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Obituary: Whitney Jade Washuta

Submitted

Sat, Apr 29th 2017 12:25 am

Whitney Jade Washuta, 25, of Youngstown, passed away on April 18, 2017. 

Born in Buffalo, she was the daughter of Richard H. and Gail E. (Zucco) Washuta. 

Whitney was a charming, elegant, selfless, thoughtful, blue-eyed beauty. Known for her big smile and graceful nature, Whitney was absolutely stunning from the inside, out. Whitney was courageous and brave, and she always stood for what she believed in. 

She was the calming energy for her family, and a dependable companion to all her friends. 

Throughout Whitney's academic career, she was a high honors student who received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding academic achievements, character and kindness toward others.

Whitney attended Stella Niagara School, where she was a standout member of the swim team. She then moved to Nichols School, where she developed her love of the Spanish language and participated in her first study abroad program, in Costa Rica. Whitney was also a part of the Nichols varsity field hockey, lacrosse and basketball teams. 

Whitney graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School, where she excelled in her Advanced Placement classes and completed her second study abroad program, this time in Spain. Afterward, she attended the University of Vermont, where she received her bachelor's degree in global studies with a minor in Spanish. While at the University of Vermont, Whitney studied abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico, and fell in love with the culture and people. 

Upon graduation from college, Whitney moved to West Hollywood, California, where she was currently residing, to use her degree to help students from around the world strengthen their English skills. 

A passionate outdoors admirer, Whitney always made time to enjoy the beach. Always an adventurer, she spent many winters snowboarding all over the world. 

Whitney was a music enthusiast who loved attending concerts. Her love for her dog, Gigi, was extraordinary. Above all, Whitney will be remembered as an advocate for anyone less fortunate or in need. She was always working on improving her spiritual well-being, as well as others around her. 

In addition to her parents, Whitney is survived by her sisters, Joleigh (fiancé Adam Wylucki) Washuta and Colbie Washuta; her brother, Broc Washuta; and nephew, Adam Joseph Wylucki. She was the granddaughter of Joseph and Madaleine Zucco, Sonia (late Steve) Washuta; and niece of Lorie (Richard Butts) Washuta, Daniel Zucco, William (Judy) Zucco, JoAnne (Albert) Paonessa, III and the late David Zucco. She is also survived by several great-aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 29, at St. Peter's R.C. Church, 620 Center St., Lewiston. Everyone attending is asked to please assemble at the church. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Whitney's memory be made to the Whitney J. Washuta Lyme Foundation, a fund created for the awareness and research of Lyme Disease, c/o P.O. Box 56, Model City, NY 14107.

Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com to see the guest register.

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