Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) is in great despair caused by the death of his eldest daughter, who passed away this week following a yearlong battle with cancer.
The lawmaker broke the terrible news on Tuesday in a heartfelt message, adding that Sydney Martens bravely fought a tenacious form of illness for a year before peacefully passing away in her family’s presence.
“We are heartbroken that we cannot share her smile and laugh in person any longer but are so thankful that she is resting with our Lord and that we were able to spend these years with her and her family,” he stated.
Sydney leaves behind her loving husband Chris, daughter Madelyn, and sons Charlie and Roman, as well as other family members, including her parents Derrick and Sara Jane, grandmother Virginia Whitelock, her siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
When they learned the news, some Democrats and well-known Republicans gathered to sympathize.
Statement from Rep. Van Orden: pic.twitter.com/drkaUTtDvr— Rep. Derrick Van Orden Press Office (@RepVanOrden) August 22, 2023
Those who sent condolences were House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), who shared their prayers for Orden and his family during this trying time through their touching messages on X.
The House Republican Conference also expressed its collective prayers for Van Orden and his family as the news spread. They expressed their deep concern in a touching tweet, writing, “We are all praying for @RepVanOrden and his family during this tragic time.”
Even from the other political party, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) posted on X, “I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, @RepVanOrden. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones grieving this loss, and I am keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time.”
Chris Martens, Sydney’s husband, paid a moving tribute to her on social media. He thanked her for her significant influence on their lives and recognized her exceptional traits as a wife, mother, and friend.
He expressed his deep love and appreciation for his wife, describing how perfect a spouse and partner she was. He also credited her for helping him become a better spouse, friend, and father.
