she was blessed with many dedicated school teachers, caregivers, as well as speech, physical, and occupational therapists who helped her learn, grow, communicate, and experience the world around her.

Kayla is survived by her parents, James and Debra Svendson; her siblings, Brandi Giovanetto, Graydon Svendson, and Tyler Svendson; her maternal grandmother, Judith A. Westfall; her aunts and uncles, Sandra Voepel, Joe and Johnnie Svendson, Steve Svendson, and Peggy Nayeem; her nieces and nephews, Blaine, Brooke, Benaiah, Benjamin, Berean, Leeya, Lily, Olivia, and Judah; her great-niece, Estrella; and many cousins and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Rose Roberts, and her maternal grandfather, Richard Westfall.

Kayla's life was a reminder that love, joy, and connection don't need words. She touched so many hearts simply by being herself. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, caregivers, and everyone fortunate enough to have been part of her life.

Fearless, Fierce & Forever Kayla.

In Kayla's memory, we hope her story will help bring greater awareness to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and inspire others to recognize, celebrate, and embrace the extraordinary individuals living with CdLS.