Grace Marie Austerberry passed away peacefully at the age of 4 on Saturday, July 16th, surrounded at home by her loving family after fighting a long battle with a form of Mitochondrial Disease called Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome.
Grace came into this world just as gracefully as she left it. She was born on November 1, 2017 in West Reading, PA. Her proud parents, Christy (Yousaitis) and James Austerberry loved her more than anything.
Grace was the greatest teacher. She changed the world without even speaking a single word. She made a positive impact on everyone who met her and anyone that was graced by her presence. She reminded us to slow down and appreciate every single moment. Grace loved her daily walks with her family through the neighborhood. She loved going on trips to the beach with all of her family where she was held and loved on by her amazing nurse, Heather. She loved listening to her cousins run and play around her and she loved her brother who cuddled with her on the couch. Grace enjoyed the opportunity to go to the BCIU for preschool with teachers and therapists who cared for her and gave her experiences many never thought that she would have. In her four short years on Earth, she lived a life full of love. She taught us how to love deeply and live life to the fullest.
Grace was loved and surrounded by her mom Christy, her dad Jimmy, her little brother Jack, her dog Charlie, her grandparents Peter and Kathy Yousaitis Jr. and James and Michelle Austerberry, her aunts and uncles, Marci Miller, Peter and Brie Yousaitis III, Jason and Becky Richardson, and Tylor Austerberry. She was loved so much by all of her cousins. Grace was also loved and cared for recently by her nurses Heather, Cathy, Lori, Tracy, Rashondra, Lisa, and Cindy and all of the other amazing nurses who have helped her throughout the years.
Grace’s life was full of beauty and she will be forever missed and forever loved.
Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 PM Friday July 22, 2022 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 2600 St Albans Dr, Reading, PA 19609. Friends may call from 5 PM – 7 PM at the church. Grace’s life was full of color; our guests are encouraged to dress in bright, colorful clothing that bring happiness.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15239
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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I read today about your beautiful daughter and wanted to reach out and tell you how very lucky she was to have had so much love. I work with special needs children of all types and know the love involved. Grace will always be your guardian angel watching over you. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I know that Grace was surrounded by people who loved her beyond measure, Sweet Grace is now in the arms of the angels, and I know she is smiling down on you with love. Jim and Penny Arnidis
I wanted to send my condolences to your beautiful family. I’ve had the privilege of following Grace’s story on social media and although I never met her I feel like I knew her. What a beautiful personality she had and I’m in awe of how well she was taken care of. As a PT, I take note of all the details of your post/pictures and as lucky as you were to learn so much from Grace, she was equally lucky to have you as her family. Sending extra love tonight and hope it’s a beautiful celebration of life. Sorry I cannot make it