Newington Obituary: Amber Lajeunesse, 19

Amber Rose Lajeunesse, 19, passed away at her home peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2017.

Amber was born October 11th, 1997 and was the oldest daughter of Karen Jacko and David Lajeunesse. She will be dearly missed by parents, maternal grandparents Roger and Betty Jacko of Jensen Beach, FL, paternal grandparents Irene Lajeunesse and Robert Lajeunesse of Vernon, sisters Candace Lajeunesse and Cheyanne Lajeunesse of Newington. She was also the niece of Roger and Liz Jacko, Kevin Jacko, Kristine and John Lajeunesse, and God parents Nicole Cyr and Daniel Sevigny. She was predeceased by her brother Dylan Lajeunesse in 2003.

Amber's favorite color was purple and followed her throughout her life. Amber attended Newington schools and was an athlete of the Special Olympics of Connecticut starting at the age of eight. Amber was very proud of winning her gold, silver and bronze medals as well as her ribbons. She was also dedicated to Unified Sports as well as the Newington Police Department's Torch Run.

Through everything she was associated with, she always strived regardless of the challenges she faced. Her bright smile lit up any room she entered, to be followed by one of her signature tight hugs. She loved everyone whether they were lifelong friends or strangers she had just met.

Amber was an artist who expressed in her own unique way, the world as she experienced it, seeing only pure goodness in both her surroundings and in those around her. The overflow of that perspective was a gift felt by all of us. She was truly a champion of the heart, as she eclipsed the labels that couldn't define her.

Her life and funeral will be celebrated on Monday, April 3, at 8:45 AM from Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington with a 10:00 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church. Rites of Committal will follow the Mass at West Meadow Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to call for visitation on Sunday from 3:00 until 8:00 PM at Newington Memorial Funeral Home. Since purple was Amber's favorite color, we encourage you to celebrate her life with the color purple.