Enfield Obituary: Christina Pugliese, 30

Christina Pugliese, of Enfield, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 18, 2017 at the age of 30.

A strong, intelligent and independent young woman, she was also a single mother. While raising her daughter, Destiny Leigh, Christina worked full time, attended Destiny’s dance recitals, acquired professional certificates and studied for her degree. In 2016 Christy earned a BS in Criminal Justice and an Advanced Paralegal Certificate from Bay Path University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Christina was on the cusp of breaking into the criminal justice field for which she had so much passion. Meanwhile, she was employed as a school bus driver at Smyth Bus, Inc. since 2012, loved her PSA students and enjoyed driving sports and educational charters.

Her accomplishments and character demonstrated an enduring practice of taking responsibility, working hard and remaining resilient through whatever came her way. Christina valued her family and friends. Even with her busy schedule, she willingly helped out because it was the right thing to do. Whether she was tending the garden with her Gram, building a fence with Pop Pop, writing thank you notes for kindnesses received, or just listening to a friend, Christy did things for others with no expectations of reward or acknowledgement.

Her desire to help others inspired her to develop a Halloween costume drive for kids in need in 2015 as well as ponder the reasons and remedies for the homelessness she witnessed when visiting NYC as a child. Christina spoke her mind and always the truth. Everyone knew where they stood with her and it was usually right in the center of her heart. She also had a heart for her team and was a loyal NY Giants fan through thick and thin.

Christina Marie Pugliese leaves her 10 year-old daughter Destiny Leigh Irving, her parents Gregg Pugliese and Karen Ward, and her sister Meagan Pugliese, all from Enfield. She leaves her paternal grandparents Patricia and Gene Pugliese of Windsor and is pre-deceased by her maternal grandparents, Walter and Patricia Ward and paternal great-grandparents, Kay and Dominick Granell, all from Windsor. Christy leaves numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who adore her. Her extended family includes Destiny's father Mark Irving and Destiny’s grandparents, Lisa and Ed Mastella. Best friends of many years regard her as fierce, loyal, fun loving, and generous with her love.

Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Hazardville Cemetery, Elm St., Enfield.

Services have been entrusted to Carmon Funeral Home of Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster Bank c/o Destiny Leigh Irving Fund, 50 Freshwater Blvd., Enfield, CT 06082.