Sabrina Marie Kukuc

Sabrina Marie Kukuc passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted Mom. Though her time on earth was far too short, her life was defined by brilliance, curiosity, resilience, and an extraordinary heart.

Raised and educated in New Britain she later resided in Avon and Plainville.  Sabrina was a lifelong learner whose love of books and knowledge shaped every chapter of her life. A true scholar and proud bookworm, she earned her Associate in Science from Tunxis Community College and Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, followed by a Master’s degree in English Literature from CCSU. Her academic excellence was recognized through countless awards and certificates, each reflecting her dedication, intellect, and perseverance. Sabrina also graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and pursued acting studies in New York City, embracing creativity with the same passion she brought to scholarship.

Sabrina believed deeply in sharing knowledge. She passed on her love of learning as a tutor at Tunxis Community College and at the Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Center at CCSU, where she uplifted and empowered others with patience, kindness, and encouragement.

Professionally, Sabrina worked as an Account Manager at National Research until eight years ago, when her life was abruptly altered by an ischemic stroke that resulted in residual hemiplegia due to medical malpractice.

Before her illness, she lived a vibrant, adventurous life—traveling across the country to explore national parks, museums, landmarks, and to visit family and friends. She delighted in concerts, plays, and live theater, embracing the arts with enthusiasm and joy.

Following her stroke, Sabrina’s strength and spirit never wavered. She continued her love of reading and attended book fairs across the state, remaining engaged with the world of ideas that she cherished so deeply. Highly competitive and exceptionally intelligent, she proudly referred to herself as the “Jeopardy Queen,” confidently believing she could give Ken Jennings a run for his money—those who knew her had no doubt.

A lifelong animal lover, Sabrina found happiness in trips to the zoo and comfort in the simple joy animals brought her. She loved going to the movies, both classic and contemporary, with The Wizard of Oz holding a special place in her heart.  Sabrina possessed the courage to live, the brain to preserve her sharp wit and intelligence, and above all, a heart of gold.  Its message “There’s no place like home” resonated deeply with her after spending 18 months in the hospital. Home became her sanctuary, a place of comfort, security, and love.

After eight years marked by strength, optimism, and kindness, her body finally grew weary and shut down.  While the system failed her, if love alone could have saved her, she would have lived forever.

She will be remembered always; for her brilliance, her humor, her compassion, and the profound impact she had on all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her loving mother and step-father, Deborah (Carlson) and Robert Lewis; her aunts and uncles Lawrence (Diane) Carlson, Bruce Carlson, Jeffrey (Karen) Carlson, , Linda Carlson and Sally Carlson Desmond; her many cousins and their families: Kelly Jo Carlson, Ryan Flanders, Matthew, Jeremy, Christopher, Adam, Sean, and Kevin Carlson, Amy Hixon, and Christopher Kukuc; many second cousins, extended family and friends who supported her and loved her dearly.  She also leaves her special babies that brought her much joy, her dog Asher (Toto) and her cat Rita aka “Ritabook” the mascot of her home library. 

She was predeceased by her father, Edward Kukuc, Jr. her maternal grandparents Normand and Florence Carlson, her paternal grandparents Dorothy LaPierre and Edward Kukuc Sr.; her aunt Patricia (Kukuc) Parent, uncles John and Michael Kukuc and Richard and Brian Carlson, her aunt Rosemary Flanders and her husband Scott and her cousin Victoria Parent.

Honoring Sabrina’s love for animals, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington CT 06111 or http://www.cthumane.org or to the Plainville PAWS, 19 Neal Ct, Plainville CT 06062.

Funeral services in celebration of Sabrina’s extraordinary life will be held on Monday December 29, 2025 at 9 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Church 120 Church Ave, Forestville.  Committal will follow at Forestville Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Sunday, from 3-6 p.m. at the funeral home.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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