Obituary of Kristen Joy (Cook) Cushing

Kristen Joy Cushing was suddenly called to her eternal home on Monday October 18th, 2021.

She had a cerebral aneurysm Sunday night and peacefully left us with her family by her side.

Kristen was born to John and Deborah Cook on November 7, 1977 in Oneonta, NY.

She was a caring mother, an ever-loving wife, a beloved friend and a trusted health care provider in her community.

Kristen was raised in Delhi, NY, a small town nestled in the Catskill Mountains. She graduated High School from Delaware Academy, attended Houghton College where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and then went to Yale University where she earned her Master’s in Medical Science at the Physician Associate Program. Kristen started her medical career working in primary care at the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center in New Haven, CT. She then practiced in-patient medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital and recently transitioned to the medical respite program at the Columbus House Homeless Shelter. Her current position was a dream job that allowed her to use her training and experience to care for a vulnerable and underserved patient population.

Outside of work Kristen was a dedicated member of her community where she served in a variety of volunteer roles at Bethany Community School. As an active member of her faith community, Kristen sang in the church choir, served in children’s ministry and helped to lead a small group of her closest friends. Some of her favorite things were cooking, coffee, chocolate, pizza, spending time with family and friends and being a proud dog Mom. She loved to exercise and ran in many 5Ks, Half Marathons and Full Marathons. Kristen would note, to date she has completed 2 more Full Marathons than Will.

Kristen is survived by her husband Will, children Luke and Kate. Parents John and Deborah Cook. Parents-in-law Bill and Milly Cushing. Brothers Ian and wife Bonnie, Collin and wife Yuri, Evan and wife Alexis, and Owen. Brother-in-law Toby and wife Erin. Nieces and nephews: Adam, Eliza, Simon Cook; Milo, Everett and Henry Cook; Benjamin and Catherine Cushing. Family pet, yellow lab Ray.

A Service of Remembrance of Kristen Joy Cushing will be held at Trinity Church, 33 Center Road, Woodbridge, CT on Saturday, October 23rd at 11am, followed by a coffee & chocolate gathering outdoors. In celebration of Kristen, please feel free to wear bright autumn colors. 

The family anticipates many from the church and community will be in attendance, including friends and family traveling from out of state and internationally. They request masks to be worn by everyone while indoors for the service. Overflow seating will be available with a live-stream of the service on Trinity's Facebook page. There will be no visitation hours or graveside service.

Please feel free to leave a condolence for the Cushing/Cook family here on Kristen's online memorial.