Sarah Kutnyak

Dear Sarah, I am so grateful that you were here with us for 18 years. I knew you were coming months before I was pregnant. And your arrival in 2006 opened countless doors in my heart; you gave purpose to my life. At that time, I was struggling to choose a direction, and seeking love and connection. You brought me and dad those things and boundless other gifts. Rightfully so, you might think these words are corny; and I am enjoying thinking of your brilliant pragmatic, and spicy take on everything. Sarah you are beautiful: You gave gentle love to us, and to your sweet kitty Lady. You were sensitive to people in a way that I have admired for a long time. You are an artist, and a philosopher. I was often amazed by the depth of your thinking and complexity of your perspective. I knew we were kindred spirits when at 12 years old you discovered an affinity with George Carlin. Hearing his routines blasting from your room was pleasant confirmation that you were part curmudgeon like Grampa. And also brilliant beyond your years. Sarah you are brave: The structure, impersonality, and harshness of public school took a tole on you. But you pressed on. You overcame so much discomfort and had a really grate 11th grade. You opened difficult conversations with dad and I, and allowed us to share in your struggles. I am so grateful for that trust; And so grateful for all of your voice and heart. Sarah, every part of me hurts right now. I cannot imagine my life, or this world, without you. But I need to make beautiful things out of the loss of you. Your beauty, and creativity, and love are still here, and I will use that energy to bring more love and beauty and creativity into this hurting world. I will embrace your whole being for the rest of my life. I will not hide who you were, or how you changed my life. The lessons that you have taught me and will teach me moving forward will become part of me and the way that I care for others. Your love and beauty will continue to touch people. Thank you Sarah. I love you so much. Yours always, Mom. From Griffin: I love you so much. I dont think I ever said it when you were here and that feels shitty. When we were little, even though I was your annoying little sibling you would let me join in games and play with you and your friends. Thank you for letting me play with you, those are some of my best memories. When we were talking at the cabin and it seemed like you felt bad about how much we used to fight, but a lot of that was probably my fault and it didnt matter. You included me whenever I asked, and I asked a lot. I thought you were so cool back then and I still think youre cool. I really wish I got to know you, and really knew you. I didnt know who you were with your friends, I didnt really know what was happening in your life, and I wish I tried harder to do that because youre such an amazing person. At night after everyone else goes to bed the house feels so empty. I dont hear you on a call with your friends or going downstairs to get food talking to Aidan. I miss you. Good luck where ever you are. Sarah Kutnyak, 18, of Buffalo, entered into rest unexpectedly on August 13, 2024. She was born on July 22, 2006 in Buffalo to Andrew Kutnyak and Maura Kutnyak-Smalley. Sarah was currently going into her senior year at Tapestry Charter School. She was active in track and field earlier in high school, and always active in the arts. She worked at Five Loaves farm, and as a dog walker in the last year of her life. In her spare time, Sarah worked to hone her natural talent as a visual artist. The pictures, sketches, and Lego sculptures that she created over the years could fill a museum. Sarah loved being out in nature and felt most at home among plants and animals. She also played with, and cared for her cat Lady, and highly valued conversations with her friends. In addition to her parents, Andrew and Maura Kutnyak, Sarah is survived by her grandparents, Vickie and Tom Kutnyak, grandparents Chester (Linda) Smalley and Linda Lazzaro, her brothers, Sebastian and Griffin Kutnyak, Uncles, Bryan, Ben, and Geoffrey Kutnyak. She is also survived by her uncle Sterling Smalley and aunt Emma Smalley. She is also loved and survived by countless friends and cousins. Sarah, we all love you and will miss you in ways that words cannot express. Memorial contributions may be made to Five Loaves Farm where Sarah worked for the last year.