Christine Brown Pallotto Kucinskas
'Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.' - Thomas Moore After a valiant, inspiring 19 month struggle with a brain tumor, our Christine Brown Pallotto Kucinskas left this earthly life. On an exquisite day, May 15, 2009, next to the water at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Chris's last breaths were taken as she was surrounded by family. Born October 4, 1963 to Judy and Bud, raised in Manchester, CT, Christine was the middle of the three Brown girls. Childhood summers were spent at Misquamicut Beach where she connected to a lifelong friend. Early interests included music, art and gymnastics. An accomplished tennis player, Chris became all-state competing for Manchester High School (class of 1982) with her doubles partner, Joann. She completed her education at Southern Connecticut State University and the Stone School of Business. Settling in Bethany and Woodbridge, Christine became the active, involved mother of four children. A diligent, accomplished worker, Chris was employed in many capacities throughout the years, most recently at Santoro Development and CCIM. An absolute creative genius, Christine's talents were unending. Her incredible gardens and flair for design allowed her to be a part of the Woodbridge Garden Club for a time. Her imaginative ability was abundant in every project or endeavor she undertook. Her inspiration to a generation of young athletes was evident in her dedication to the Woodbridge Running Club. Left devastated by the void of Chris's loss, but comforted by the peace she now experiences are her family and friends: her parents, Clarence and Judith Brown of Harwinton, sisters Sue Brown (Scott) and family from Manchester, Toby Schoeneberger (Mike) and family from Vernon. Her children, Brett, Paige, Dane and Reid Pallotto of Woodbridge. Her cousin and best friend, Beth Cohen and her husband Brad and their family. This summer Christine became a widow after an intense, incredible bond was created between her and her husband Kevin Kucinskas. They were married a short time before Christine was diagnosed and together they shared a love like no other. Her step daughters, Jaime Kucinskas from Bloomington Indiana and Kim Kucinskas from Cork Ireland and her husband Brian. Her mother in law, Peg Kucinskas from Torrington and Kevin's brothers and sisters. The remarkable support Christine received from the Woodbridge community throughout her illness and the death of her husband has been truly appreciated. The special friends Chris leaves are too numerous to mention. We will forever be grateful for the support from the Yale Brain Tumor group, especially Dr. Knisley and Sandy; and the beautiful angels that supported us at Connecticut Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Church, 33 Center Rd, Woodbridge on Tuesday, May 19th at 2 p.m. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, May 18th at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Chris's memory may be sent to Running for Chris, at Peoples Bank, 198 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525.
Dear Brown and Pallotto Family, I am so sorry for the passing of Christine. She was an amazing person, mom and friend and I only wish that we had kept our friendship going over these last several years. I think of all the fond memories we shared, as I am sure you are as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your sorrow and pain. May the Lord comfort you all and keep you strong.
Dear Brown-Pallotto-Kucinskas families, We would like to extend our deepest prayers and thoughts for you all. Chris and Kevin are once again together to continue their special bond.
Dear Kim and Jaime, I didn’t get to know Chris very well, but I know Kuzie loved her very much. She made him happy, and that brought happiness to a little sister as well. Peace and love to all the family.
Dear Pallotto and Kucinskas Families, My name is Philip Nebiolo and I live in Woodbridge, CT with my wife Mary Kay and four children. I went to school with Linda Kucinskas in Torrington for 12 years(St. Francis Elementary School and Torrington High School). My wife Mary Kay and I extend our heart-felt condolences to the Pallotto-Kucinskas families. Please tell Linda I said Hi.
Dear Sue, Chris and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We can only imagine the sadness in saying goodbye to your sister and friend. Her obituary showed that her life was an inspiration to so many. I am sorry I never got to meet her, but calling her sister my friend has meant so much to me. You are in our hearts. Love, Margo and Chris
Judy, Bud and family, Maureen and I share your pain and wish you to know our hearts, dear friends,are breaking for you. But Christine lived well, touched and loved many and left a warm and endearing memory, through you, for those who knew her only briefly. We send love. Owen Canfield
Myself and my family know that Christine was a gem, a gift unparalelled on this earth, as each of us is. We know that her presence filled up hearts with love and that her absence will leave those hearts aching. We join with you, in spirit, to celebrate the joy of Christine’s life, all she created and shared and gave and received, all that she was and always will be. Our blessings are with you, our prayers surround each of you. In love, Stacey Bobbitt, Eric Block and Elijah Block
Our lives have forever been changed by knowing Chris. It is hard to sum up 20 years of friendship and all that Chris has meant to our family. She was like a big sister to me, there to laugh with and there to cry with. There was no event in my life that I don’t remember Chris being a part of; from the wedding of my parents to the birthday parties of my children. Chris always put everyone else before herself and was an amazing friend. I can only hope to become the mother she was. There was nothing she would not do or sacrifice for her children. Her love for her family was unconditional and everlasting. We will miss you forever my dear friend.
