Gracie Rose McKay

With immeasurable love and heartbreaking sorrow, we announce the passing of our precious daughter, Gracie Rose McKay, on June 26, 2026, after six unforgettable days that forever changed our lives.

Gracie entered the world on June 21, 2026, at 33 weeks and 2 days alongside her beloved twin sister, Iris. From her very first breath, she showed a strength far greater than her tiny body. She was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a severe congenital heart defect, and she faced every challenge with incredible courage.

Throughout her short life, Gracie fought with everything she had. She endured more than most could imagine, but she never stopped showing us what resilience looked like. When complications arose from an overwhelming infection that affected her bloodstream and gut, doctors discovered that much of her small intestine had died. Surgery offered only a small chance of survival. Soon after, we learned that Gracie was no longer a candidate for the cardiac intervention she would have needed to save her life.

As parents, we were faced with the most impossible decision imaginable. We promised our little girl that we would listen to her—that we would pay attention to what her tiny body was telling us. We knew she had fought as long and as hard as she possibly could. While our hearts will forever ache from losing her, we have no regrets. We know we honored her by choosing love, peace, and dignity, and by letting her rest when her fight was over.

Although Gracie was only with us for six days, she filled our hearts with a lifetime of love. She taught us that strength isn't measured in years, but in courage. She showed us the depth of unconditional love and the enduring bond between parent and child. Her tiny hands left an everlasting imprint on our hearts, and her beautiful spirit will remain with us always.

Gracie was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Kenneth Fowles, Bernice Fowles, Keith Johnson, and MaryAnn McKay; her aunt, Madison Johnson; and countless other grandparents and beloved family members who were there to welcome her with open arms.

She is survived by her devoted parents, Chandler and Danielle McKay, who will love her forever; her precious twin sister, Iris; her loving older brother, Myles; and countless family members and friends who loved her before they even had the chance to hold her.

We find comfort in believing that love does not end when a heartbeat does. Gracie's spirit lives on—in every sunrise, every gentle breeze, every butterfly, and every moment we feel her close. She will forever be our daughter, our beautiful little girl, and our greatest teacher of love. Our sweet Gracie Rose, you were wanted beyond words, loved beyond measure, and will be missed beyond a lifetime.

Forever our angel. Forever in our heart.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to help miracles continue at Primary Children's Medical Center as they help other families as they have ours.