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Grace Esposito Obituary
Elizabeth
Irondequoit: February 16, 2013. Doctors cannot explain how she survived her first 24-hours of life. She astonished them with her ability to overcome multiple operations and complications. She inspired countless other patients and families with medical challenges of their own. She motivated thousands to support construction of the new Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. And all the while she showed love and appreciation for all who cared for her. She was Grace Elizabeth Esposito, known to many as "Amazing Grace."
Grace died early Saturday morning from complications following surgery at the age of 16 months. Grace was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that allowed her abdominal organs to migrate into her chest while still in the womb. The abdominal organs pressured her heart and lungs, raising questions how she could breathe when she was first born. This was the first of many challenges that Grace faced, and her fighting spirit won the hearts of all who knew her. "Grace had a way of looking into you, at your very soul." She was a 2012 Golisano Children's Hospital "Miracle Kid."
Grace was the daughter of Vincent Esposito (Empire State Development) and Jennifer Johnson (13WHAM News) of Irondequoit. She is survived by her big sister and dance party partner, Avery, her grandparents Dominic and Camilla Esposito (Fairport, NY), David and Karen Johnson (Roanoke, VA), godmothers Jill Johnson and Elsbeth Ruder Ebenhoe, three great grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A public memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 24th 4:00 at Asbury First United Methodist Church. Please make donations to Golisano Children's Hospital in Grace's name so that more miracles can happen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Grace Esposito
Judith Palma
February 15, 2025
Rest amazing Grace
Judith Palma
February 15, 2024
Remembering Baby Grace
MRS. MARY ALICE GOMEZ
September 12, 2023
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CHILD LIKE HER MOM. HOPEFULLY, JENNIFER WILL HAVE OTHER CHILDREN WHICH TRULY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND BLESSED MOTHER WOULD WANT HER TO. WE WILL PRAY FOR HER AND HUSBAND. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY, AMEN.
Judith Palma
February 15, 2023
Remembering Amazing Grace
Judy palma
February 15, 2022
Remembering baby Grace
ROSEBUD LEONARD
February 15, 2019
dear Jennifer and family grace was a precious angel my support and prayers will always be with you and your family. GOD BLESS
Christine and Michael (now deceased) ONeill
February 15, 2019
Jennifer,Vinnie and Family,
Wishing that today you hopefully smile a little more as you recall all the beauty Grace brought to you despite the way she left. You and Grace taught teach of us about strength and hope, but most of all, unconditional love! She continues to live on through all the love in your hearts, as well in all of our hearts that she became a part of. Thank you for sharing her with us!
May God continue to send all the support and strength you need today and everyday going forward.
Pearl Scott
February 15, 2019
Jenn and Family Its so hard to believe that it has been 6 years that your precious daughter Grace has been gone. She has been an inspiration to many of us and while I know your hearts miss her, she got her strength from Mom and Dad. She was a precious Angel who was sent only for a little while but her smile gave many of us the truth that life can be short yet precious and that we should not take anything for granted but just show the love and caring that should be in our hearts every day. Grace got her smile from you Jenn and you continue to carry that on a daily basis. Thank you Grace for your smile, your love and the strength you showed to many of us. God Bless you Jenn and your family
Judy Palma
February 15, 2019
Remembering little Grace today XO
March 19, 2013
i am a little late in signing but wish you all the best. what a sweet beautiful little girl she was. think of her and the family a lot. stay strong. god loves you.
Valerie Card
February 28, 2013
I Sincerely Offer My Condolence: Words seem insufficient at this dire time. Especially when we lose someone so young and precious as Grace. May God comfort and bless you. I pray that you will be strengthen with courage to bear the pain that now fills your heart. Hold onto the precious memories of Grace stored in your heart. ~~With Deepest Sympathy.
Missy & Jason Miller
February 27, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carrie Sone
February 27, 2013
The name Grace as you probably know means blessings that come from above regardless of merit. Your daughter truely exemplified her name. Although many of us did not know her, she blessed us with her story and fight for life. She made us aware of our own blessings we all have without merit. She is an Angel from Heaven, here briefly to bless us all before going back to her work above. May your lives always be blessed with the gifts Grace has given you. My DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Kay Walkley
February 27, 2013
May God's peace be with you.
February 26, 2013
To the Esposito family...
I'm so sorry for your loss. Grace endured so much but continued to smile throughout. You were all so brave. May God Bless you always. Joanne
Cynthia Barton
February 26, 2013
Baby Grace fought hard and during that fight brought joy and wonder to all she touched. God Bless her as she touches the Light.
