Teresa's Obituary

Teresa Elizabeth Kuzmenko (nee Hollo), passed away on the evening of August 20, 2024, surrounded by loving family in Tampa, FL. She was 68 and had been living in Zephyrhills, FL with her devoted husband Franklin and treasured dachshund Button.

Born in Limestone, ME, on March 19, 1956, to USAF Major Stephen Emil Hollo and Ruth Lydia Hollo, she was the youngest of 7 living children. Teresa spent the first two years of her life living in Japan with her parents and youngest three siblings before returning to settle in Montville, CT, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps with her first cousin Darlene in August of ’74-‘77 and deployed to Germany. On her return to the states, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and Mohegan Community College in Norwich, CT. For many years she worked as a temp at Millstone Power Plant, Nuke #2 in Waterford, CT in the radiation protection department where she met her future husband. A lover of musical theater, she spent many of her adult years working with a variety of theater groups including the CT Gilbert and Sullivan Society, East Lyme Arts Council, New London VFW Players, and several others. She loved performing deeply and never turned down an opportunity. She once sang the National Anthem for a local minor league baseball team. She was also an accomplished Stage Manager. She reenlisted in the Army Reserves in (’98-‘04). Most recently, she adored singing with her church choirs from both St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Norwich, CT, and Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, and the Betmar Acres Chorus. She was also a gifted cake decorator and baked beautiful cakes for any occasion including, but not limited to, wedding cakes for all three of her children. Teresa loved traveling to Cancún, Mexico with her husband and often invited her closest friends and family to share in her joy. She had a tremendous sense of humor and her laugh was infectious.

Teresa is predeceased by her parents; siblings Sandra Johndro, Ruth Newell, Stephen Hollo, and Valorie McNatt, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and her second husband Philip Young. She is survived by her husband Franklin (Zephyrhills); children Ruth Crocker (Jay, Gales Ferry, CT), Patrick Young (Suehyla, Atlanta, GA), and Cathleen Young-McDonald (Christopher, Lyme, CT); bonus daughter Beth A. Strickland (Charles, Uncasville, CT); grandchildren Tristan Krassner (Katie), Noah Crocker, Olivia Crocker, Arielle Crocker, Philippa McDonald, Penelope McDonald, and Westley McDonald; great-grandchildren Isla Krassner and Billie Krassner; siblings Frank Hollo (Susan, Colchester, CT) and Mary Hollo (Oakdale, CT); many cousins, nieces, and nephews all around the country; and her sweet boy Button.

Teresa Kuzmenko Memorial Service Details:

Atonement Lutheran Church

29617 State Road 54

Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

September 6, 2024

Visitation 10am

Memorial Service 11am

Lunch