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Desiree Dawn Ammerman, 56, peacefully passed away June 30, 2025. She was the loving daughter of the late Don W. "Herk" Ammerman II and the late Merle Louise (Stonebraker) Ammerman. She was born in Altoona and raised in Tyrone. In recent years, Desiree enjoyed a full life as an active resident of Verland in Sewickley, Pa.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Wendy Ammerman.
She is survived by her aunt, Susan (Jim) Thimlar; sister, Kelly (Rob) McKnight; "sister number four," Melissa Watters; brother-in-law, Gregory Giacomino; cousins:
Dave (Teri) Stonebraker, Harold (Leigh) Stonebraker, Cindy Fely, Paula (George) Smalls, Rachel (Nick) McAllister, Cori Thimlar, Josh (Mara) Fely, Jake (Eva) Fely, Kana (Aurelian) Pira, Noah (Elizabeth) Smalls, Lily Smalls, Mia Fely and Ayva Fely.
My beautiful sister, Desiree, spent the week of Memorial Day riding a bike, having a picnic dinner with family, playing ball and engaging in daily festive activities with her loving Verland family. On any given day, Desiree could be found attending lessons with friends at the Adult Training Facility on The Verland Campus, planting flowers, or helping with the animals in the barn. Desiree enjoyed community trips to the zoo, Disney on Ice, church, bowling and the Olive Garden, to name a few. She loved being with family, singing, listening to music, doing dot-to-dot books and word searches, playing Uno and putting together puzzles, and she especially loved doing stickers.
Desiree has always been our family's most precious gift. She taught us that everyone is uniquely different and everyone has strengths to give -- that everyone wants to be included, how to be patient, kind and the true meaning of teamwork and a family sticking together. She also taught us how to recognize each small achievement and problem-solve how to scaffold teachings to help her and others exceed all expectations with strength, advocacy and resilience. I am grateful she taught us how to choose our lifelong friends. And to forever find child-like joy in believing in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
We have had many happy returns of the day of thy birth. Much sunshine and gladness have been given. The Dear Saviour has prepared you on earth for a beautiful birthday in heaven. Happy Birthday, Desiree.
Our heartache will be filled knowing your beautiful life will live on in our memories and through the precious gifts you gave to others. To our community, family and friends, we are grateful for your love, support, prayers, good times, laughter and smiles through the years.
A celebration of life picnic will be held from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Reservoir Park, Pavilion #2, Tyrone. All are welcome.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bruce E. Cox Funeral Home for their compassionate and professional arrangements in our time of sorrow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Desiree to the Verland Barn: Verland Foundation, 212 Iris Road, Sewickley, PA 15143-2402. You can also donate online in Desiree's memory at (raisedonors.com/verland/donate). Please indicate in your letter or the online donation comments that you would like the donation to go to the barn.