Patricia L. Young-Gruber

Trish Gruber, 62, of Chestertown, wife of James Gruber, died June 30, 2021, at home. Born Patricia Lysbeth Young on Aug. 28, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Rev. David T. and Peggylou (Laughead) Young. Trish grew up in Finleyville, Pa., where her father was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Her mother was a registered nurse. Their home was filled with books and music. She was a creative person who was an accomplished musician at a young age and also a talented artist and photographer. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Mark, whom she selflessly cared for after he suffered a stroke. She had also been her mother’s final caregiver. Survivors, in addition to her husband, Jim, whom she married in 1983, include two brothers, Mike (Glenda) and Brian (Margie) Young; father-in-law, Henry Gruber; two sisters-in-law, Janice Haney (Chuck) and Margie Young (Brian); and three brothers-in-law, Phil (Donna), Ray (Sung) and Hank Gruber; 11 nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and aunts, uncles and cousins. Trish was a graduate of Ringgold High School, Class of 1976, and a 1980 graduate of West Virginia University, where she also did postgraduate work. She was an interpretive naturalist who shared her love of the environment with others through teaching and leading by example. Trish then started Chestertown Natural Foods in 1993 and with Jim grew it into a thriving business, helping people change their lives for the better. Most of all, though, Trish was a loving daughter, sister and wife — intelligent and funny, kind and compassionate, and strong, determined and resilient. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her presence would light up a room. Her absence leaves many broken hearts. Instead of a service, Trish wanted to invite people to visit with her family. The visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, in Chestertown at Fellows, Helfinbein & Newnam Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Trish’s name can be made to the Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at the Center for Environment & Society, Washington College, 485 S. Cross St., Chestertown, MD 21620; and Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617.

Patricia L. Young-Gruber

August 28, 1958 - June 30, 2021