Ainsley Paige Severtis Higgins, 6 years old, gained her angel wings on May 9, 2012 after a heroic fight with mitochondrial disease. She was the light of her parents’ eyes and was truly their princess. Her smile was infectious and although she never fully verbalized, her vocalizations, gestures and eyes were able to communicate everything to everyone. She had a sassy attitude but a true angel’s soul that touched everyone she met.

Ainsley’s life may seem too short to many, but for those who were touched by her, they understood that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity of time she lived it. Her smile could melt the hearts of anyone she met and although she only spoke the word “mom” and “dada” on occasion, her wishes and thoughts were always well communicated. With her passing, we remind others that her life is one to be celebrated. While we already miss our peanut horribly, she will remain forever in our hearts. Her legacy will live on forever as anyone who met her could not help but be touched by her ability to pull people into her heart and never let go.

She considered Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite to be her second home and even had her own badge. Despite all the medical challenges her disease presented and all the hospitalizations and procedures, she was still able to smile, laugh and giggle. Her favorite place was cuddling on mommy’s lap, singing to the Fresh Beat Band and reading book after book.

While she had many tubes, lines and medical devices, she never thought she had anything holding her back. She loved all her friends and family, all who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her parents, Lisa and Matthew Higgins of Duluth, Georgia; grandparents Anita and Ronald Severtis of North Canton, Ohio; grandparents Terry and Sharon Simon of Massillon, Ohio; grandparents Terry and Barb Higgins of Elyria, Ohio; and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

The family requests that memorials be made to The Ainsley Paige Higgins’ Dare to Hope Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 682783, Marietta, GA 30068, that will continue her legacy and help other children with complex and serious medical conditions.  The below Donate button can be used for convenience.

A private family visitation will take place on Friday. Others can attend and pay their respects at a service in Ainsley’s honor at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA, at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 12, 2012.