Sheila Erwin
February 25, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Linda Gerew
February 25, 2013
Jen and Vinnie, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your precious Gracie. I was with you at Strong the day you found out there were issues again. My last memory of Gracie is that of her giggling while I blew bubbles for her. She was truly an amazing little girl...and you are both amazing yourselves. X-ray tech Imaging Sciences URMC.
Donna
February 25, 2013
Jennifer and Vinnie,I did not know you or your beautiful daughter and family but I will always think of you everytime I hear and sing the song Amazing Grace how sweet the sound. Your beautiful child will live on forever. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Jer Lattuca
February 25, 2013
May God Bless your Amazing Grace and hold her close in his arms for all the days that are ahead. Prayers for all of your family as time continues on without your little Angel...
Patricia Mandina
February 25, 2013
Jennifer and vinnie I just wanted to say how sorry we are for your loss,Your daughter is amazing and beautiful.Her little life was taken away to quickly.God sent Grace down to remind all of us that one tiny baby can effect so many of us to see good in ourselves .Jennifer I've been watching your story about Grace for awhile.You are amazing as well how you do it I don't no.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Pat Mandina
DENISE SPAHN
February 24, 2013
vinnie and jen and avery i'm so sorry in the lost of grace ,she is one beauitful girl who will always have the angels around her ..my prayers go out to you and your family.
Doris Marsh
February 24, 2013
Vinnie, Jennifer, and Avery - So sorry for the loss of your precious Amazing Grace. She touched so many lives in the short stay that she was with us. She gave so much love and now she's with the angels watching over us knowing that she taught us "Love is so precious".
February 24, 2013
Jennifer and Vinnie-she was a beautiful child, may her smile forever continue to touch many lives! thank you for sharing your story with the community. Heaven has a very special gift ! Lots of love and prayers to you and your families xoxox The Feasel's
February 24, 2013
I was sorry to hear that you lost your precious little Grace long before her time. My thoughts, & prayers are with all of you, & your family. You now have your little Angel in HEAVEN watching over you forever. Love, Kathy Knope
February 24, 2013
Little Grace: We never met but I know your mom and dad. I know you have a left an eternal smile in their hearts and in the hearts of everyone you touched. Your smile will light up their lives forever. The Dollingers
Kim Brater
February 23, 2013
Such big impact from such a young girl. Your heart and soul lives on in everyone you touched. Forever Amazing Grace.
February 23, 2013
Our love and prayers are with you all.
The Barker's
Kim G
February 23, 2013
May God hold you in the palm of his hands. Your entire family has been an inspiration to us all. You beautiful little girl is among the angels in God's eternal love. May you find the strength and through God's grace feel the love and prayers that surround you and your family.
marybeth benkovich
February 23, 2013
Bless you Grace...
Lynda Kershner
February 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Grace was a beautiful little girl who took over my heart and many others. Thank you for sharing her life.
Caryl Barasch
February 23, 2013
Gene and I are sending now and will forever continue to send all the love your precious angel Grace deserves. To the whole miraculous family we offer our prayers and caring thoughts. We are certain God is with you all. Caryl & Gene
Stacy
February 23, 2013
To the Esposito Family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful angel. God bless your family.
Kate Freemantle
February 22, 2013
Grace is a beautiful angel watching over all of us! God bless your family for sharing such an amazing and inspirational child!
February 22, 2013
Charles and Sandra Jessmer
susan martens
February 22, 2013
this little angel is with the angels my god bless your family
Bob & Connie D
February 22, 2013
We are so sorry to here about your little angel ,she will always be a special little angel to many , god bless
Holly Badger
February 22, 2013
Miss Hollys Hands of Love are pass it forword for Grace , we are collecting money from now till March 31st and will send it in Graces name to the hospital. beacuse even little ones can help. May God Bless the family
Mary Kay A.
February 22, 2013
Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound... We loved hearing about her from you, her lovely family. My heart breaks for you all. Wishing you peace.
Dale & Jackie Larnder
February 22, 2013
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Grace. You were given a precious gift from God and even though she had a short life, she has changed your life and the lives of everyone in this community forever. God Bless you and your family. Rest in peace Grace.
sandra pentycofe
February 22, 2013
My heart,prayers,and thoughts are with you all. Your beautiful little girl touched not only the hearts of all that knew her, but an entire community. May God bless you with his love and strength.
sandy
February 22, 2013
Sorry to hear of the lose. Your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5
Good News Bible
-Dr. Jermaine L. Kennedy and Family
Panama City Beach, FL
FHS Class 1994
Jackie & Paul Henry
February 22, 2013
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. God's peace and strength be with you.
