Briella Bennett

Our beloved baby girl Briella Grace Bennett of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was born on May 28, 2021 in Aurora, Colorado.  Briella departed her physical body on July 3, 2021 in the presence of her parents at Children’s Hospital Colorado, also in Aurora.  Briella died of complications from a congenital heart defect.  During both her gestation and 36 days of life, Briella inspired and expanded love in the hearts of many people.  Briella will forever be our little Cupid who is deeply loved and remembered as an incredibly special light in our world.

The joy Briella brought to her parents is immeasurable and irreplaceable.  During our short time together, we treasured each and every second with our precious baby.  The time spent in her presence, connecting with her, holding her, and talking, singing, and reading to her are moments we cherish.  We will never forget her blue eyes, red hair, strong grip, gentle soul, and fighting spirit.

Prior to Briella’s birth, we called her Baby Comet.  And, like a comet, Briella’s time on earth was bright, beautiful, and extraordinary. However, we can only see a comet from earth for a short time before it continues on its transient journey through the universe.  While we wish we could have had so much longer with Briella, we honor her soul’s journey and choice.

In the face of great physical challenge, our incredible Briella demonstrated courage and strength beyond our understanding.  Her name holds special meaning.  Briella means “God is my strength” and honors that we, as individuals, embody the Great Mystery (God).  We knew Briella would need great inner strength to carry her through life because of her heart condition. Grace expresses a blessed, divine unfolding of our souls.  Grace is unconditional love freely bestowed and available to all.  As we grasp to connect to meaning from such a deep and tragic loss, may Briella’s story remind us all of the precious nature of human life, the value of letting go of control, and the beauty of moments shared with those we love.

Briella is survived by her parents, Jana Comstock and Dustin Bennett of Santa Fe, New Mexico; maternal grandparents John and Johnnie Comstock of San Angelo, Texas; paternal grandmother Beth Bennett of Santa Fe, New Mexico; paternal step-grandmother Carolyn Darr of Fort Collins, Colorado; maternal great-grandmothers Johnnie McClure of Lubbock, Texas and Wanda Comstock of San Angelo, Texas; uncle Randall Bennett of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and many great aunts, great uncles, cousins, and friends.  Briella is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Thomas Bennett of Fort Collins, Colorado.

A memorial service in Santa Fe is pending, and details will be shared when available.  We encourage you to sign Briella’s tribute wall.  Jana and Dustin may be contacted via email at  DustinAndJana4@gmail.com or via mail at 7312 Rio del Sol, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

Memorial contributions to honor our heart angel Briella may be made to the Lexiam Heart Foundation.  Lexiam Heart Foundation is a New Mexico organization that supports families affected by congenital heart defects (CHD).  CHD is the most prevalent birth defect affecting one in 100 babies.  Donations in Briella’s name may be made through Lexiam’s website at http://lexiamheartfoundation.org/donate/ or through the mail at PO BOX 91413, Albuquerque, NM 87199.