Obituary: Gabrielle "Gaby" Mary Steele, 11, of Prospect

Gabrielle “Gaby” Mary Steele, 11, of Prospect, the loving daughter of Joseph R. Steele Sr. and Jacquelyn A. (Sullivan) Steele, died with her family by her side after a brief illness on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at her home.

Steele was born in Waterbury on January 15, 2001. She had incredible physical challenges and disabilities for her entire life.

Steele appreciated the very simple things in life and was a very happy little girl. She enjoyed being outside on a windy day, the sound of birds chirping and the rustle of the leaves. She liked many animals. Her favorites were owls, ducks, squirrels and dolphins.

Steele's favorite activity was playing musical instruments. She was so happy to have someone help her play the piano or the guitar. She loved to go swimming with her dad and dancing with her mom.

Steele loved to have her brother and sisters read to her and play Wii. She had a beautiful smile and adorable giggle and her bright blue eyes lit up the room. She only spoke a few words but had a unique way of talking with her eyes and facial gestures.

Her family would like to thank the many dedicated and caring doctors, therapists and educators who helped Steele over the years. The love, care and compassion of her nurses will never be forgotten. The family thanked their close and caring network of family and friends who were always there to help them throughout Steele's life.

Besides her parents, she leaves a brother, Joseph R. Steele Jr. and two sisters, Kristyn L. Steele and Katelyn E. Steele, all of Prospect; her paternal grandmother, Sarah L. Steele of Prospect; her maternal grandparents, John R. and Lois A. Sullivan of Middlebury; her maternal great grandmother, Concetta Fabian of Watertown. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Kenneth M. Steele.

Funeral Mass to Celebrate Steele's Life: 11 a.m. Monday, April 30, at .

Family and Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. A Christian burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gaby’s memory to help other children with special needs directly to the:

• Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7001, Prospect, CT 06712

• GIL Foundation, 34 Waterbury Rd., Suite 1, Prospect, CT 06712