Jackie (Forte) & Paul Henry
Linda Thoms
February 22, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of little Grace's passing. We all got to 'know' her because you were kind enough to share her life with all of us. It inspired us with her will to live through it all, and her love for life as she knew it. Amazing Grace will always be watching down over you with her adorable smile and love. Your memories, and love. will keep her in your heart forever. God Bless you all.
Bill and Ellen Gray
February 22, 2013
We're so sorry for the loss of your precious little Grace Elizabeth. We'll look to the sky, what a brilliant star she'll be.
February 22, 2013
Condolences to you on your loss of this precious child.
Chris Hayes
February 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Grace was such a beautiful girl and has touched the lives of so many.
She gave so much for being so little but angels always do...
Mary Dorschel
February 22, 2013
Esposito Family :
You are strength to all of us . you just kept doing you jobs and working everyday not knowing how long Grace would be here. That gives me Strength to keep going just by watch Jennifer everyday on the new with that great big Smile. My thoughts and prays are with you all .
M. Karen Wirth
February 22, 2013
My condolences go out to the entire family.
Penny Kennett
February 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time!
The Hughes Family
February 21, 2013
So very sorry to read of the passing of your beautiful baby Grace. Hoping this Eskimo saying will bring you comfort:
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” Our sincere sympathy. May God bless little Grace and may God bless those who love her.
Ella Cornish
February 21, 2013
The Cornish family has little Grace and your entire family in our prayers. May she rest in peace.
Kathie
February 21, 2013
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
The Key Family
February 21, 2013
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! May the happy memories of Grace console you at this time!
Debbie and Kevin Bruton
February 21, 2013
Words cannot begin to say how sorry we are...May God keep you all in the palm of His hands and comfort you in your time of loss...God Bless.
stirone deb
February 21, 2013
There really are no words at this point that someone hasn't relayed to you both already...the hardest thing for any parent is to lose their child....but know she is at peace now and your memories will live on forever in your mind, your heart and the donations raised for others going through this....Your amazing little girl "graced" your life and others for many months..she brought pleasure and learning and showed us miracles really do happen...god bless your family, god bless your beautiful little Grace and know you are in everyone's thoughts and prayers every day when we thnk of her beautiful smile and what an asset she was to this world.
Lauren
February 21, 2013
What a precious baby she was and I'm so very sorry. Prayers are with you during this very sad and difficult time. Lauren
Debbie Alimentato
February 21, 2013
My heart aches for your loss. She will always be in your heart.
Lori Freundschuh
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless You.
Sue Logel
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I've followed Grace's life through 13Wham. She was an inspiration to us all and a beautiful child. God Bless you both!!!
Katherine Clancy
February 21, 2013
Many blessings to you Jennifer and your sweet family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers always.
Paula (Nee Harrigan) Dillon
February 21, 2013
To Vinny + Jennifer also to the Esposito family circle and Jennifer's family circle, wider family circle and friends - Amazing Grace has been in our thoughts + prayers in Ireland - she has amazed everyone from she was born - a little earth angel - Feel our hugs oxo
Nancy
February 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God will bring good from little Grace's life!
Yumi
February 21, 2013
My heart goes out to you and your family in your time of sorrow...
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
February 21, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your families. You now have an Angle looking after you each and every day.
The Keppler Family Irondequoit,NY
Michelle& William Harford
February 21, 2013
Many heavy hearts as we pray for your family!
Carm Brown
February 21, 2013
Jennifer - God Bless you and all your family. You have made us feel that we are part of your extented family. We have watched you on Channel 13 since you started there and followed Grace's life as you allowed us to share. She has been an "Amazing" influence on so many in such a short time. I am so very sorry for your lose of Grace on earth. We are all praying for you and your family every day.
Tonya Matthews
February 21, 2013
She is a true angle that will be grealtly missed!!
Cheryl
February 21, 2013
I don't know either of you.But my heart aches for all of you.I'am so sorry for such a loss..What a beautiful lil girl.May all your memories help you through this sad time.God give you strength.God bless.
Chris
February 21, 2013
Perhaps they are not stars
But openings in heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines upon us
Thus they let us know
They are happy
And are with us forever.
My heart breaks for the loss of your beautiful daughter. An inspiration for us all! May God's promise of everlasting life bring your hearts comfort
patricia cornell
February 21, 2013
So So very sorry for the lose of this BEAUTIFUL angle!!! My heart hurts for the family!
