Amber Anne Crago, 1978-2024

She was born April 17, 1978, in Youngstown, to Paula and Dr. Thomas G. Crago.

It was apparent from birth that Amber was unique. Her cute face was like a pixie, with dark hair and a curious gaze. We would later discover that part of her seventh chromosome was missing, one of the reasons for Amber’s uniqueness, but it did not define everything that she was in life. Her small stature and youthful face made her appear ageless.

She was unable to walk her first three years, and her first words were “duck egg.” From then on, her vocabulary expanded remarkably. She loved to read books and look up words in the encyclopedia. Watching cartoons, especially Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes and many others, filled her free time. Pokemon cards were a recent favorite, and she would often manipulate various puzzle pieces as though studying their shapes with her hands. She was drawn to sticker books in one of her favorite stores, Barnes and Noble, and she delighted in shopping, music and McDonald’s Collectibles books.

Her loving, devoted mother included Amber in everything other children her age enjoyed in life; many vacation trips to the beach and Disney World. Amber loved combing the beach looking for seashells. Boardman Schools started their first multi-handicapped program classes for Amber, beginning her education, and she would eventually attend Leonard Kirtz School at age 18, then continued in multiple skills workshops. She loved interacting with others and made new friends anywhere she went. “Here, for you,” she would say as she handed out her favorite character Band-Aids.

Amber exceeded all life expectancy because of her mother’s tender care and commitment to her. She was unique even to the end. Amber did the best she could, at any given time, and with her own special way, touched many lives with her happy laugh — as if something had caught her by surprise. She will be missed by many friends and family.

Amber is survived by her mother, Paula Carroll Allen, Youngstown; stepfather, Dr. Donald K. Allen, Youngstown; father, Dr. Thomas G. Crago, Columbus; sister, Ashley (Crago) Cook and her family in Columbus; and stepsister, Dana Allen and her family in Sycamore Hills, Illinois.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mrs. Marilyn and Mr. Matthew J. Grope Jr., and Mrs. Ruth and Dr. V.G. Crago.

Calling hours will be 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., Canfield, OH 44406. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with a luncheon afterwards in the church.

Burial will be in Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown.

The family wishes to thank ViaQuest for providing residential and day programs for Amber with so much love and care.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send share memories and condolences with Amber’s family.

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