Aurelia "Auri" Jo Steele

Aurelia “Auri” Jo Steele, of Martinsburg, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at UPMC Altoona Hospital at 11:17AM. She was born on September 25, 2023, in Altoona, the beloved daughter of Mark A. and Audrey M. (Kline) Steele.

Auri was born with Early Onset Marfan Syndrome and from day one showed incredible strength and resilience. She began her journey by spending seven days in the Altoona NICU. As Marfan Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder, it affected many parts of her body. Auri faced severe medical challenges involving several major systems, including scoliosis, heart valve defects, an enlarged heart, and a dilated aortic root.

Most people came to know Auri as the determined little girl who knee-walked everywhere and always knew exactly what she wanted. Although she was a child of few spoken words, her parents communicated with her effortlessly through sign language, gestures, expressions, and the deep connection they shared. They knew her fully and deeply, never questioning what she needed and always doing everything possible to provide for her.

Throughout her life, Auri worked tirelessly through therapies, hospital stays, and countless appointments with remarkable courage and patience. She showed an incredible sense of grace through every challenge: patience when she felt misunderstood, patience during long hospital stays and appointments, and patience while waiting for help with tasks that were difficult for her. Despite everything she endured, Auri continued to smile, laugh, and find joy in the world around her. She was so accustomed to being loved that she would often pull others down to the floor beside her, at her level, simply to make sure they spent time playing with her. In her own special way, she taught those around her to slow down, cherish the little moments, and love unconditionally.

Though her time on earth was far too short, Auri touched countless lives and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her. She showed what true strength looks like — facing incredibly difficult circumstances while still choosing joy, laughter, and love. Even when the smallest tasks were a struggle, she continued to thrive in her own way and brighten the lives of others around her.

Auri leaves behind a tremendous void in the hearts of all who loved her. While her passing leaves many asking why such heartbreaking things happen, her life also leaves behind a powerful reminder of resilience, unconditional love, and the beauty that can exist even in the hardest moments. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those blessed enough to know her. Throughout Auri’s short time on earth, she was wholeheartedly loved by everyone she met. To say she was a light in the lives of others is truly an understatement. Her parents lived by the motto “Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Loved,” and despite every obstacle she faced, those values always remained true throughout Auri’s life. Auri was affiliated with the Vineyard Altoona Church.

She is survived by her loving parents, Mark and Audrey Steele; paternal grandmother, Sandy Steele; maternal grandmother, Jean Kline; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Auri was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Terry Steele and maternal grandfather, Matthew Kline.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 2:00PM until the 5:00PM funeral service at the Clover Creek Church of the Brethren; Pastors Derek and Jeri Heilmann officiating. Private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery - Martinsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Auri’s name may be made to the Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/igm, please designate “Marfan Syndrome Research”) or The Marfan Foundation (https://give.marfan.org/aurisheart).

Arrangements by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.; Martinsburg.

www.finkandstonefh.com

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