Constance Kuzmick's Obituary
Constance A. Kuzmick (nee Aquilina) passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024. For 33 years, she was the beloved wife of the late Nick Kuzmick. Cherished mother of Lynn Lisker Hoffman (Joseph) and Laurie Aquilina (William Carmean). Stepmother to Karen Merkle (Paul), James (Linda), Robert (Beth), John (Mary), Peggy Engelhard (Dave), and Mary Jo Kuzmick. Loving grandmother, great grandmother, and step grandmother to many.
Connie was the daughter of Antonio and Pietra (Castronovo) Aquilina, who immigrated to America from Sicily via Ellis Island in 1910. She was born and spent her early childhood in East Brady, Pennsylvania and then relocated with her family to Miami Shores, Florida. Connie graduated from Miami Jackson High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Miami where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. In 1956, she was honored to be crowned Queen Isabella by the Order of the Sons of Italy in America Miami Lodge No. 1995 – a nod to her Italian heritage and a moment that brought great pride to her family.
A passion for teaching young children led Connie to a fulfilling career as a second-grade teacher at Hollywood Hills Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida. Her fun and welcoming classroom was often used as a model for student teachers and visiting administrators, all of whom admired her ability to teach students proper etiquette.
In 1975, Connie married the love of her life, Nick Kuzmick, and they embarked on a new chapter of life together in Strongsville, Ohio. They shared a deep love for each other and a zest for life that they expressed through travel, golf, attending Cleveland Browns games, and hosting legendary themed parties overflowing with Connie’s fabulous food.
Connie’s greatest delight came from her role as grandmother to Julia Hoffman Houghton (Lucas) and Maria Hoffman. Her life was further enriched with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Eloise and Joseph Houghton. Her love for them is a testament to her nurturing spirit and enduring legacy.
Along with her devotion to her family, Connie generously shared her time with organizations such as the American Association of University Women, Christ Child, Blossom Music Center, Columbia Hills Country Club, and was a founding member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Strongsville.
Connie leaves behind a large Italian-American family consisting of adored nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whom she dearly loved. She will be deeply missed and always remembered for her infectious laughter, warm smile, and fabulous cooking skills.
Along with her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Thomas O’Malley; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Vito Fenello; and brother, James Aquilina. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Josephine Aquilina.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted beginning at 4:00 p.m. and will conclude with praying The Rosary together at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial Celebrated by Fr. Barry will take place on Friday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 16271 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Entombment immediately following Mass at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted.
“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that’s the way I will remember all of you.”
Condolences may be shared by clicking the green "Share a Memory" tab to the left.
To view the Mass of Christian Burial livestream, please visit sjnohio.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Connie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or simply visit stjude.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Constance?
What’s a lesson you learned from Constance?
Share a story where Constance's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Constance you’ll never forget.
How did Constance make you smile?
