Gracee Jewtraw

Gracee Lee Jewtraw, age 10, of Saranac Lake went to be with her great grandparents, Donald “Champ” Sullivan and Isabelle “Ma” Sullivan on Friday, July 22, 2016 surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Gracee was born in Saranac Lake on February 16, 2006, the daughter of Andrea Gonyea and David Jewtraw.

Gracee previously attended Lake Placid Elementary School and more recently attended the 4th grade at Petrova Elementary School in Saranac Lake.

Gracee was “humble and kind”, a true super hero and inspiration to everyone who came in contact with her. Her soulful spirited personality was contagious, giving strength and comfort to all those around her, never complaining about her illness, often providing comic relief to her family and friends in a way only Gracee could do with her own special unique sense of humor. She had a wisdom way beyond her years and unknowingly taught all of us a little something about the true meaning and measure of life.One of Gracee’s last wishes was for her life to be a legacy that inspires our world to be “humble and kind.” She was truly our “Amazing Grace.”

Before her diagnosis, Gracee had dreams of becoming a fashion designer and spent countless hours drawing and designing outfits. She was a “fashionista” and always made sure her outfit was perfect with just the right accessories. Gracee loved the time she spent playing basketball with her friends at the Saranac Youth Association and she was inseparable from her best friend and twin brother Noah.

Gracee is survived by her mother Andrea Gonyea and her stepfather of eight years, Bob VanHouten of Saranac Lake, her father David Jewtraw of Lake Placid, her sister Shelby and twin brother Noah of Saranac Lake and brother Ryan Tummons and Heather Grower of Wilmington. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, Dale and Deanna Gonyea of Bloomingdale, her paternal grandmother Margaret Jewtraw of Lake Placid, several aunts, uncles and cousins as well as many special friends including her beloved teachers Kelly Arnold and Ann Cooney. She was preceded in death by her grandfather James Jewtraw. Gracee always looked forward to spending time with her nana and pop and her special aunts, Jen Fuller and Stacey Gonyea.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday July 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church in Bloomingdale with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Bloomingdale.

At Gracee’s request, you are asked to please wear something purple (her favorite color) and/or gray (for brain cancer).

Family and friends are invited to share your Gracee stories in writing either by bringing a written memory to leave at the funeral home or sharing a memory on her page at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

Friends wishing to remember Gracee Jewtraw may make memorial contributions to the funeral home in her name.