Alyssandra "Susanne" Marie Young (nee King), 73, formerly of Charlottesville, Va., passed peacefully from this world on Sunday, April 16, 2023 after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on February 10, 1950, in Manchester, N.H., to the late John Stanley King and Jean Estelle King (nee Carrier).

She is survived by her son, Sheridan Kyler Young; her sisters, Marsha King Hudgins of Suffollk, Virginia, and Ronette Jean King of San Rafael, California; her nephew, Branch Ashton Hudgins of Brooklyn, New York; and her niece, Jennifer Jean Celesia-Woodall of Charlbury, UK.

From a young age, Alyssandra had a profound affinity for nature. She was especially drawn to birds and horses, and spent many mornings exploring the family farm, climbing trees to get a closer look at the winged wildlife nesting within.

It came as no surprise that she went on to major in biology and minor in art at The University of New Hampshire. Her studies served her well in pursuit of her passions, raising Arabian horses to place in National Championships, and later becoming an internationally-recognized breeder and shower of cockatiels.

Her talents extended to flora as well; anywhere she lived you'd find a beautifully-orchestrated procession of gorgeous blooms. Her keen sense of aesthetic design was but one facet of her innate creative gifts, showcased in her paintings, sketches, photography, and writing.

These skills, coupled with her distinctive charm and sincerity, led her to a fulfilling career in marketing. Ever-ambitious and unwaveringly determined, she eventually launched her own Addy award-winning graphic design firm, King Associates, as a single mother in her 40s.

In 1998, she moved south to Charlottesville, Virginia with her son, quickly developing a strong connection to the natural beauty of the place and its people.

After her son left for college, Alyssandra embarked on a new career in education at Albemarle High School. She became a well-loved mentor to many students, and contributed to writing and editing the school's newsletter. She remained involved with the AHS community until her retirement in 2019.

In her final year, she courageously moved out to Austin, Texas to be closer to her son and his family, and to get the Alzheimer's care she needed. As with all things in her life, she continued to find joy and provide comfort to those around her, despite struggling with her own difficulties and limitations. Alyssandra was a vibrant and loving woman filled with joie de vivre, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Debbie Wright of Home Instead Senior Care for all of the care, laughter, and smiles that they brought Alyssandra during these difficult times. We would also like to thank the entire staff of Longleaf Beecave in Austin, Texas, for the love and compassion they showed Alyssandra and her family throughout her trials with Alzheimer's. A special thanks to the kind folks at Beacon Hospice, and the musicians from Swan Songs, for providing her with comfort and grace in her last days.

A memorial service to celebrate Alyssandra's life will be held outdoors at Dabney Grove Pavilion in North Fork, Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Perry or to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

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