Ava Leigh Kosky

The world got a little dimmer the early morning of Tuesday, December 6, 2022 when Ava Leigh Kosky, 17, loving daughter, sister, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted blended family after a courageous, hard-fought battle with Ewing Sarcoma, six days shy of her 18th birthday. Though God had to call his beautiful angel back, the bright light she brought to the world will never be forgotten; she had fulfilled everything He was looking for on Earth that He required in Heaven. 

Ava was born on December 12, 2004 in Waterbury, CT the oldest daughter to Ruth Bulakites and Lee Kosky. She grew up in Terryville and was currently residing in Harwinton, where she graduated from Lewis Mills High School, Class of 2022. She was a Lewis Mills cheerleader, who humbly used her outgoing, loud and bubbly personality to get the crowd and the players pumped up. Ava was your all-American, country lovin’ girl, not afraid to get her hands dirty and was always up for an adventure. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and quadding alongside her family and friends.

Ava was a beautiful and vivacious young lady who brought smiles, laughter and tears of joy to everyone she touched. She had the capability of lighting up a room no matter what mood people were in and made the hard days easier for those she surrounded herself with, even during her hardest days. Although Ava was a petite little lady, she was one of the strongest warriors who remained positive and determined through life’s curve balls. Full of life, spunk, crazy surprises and ideas, Ava leaves behind so many unforgettable stories, jokes, and shared laughs that will continue to keep her memory alive. May every sunflower, every yellow light, every yellow butterfly bring comfort to those missing Ava, knowing she’s still here, but living her life in another world where there is no more pain, no more suffering, and a field full of sunflowers, country music playing, and Ava’s never-ending smile and contagious laugh.

Ava is survived by her mother, Ruth Bulakites and her step-father, Adam Zalewski, her father, Lee Kosky and her step-mother, Kristin Small, her treasured younger sisters, Olivia Kosky, Sophia Kosky, Charlotte Zalewski, and Shaelyn Lynch, her grandparents, Norman Bulakites and his partner, Joann Scolara, Christy Hinesly and her husband, Steve, Robert Zalewski and his wife, Diane, Dennis Kosky, Marianne Jelley, and Steve and Tammy Small. She also leaves behind her best friend, Aniela King, who has been by her side through the good and bad days, her multitude of dogs that brought her much comfort, a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, December 11 from 12 to 3 PM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. Words of remembrance will be shared at the conclusion of the visitation. In memory of Ava, donations may be made to The Tommy Fund, PO Box 8295, New Haven, CT 06530 or by going to tommyfund.org/donate. Ava’s family is forever grateful for all the nurses, doctors, friends and family from near and far who have been so supportive, caring, and loving through Ava’s battle with childhood cancer.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ava Leigh Kosky, please visit our floral store.