Lily Ellyz Duisen, age 2, of Tioga, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Tioga Medical Center in Tioga – exactly one month shy of her third birthday.

Lily was born on January 27, 2023, to Sean and Eve Duisen and was a precious light to everyone who knew her. She was a proud little sister to Kumi, her best friend, whom she adored, and with whom she loved spending her days playing, especially hide and seek.

Lily found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. Like her namesake, Lily delighted in flowers, always wanting to smell their scents. She enjoyed helping in the garden whenever she could, especially during the warm summer months. She loved playing outdoors in the backyard or at the playground, and was always bouncing with delight on the trampoline. She had a love for music, dancing, playdough, and anything that allowed her to be creative and curious. Lily especially cherished time at daycare, where she enjoyed learning her alphabet, numbers, and shapes and spending time with her special friends.

She had her mama’s beauty, and her beautiful smile and sweet brown eyes melted the hearts of everyone who knew her. Lily was always happiest when her mommy or daddy came home from work or when her sister arrived home from school. You could often find her waiting by the door to greet them with a big bear hug—because Lily truly gave the best hugs. She was so proud of her growing independence and would beam with excitement when she put on her own socks and boots, joyfully declaring, “Mommy, I did it!!”

Lily was kind and caring beyond her years. She never forgot to say “Bless you” after a sneeze. She loved snuggling with her mommy, being silly with her daddy, and spending time with her beloved cats, whom she fondly called “Summer Duisen” and “Munchkin Duisen.”

Brave, adventurous, smart, and incredibly sweet, Lily loved life with her whole heart. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave and the joy she brought will live on forever.

Sean, Eve, and Kumi gave Lily a life filled with love, safety, laughter, and warmth—everything a little girl could ever need. Lily will be so deeply and forever missed by her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Forever in our hearts.