Krista Marie Loness

Krista Marie Loness was the literal life of the party, and we don't say that lightly. Radiating joy and happiness and love, she made every occasion special and celebrated, whether it was a pool party for two, a tie-dye themed family Christmas, or an annual summer luau for fifty of her closest friends and family members. There would be on-theme playlists, take-home gifts, matching T-shirts'sometimes to the chagrin of loved ones, photos taken with selfie sticks to be displayed in digital frames in her always decorated Reading home. With her signature side-swept bangs and long curly hair and with her bright blue eyes that reflected whatever vibrant outfit she was wearing that day, Krista was extra. Extra thoughtful. Extra coordinated. Extra loving. Extra dolled up for a night on the town. She loved the beach and Atlantic City, traveling, swimming, hiking, shopping, fashion and being an auntie to Labradoodles Alfie and Barnaby. She was a Phillies fan with a fondness for Alec Bohm. And, of course, she loved celebrating and welcoming loved ones into the home she shared with her husband, Nick. Krista Marie Valentine was born on May 8, 1980, in Reading. Krista's earliest days were spent in the same ways she would live her life, doing what she loved with people she loved. Her childhood was filled with summers of boat rides and beach vacations, while winters were filled with holiday gatherings with her beloved extended family. She graduated from Exeter Township High School and earned her associate degree from Penn State University. She worked a series of clerical and admin jobs'jobs where she cared for people and kept things organized and together. But work was never the center of her life. The people were. In her twenties, she met Nicholas Loness through their large friend group. Their first date was a hike on Neversink Mountain, near where they would later buy their house. They bonded over live music, going out and discovering new restaurants and bars - what Krista called 'vibe dining.' In 2013, Krista and Nick had their dream wedding and Caribbean honeymoon. Throughout their marriage, they traveled often, visiting Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and all over North America. If Krista wasn't on a trip, she was planning one or planning the next get-together. These weren't trips to escape her life, these were her life. She regularly took family and friends on her trips, never wasting a minute. For those who weren't on the trip, there were souvenirs, magnets, mugs or trinkets. Krista was always remembering you. Krista was an amazing friend and connector of friends, celebrating accomplishments any way she could. A champion listener, she remembered little things you'd said and brought them back later with a gift. She kept dozens of notepads to keep track of everything, from off-hand mentions of interests or likes to ideas for future theme parties. When Krista was first diagnosed with cancer nine years ago, she made a bucket list. In nine years, she was able to cross off all the items, spending more time with friends and family, traveling even more widely, and getting her beach house in Brigantine, New Jersey, a long-time dream. She loved being at the beach while being five minutes from Atlantic City, the proximity allowing for both a beach day and a night out. Krista spent her final season at the beach house enjoying some of her favorite things, sitting on the deck watching the sun set and the dolphins swim, spending time with family, having dinner at her favorite restaurant, Izakaya, and falling asleep listening to the waves outside her bedroom door. Krista died December 11 of breast cancer. She was 43. Krista is survived by her husband, Nicholas Loness; parents Lynda (Tom) Berdan and Danny (Francesca Bianca) Valentine; sister, Sarah (Patrick Nissley) Valentine; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and in-laws. Interment was private. A celebration of life is planned for a future date. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.aumansinc.com