It is with the utmost sadness we share news of the passing of Krystal Marie Briggs of Vernon, CT. Surrounded by family, Krystal passed away April 29, 2024 at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Krystal was born February 1, 1983 to Donna and Keith Kabeary of Colchester, CT. So much of Krystal at a young age would carry on throughout her life as she was a beautiful child who, sometimes to the detriment of her parents, had the strong personality of someone who knew what they wanted. Even as a kid Krystal was logical, detailed and approached everything she did constantly in search of perfection, “good enough” was not in her vocabulary.
As a child, Krystal always loved quiet time reading books and creating beautiful stained-glass pieces. She was also an avid animal lover who rarely met a dog or cat she didn’t love.
Whether it be taking long drives or hanging out at Salmon River with her best friend Annie, boating, fishing, and swimming with her parents and sisters (Kara and Kendra) at Gardner Lake, or spending precious time with her Grandpa Leon, Grandma Claire and family at the cottage, Krystal always cherished time spent with family and friends. With the level of love and admiration Krystal had for her family, these would become some of her fondest memories.
Krystal was a graduate of Bacon Academy in Colchester where she was Vice President of her class and captain of the cheerleading squad. She later went on to Graduate from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Finance.
It wasn’t until this stage in life where Krystal would have a third sister brought into her world, Kiana. Krystal’s sisters Kara and Kendra were her best friends and Kiana quickly filled Krystal’s heart. Although much younger than her, few things gave Krystal more happiness than seeing Kiana grow into person she is today. Together, Kara, Kendra and Kiana were three of Krystal’s greatest loves.
In 2006 Krystal met her husband Jim and the two wed in 2010. In 2015 Krystal and Jim were blessed with the birth of their son, Mason. In 2020, they’d be blessed again with the birth of their son Asher. Krystal was so madly in love with her two children and spending time together would become her greatest gift.
Similar to her childhood, in her adult life Krystal maintained a strong passion for time spent with family at Gardner Lake and the beach, especially those times with her own kids, all her nephews and nieces. Whether it was by the lake or trips to Rhode Island, Cape Cod, or Cape May, Krystal was happiest near water surrounded by family.
Outside of time with family, Krystal also had a passion for exercise and health, where she would use that determination and no quit attitude every morning at the gym or cycling at home. She also enjoyed settling down with a good book at night.
Although her humbleness wouldn’t allow her to admit it, Krystal displayed an energy and kindness that made everyone happy to be around her. She had a contagious smile and warmth that drew people to her. Even when confronted with immense obstacles due to her diagnosis, Krystal handled every moment with an attitude of grace and gratitude, often making friends with the nurses charged with her care.
We will all deeply miss Krystal, who added love and light to all our lives. Krystal was predeceased by her Grand Parents Leon and Claire Rocheleau, Grand Parents Harland and Judy Kabeary, and Uncle Mark Rocheleau. Krystal is survived by her husband Jim Briggs, sons Mason and Asher, her mother Donna MacDonald and Step Father Steve MacDonald, her father Keith Kabeary and Step-Mother Lauren Kabeary, her sister Kara and her Husband Kyle Shemo, her sister Kendra and her husband Aldo Trombino, and her sister Kiana Kabeary, nephews Landon Shemo, Ryder Shemo, Caden Trombino and her niece Kinsley Trombino.
Krystal leaves behind many loved ones from her husband’s side of the family but she especially loved her nephews Ben Briggs and Cameron Briggs, her nephew Jax Briggs and niece Savannah Briggs, nephews Beckham Chew, Carter Chew, Griffen Chew and Cooper Chew, nephew Maverick Chew and niece Juniper Chew.
Krystal will be buried at Valley Falls Cemetery in Vernon, CT. Funeral services will be privately held for immediate family.
There will be a Celebration of Krystal’s Life at Georgina’s Restaurant & Banquets in Bolton CT on Friday May 10th from 12-3pm for all that would like to join us. Krystal was never into formality so the celebration will be smart casual.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Krystal’s memory to the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute in Manchester. For checks please use the following address: Hartford Hospital c/o Department of Philanthropy, 80 Seymore St., P.O. Box 5037 Hartford, CT 06102, with Krystal’s name in the memo. Or you can give online at giving.hartfordhospital.org.
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