Obituary: Carol Kana, 60; Advocate for the Disabled

Carol Anne Kana, a Riverside resident who was an advocate for people with disabilities, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 at Greenwich Hospital. She was 60.

She was born on Jan. 11, 1953 to Paul and Catherine (Cernak) Kana.

She was a lifetime resident of the area, attending Greenwich schools and a 1970 graduate of Greenwich High School. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in social work from the University of Connecticut. She was employed as a probation officer in Norwalk until her retirement.

Miss Kana was an advocate for people with disabilities. She co-founded the First Selectman's Committee for People with Disabilities in Greenwich and was a regional leader for the Disability Advocacy Collaborative. As a member of the YMCA she worked to make the facility accessible for people with disabilities.

First Selectman Peter Tesei said, "Carol Kana was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. She was a tenacious person with a jovial manner and I could always count on her to be candid and sound with her advice. Greenwich has lost a very special lady."

Miss Kana was a member of the Polio Outreach of Connecticut, the Lutheran Home of Southbury Guild, the Ski Bears and a former volunteer for Give to the Troops.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Greenwich and formerly a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Norwalk, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and conducting and playing the hand bells.

Her favorite activities included cheering for the UConn Huskies basketball teams, attending shows and concerts in New York City, and traveling.

She is survived by her cousin, Anne Sue Cernak and many wonderful friends. She also leaves her beloved cat, Rosie, who was always by her side.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at First Lutheran Church, 38 Field Point Rd., Greenwich. Burial will be private.

Donations can be made in Carol's memory to First Lutheran Church, 38 Field Point Rd., Greenwich or to the charity of one's choice.