February 21, 2013
May you take comfort in the many special moments you had with Grace. Your family took your courage, love, and compassion and spread it to so many lives. God Bless.
February 21, 2013
Your in our families thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Gravino
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss of Grace. Her beautiful light will always shine in our community. I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child. My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time.
Cara
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. As a fellow NICU mom, I can't thank your family enough for sharing your personal story with so many people. My son also spent a lot of time at Strong's NICU. The awareness that Grace gave to Strong cannot be matched. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy will never be forgotten. Grace has touched the lives of many people -- my family included. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Pearl Scott
February 21, 2013
God loaned this beautiful angel to all of us for only a short period of time but she inspired each of us during that time. Thank You little Grace for your amazing toughness - you taught us all a great deal and your wonderful smile touched all our lives. You will be missed by all. Spread your wings and fly little one you earned them.
Lauren Moravec
February 21, 2013
Grace has inspired so many, in fact I think all of Rochester and beyond were rooting for her! She was a precious little girl and we are so very sorry and heartbroken for your loss. Know that she is still with your in your hearts. Prayers for your family.
Connie Forte-Bennett-Chard
February 21, 2013
So very very sorry for your loss....she was a beautiful child....may God walk beside you to ease your sorrow during this time. God bless you all.
February 21, 2013
Day is done, gone the sun.
February 21, 2013
...and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
Karen Erbland
February 21, 2013
Jennifer, Vinnie and Avery - We are very sorry for your loss. But we also thank you for sharing Grace's story. She, and all of you, are a part of our family because of this. Prayers are with you during this most difficukt time. God will give you the comfort needed in the days ahead.
Sue and Karen
Keshia Wright-Diggs
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss... I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Melanie W.
February 21, 2013
God gained a beautiful angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. My deepest condolences to Jennifer, Vinny and big sister Avery.
David & Noreene Stahlecker
February 21, 2013
We last saw Miss Grace at the Spectacle of Lights at Camp Eastman, Irondequoit. It was a joy to watch her take in all the activity. Thank you for sharing Amazing Grace with all of us as she traveled through her short life. We could all learn a lesson of perseverance from her and faith and love from you. Our hearts go out to you and all of your family today and every day.
Bonnie Manley
February 21, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to Family and Friends.
Dave and Donna Ellis
February 21, 2013
Jennifer, Vinnie and family. Thank you for sharing Grace with us. She is an amazing angel. May God comfort you. You will be in our hearts always. You truly are a amazing family.
Patricia Pierce
February 21, 2013
Thinking of your family during this very sad and most difficult time in your lives.
Think of Grace as being a beautiful flower in God's garden, He only picks the most beautiful and special ones. I am so sorry for your loss, and I thank you for sharing her story with all of Rochester. She has certainly make an impact on us all in such a short time of her life. God bless you all...Pat
February 21, 2013
She is now truly an angle in heaven. Just like here on earth.Grace is with all our little angles we have losted and now is our angles looking down on us.God bless you Grace!!
February 21, 2013
My heart breaks for you. May your little angel rest in peace.
lori
February 21, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wendy O'Brien
February 21, 2013
God Bless the Child and God Bless Vincent, Jennifer and Avery. Heartfelt condolences to you all and your family.
February 21, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you Jennifer, Vinny and Avery. I feel as if I know you through the news and all the wonderful works you both do for the Galisano Childrens Hospital. May God bless you and "Amazing Grace". She was an amazing little girl during her short time here on earth. She has touched so many hearts.
Alexandra C. Wilson
Barbara Cieslewicz
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for all of you. God Bless
tracy carlson
February 21, 2013
Rip,angel
carla
February 21, 2013
The Rochester community shares your grief in the passing of your beautiful daughter. Your daughter will always be remembered each and every time we hear the song "Amazing Grace".
Linda
February 21, 2013
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world." Amazing Grace we will miss you and your beautiful smile. My prayers & condolences to Vinny, Jennifer & Avery.
leola potter
February 21, 2013
To the Esposito family our heartfelt condolence for your loss.
Andrea Evangelist
February 21, 2013
How terribly sad, and yet, terribly beautiful. You were blessed to have known her, I'm sure. Your family has my deepest sympathy.
Tracey
February 21, 2013
Heaven gained an amazing, strong and bright little angel~~however we here on earth are struggling with the loss of Grace. My thoughts, prayers & strength are with you and your families. Thank you for sharing her with us, she has inspired so many and will continue to be an inspiration in the years to come. God Bless.
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