Carissa E.J. Brown left this life Nov. 14 in Honolulu, Hawaii, after a valiant struggle with cancer. She was born June 2, 1952, to the late Edward J. and Sophie V. Brown of Killingworth. She is survived by her siblings Alicia (Alan) Metzler, Guilford; Patricia (Frank) DiFilippo, Plantsville; Edward Brown (Jesus Aquino), Hollywood, Florida; Bridget Jennings (Michael Bova), Branford; and Douglas (Debra) Brown, Killingworth. She is also survived by nieces Kellyn, Brittany, and Danielle; nephews Jamie, Kyle, Christopher, Matthew, Sean, Colby, Douglas, and Dalton; grandniece Grace; grandnephew Anthony; along with a huge extended family and friends.

Carissa lived her life to the fullest with a personality that emulated the love of her many friends, especially those from Morgan High School Class of 1970! Carissa always pushed forward, achieving her BSE in computer science and industrial engineering from the University of New Haven, cum laude. She went on to found, own, and run the Pantalogic Group as well as become the APICS Hawaiian Chapter president until her passing.

Carissa’s life passion was traveling—making even more long-lasting friends throughout her life. She could also be found shopping for another pair of shoes or practicing her karate black belt skills. When she had time to wind down, she would be sipping a Corona on the closest beach—whether that be in Hawaii or watching the sunset on Siesta Key in Florida.

A Christian mass will be held for her on Dec. 27 at ll a.m. in St. Lawrence Church, Killingworth.

Donations in Carissa’s name can be made to Queens Medical Center Hospital and St. Francis Hospice, both in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our family would also like to send a special thank you to all of the hospital clinicians and staff at both facilities who helped her live her life to the fullest right until the end. Aloha Carissa!