Avery Arnold Chauncey

Avery Arnold Chauncey, 18, of Corry, PA, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a brave battle with Ewing Sarcoma cancer, for over five years. Despite this, she lived a wonderful life, filled with joy, compassion, and generosity, impacting the lives of many in her community and beyond.
Avery was born on January 2, 2007, in Erie, PA, a daughter of the late Melissa A. Arnold and Kimberly Chauncey of Corry, PA.
Raised in Corry, PA, from an early age, Avery's passion for animal welfare and the belief that "No Pet Should Go Hungry", led her to her true calling. At age 14, while undergoing a long hospital stay for cancer treatment, Avery fundraised to send gift cards to 4,000 animal rescues, in all 50 states. For this amazing achievement, she was awarded the Hero to Animals Award from PETA, the largest animal welfare organization in the world. In the same year, The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted her a mobile Pet Food Pantry trailer, so that she could transport more pet food to those in need. This fueled her generous spirit and made her strive to help even more pets.
At 16, she became the founder of Avery's Pawsitive Change, a 501(c)(3) non- profit, whose mission is to partner with community food pantries, to provide free pet food to families and pets in need. Today, the charity helps to feed over 800 pets monthly, helping to keep beloved pets and their families together, not abandoned or sent to a rescue. Honoring Avery, her mission and charity will continue to grow.
Avery was also a member of the West Spring Creek Congregational Church, which has helped support her charity.
Home schooled by her loving mom, Kim, Avery graduated Cum Laude from Corry Area High School in 2025. She also received an Academic Achievement Award and was in the Honor Society.
In addition to her mother, Kim Chauncey, Avery is survived by her grandparents, Joyce and Rick Chauncey of Corry, PA; father, Robert Sontheimer and stepbrother, Robbie of Erie, PA, and many family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Avery's legacy will live on in the hearts of the thousands of people that have been touched and inspired by her beautiful life.
Services will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Avery's Pawsitive Change at www.averyspawsitivechange.com or PO Box 207, Corry, PA 16407.
Arrangements are under the care of Bracken Funeral Home, Inc., 315 N. Center St, Corry, PA 16407.
To sign the guest book or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Avery, please visit our floral store.