To Chris’s Family: .Miss Chris. was a pillar of strength and true inspiration to our family. She touched each one of our lives and not a day will go by that I won’t look to the heavens and thank her because I truly loved her. Our deepest sympathy and loving heartfelt thoughts are with you all. Cindy
Uncle Bud, Aunt Judy, Sue, Toby and the rest of the Brown Family, Our hearts go out to you all. Most sincerely, Carl Stafford
We are very sorry for your loss.Chris is now walking somewhere on the beach in peace. God bless her and her family.
Chris made a graceful entrance and exit in the Woodbridge community. She brought out the best in so many of us. Her short life will be remembered for her courage and love.
Dane, Focus on the courage of your mother and find the strength you need. She was a remarkable lady and the proof of that is her children. God Bless you all. Coach Marien
Dear Brett, Our thoughts and prayers our with you and your family.We our so sorry for your loss and are here for you. Love, Bobbie,Lori and Girls
Dear Brett, Paige, Dane and Reid, I extend my deepest sympathy to you and all of your family on the death of your beloved mom. Her exemplary life has left an indelible mark on all of those who loved her, the community and, more importantly, her four beautiful children. As the spirit of her love lives on within each of you, may you find comfort and hope in the precious memories that will remain with you for the rest of your lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Ellen Quintin
Dear Sue (Mrs. Brown), We are so sorry for your loss. Your sister sounded like an extrodinary woman who touched the lives of everyone around her. She will live on forever in the hearts of her beloved family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Respectfully, The Haslett Family
Dear, Judy, Bud, and Family, We love you all and are heartbroken to hear of Chris’s passing. I have the most wonderful memories of Chris as a child. Always so sweet and darling with her little freckled nose, cartwheeling her way down the beach. I will hold that image for ever. Our deepest Sympathies, Lory and Bill
Goodbye Chris. On the road to Emmaus their hearts were burning; and so have we known you. You have shown us the way to the Kingdom. RIP. Kevin
How sadden I am to hear about Christine. I will always have wonderful memories of her at the beach. She was a wonderful, sweet girl and grow up to be a remarkable woman. My love goes out to the whole family.
loss of a loved one is difficult for us all. my prayers and blessings are with you. if i can ever be of any help during this difficult time do not hesitate to let me know. christine is perfect again and united with kevin. believe me. look for signs from them like pennies from heaven.
To The Browns,Palloto and Kucinskas Families, We want you to know that we have been touched by your loss. When we think of Chris we can only see her smiling. She always had something nice to say. May God bless Chris and give you peace. Love to you all. The Schoeneberger Family
We were saddened to learn of your loss. May you all find strength in those around you. God Bless.
Dear Brett, Paige, Dane and Reid, even though you do not know me very well i still do care about you and your family. I konw your mom was a great women and she is now in peace, ihope you and your family stay strong and togehter. My wishes and prayers are with you in your time of need. love your cuzin, Emily Johnson
Dear Brett, Paige, Dane and Reid, I didn’t know Chris the athlete, or Chris the business woman, but I knew Chris the artist, and Chris the extraordinary teacher of faith. Hundreds of children (mine included) came to know the compassionate face of Jesus because of YOUR MOTHER. She .drew. him into our minds and hearts with the beautiful stories she told, and the life size portraits and pictures she created each week for the children of Assumption parish. I think there is no one in this world as wonderful and as amazing as your mother – except for the four of you. You are her true masterpiece. God bless you always.
Dear Brett, Paige, Dane and Reid, I used to babysit for you when you were litte, and we were neighbors when you lived in Bethany. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Kelly Stevens
I am so saddened to hear about Chris. To Bud and Judy you raised a wonderful daughter. To Sue and Toby your sister was a fabulous person. To Brett, Dane, Reid and Paige you were gifted by a wonderful mother. Cherish the things she taught you all and keep her memories alive always. I will always remember the time we had together working at Manchester Carbide. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless, Janine
To Chris’s Family: We were saddened to hear of Chris’s death. Chris has touched the lives of many people at Beecher Road School, including mine. Chris and her family are in our hearts and in our prayers.
I was privileged to have represented Chris for many years and for several different aspects of her life. Chris was a devoted mother to her children, an intelligent and attractive young woman and a principled and upstanding human being. In short, Chris was a good person. I am profoundly saddened to learn of her demise and, further, to learn of her long and courageous battle against the disease which eventually took her life. Please accept my sincerest condolences at your loss. Chris loved her family deeply and I trust that your loving memories of her will sustain you through this difficult time.
Judy, Bud…So sorry to hear of your loss. Chris is in a better place now. Our thoughts are with you at this time
Kids, I am so sorry about your losses over the past year – I know you are strong and will be fine but it is a long road, stay strong and remember your mother was a very wonderful, special lady and only wants the best for you…. all my love Kristin D Bonaldo