Jean Marie Kozlak

Jean Marie Kozlak, 58, of Torrington, CT passed away at home on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Jean was a musician, artist, and swimmer who loved life and loved people.

Jean was born on May 28, 1962, in Torrington , CT to Janet (Howell) Kozlak and the late Martin B. Kozlak Sr. In addition to her mother, Jean is survived by her brother, Martin B. Kozlak Jr.; her aunt, Margaret (Howell) True of Pekin, IL; her uncle, Ronald B. Jones of Watertown, CT; her extended Kozlak family, as well as many cousins and dear friends. She is predeceased by her dear aunt, Joan (Howell) Jones of Watertown, CT.

A lifelong resident of Torrington, Jean attended South School and then joined the LARC vocational program where she worked at several businesses in the area. She was employed by the Torrington Stop & Shop for twenty years, retiring in 2011. Jean had her own apartment for nine years and was close enough to walk to her job at Stop & Shop. She would write down her schedule every week and she made sure she was always on time. She attended Camp LARC (now Camp Moe) for many years where she learned to swim and took part in all the Thursday overnights. She was active in Special Olympics and won dozens of medals in both field sports and swimming where her specialty was the 200 meter free style. She successfully completed Outward Bound on Hurricane Island, Maine with a group from LARC in 1987. She went on a LARC-sponsored cruise to Bermuda in 1997 and a LARC trip to Disney World. She also went on many family trips to Kentucky, Florida, and Canada.

Jean had many talents and was an excellent swimmer and spent many summer days swimming in her mother’s pool. She created lovely latch-hook pieces and loved to play her two keyboard organ while singing along. She was constantly drawing and filled her pictures with happy flowers, rainbows, and bright colors. She responded to music with singing, dancing, and smiles. She enjoyed walking on the Sue Grossman bike path with her mom, and always kept an eye out for any wildlife along the way. Jean loved being with people and liked nothing better than spending time with her many relatives and friends.  A communicant of the former Sacred Heart Church, Jean loved attending Mass, and knew all the responsorial prayers by heart.

Her family wishes to thank all the LARC staff over the years who challenged Jean to grow and learn so many wonderful skills, all her residential staff who cared for her so beautifully, and special thanks to the staff at her LARC group home in Harwinton, where she most recently resided, for their loving, compassionate, and professional care.

Memorial contributions may be made to LARC, 314 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790.

Calling hours will be held at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT Friday, January 8, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with burial to follow in the spring. All relatives and friends attending calling hours must follow CDC recommendations by following social distancing and wearing protective face masks. Condolences may be sent to Jean’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com

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