Obituary: Kristina 'Krista' Anne Needham, 29, of Hamden

From Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home

Kristina "Krista" Anne Needham, 29, passed away on September 29, 2016 at her home in Hamden. She was born in New Haven on October 7, 1986. Krista is survived by her loving parents Harry E. Needham III and Anne Kristina Goto Needham, her sister Darcy K. Needham, brother Harry (Jake) E. Needham IV, grandfather Arthur A. Goto, uncle Paul and aunt Anne Goto and aunts Rachelle Goto, and Winnie Girard.

She also leaves her cousins Philip Girard, Sara, Adam, Greg and Max Goto.

She attended Hamden Public Schools and graduated from Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School in 2000, the first graduating class.

After graduating from Hamden High School in 2004, Krista attended Central CT State University and Albertus Magnus College where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. She was a Life Skills Coach working with teenage girls for Klingberg Family Centers.

Krista received her 4th degree Master Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Karate and was a dedicated instructor at the CCSU Karate Program, and the Institute of Martial Arts in Wallingford. She was also Past Worthy Advisor of Evergreen Assembly #44 and Past State Miss Service of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls.

Krista always went out of her way to help people and enjoyed creating works of art for those she loved.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating Krista's life on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 3 p.m. in the Knapp Auditorium, located in the Bridgehouse at Ashlar Village at Masonicare, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Institute of Martial Arts Tournament Scholarship Fund, PO Box 4361 Wallingford, CT 06492.

To leave online condolences, visit Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home here.