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Alisandra Usher Obituary

USHER, ALISANDRA CADY Alissandra Cady Usher (May 9th, 1991 - August 23rd, 2012), Ali Usher ended her long battle with brain cancer in the comfort of her home surrounded by love. She left this life as she lived it; with grace beyond her years, a gentle strength and her wickedly irreverent sense of humor. She left the world a better place for all who knew and cherished her. A graduate of North Haven High School, Ali was attending the University of Hartford School of Art majoring in ceramics when her illness struck. Unfazed by no longer being able to work with clay, she changed her major to art history and continued her studies. She took great pleasure in riding and training her horse Sunny and in purposely getting "lost " with her car to explore new places. She saw beauty in the unusual and sought out the unique. Ali believed that life was meant to be lived to the fullest. "Buy the ticket. Take the Ride". - Hunter S. Thompson. She is survived by parents Steve and Marne Usher, North Haven, CT : brother Andrew Usher, North Haven, CT; sisters Paige (Ed) Usher Rankin, Suzy (Tom) Harris; grandparents Ralph and Edie Bosch (Norwalk, CT); predeceased by Bud and Alice Usher, North Haven, CT; nieces and nephew Brennan, Serena and Jack Harris and Emily Rankin; aunts and uncles Ralph (Judy) Bosch, Jim Bosch, Sue (Tom) Marx, Chris Bosch, Mary (Dave) Vernal predeceased by Royse Shirk Usher; cousins Katie Bosch (Joe Ryan) Tom, Emily and Joe Marx, Christopher and Melanie Vernal, Steven Shanley, Troy Maiocco, Royse Islieb, Michael Shanley, Dair Neickar, Brian Dahill and Brendan Dahill; and a remarkable group of friends. A celebration of Ali's life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations to honor Ali's memory can be made to: All the Kings' Horses Equine Rescue, PO Box 88,Northford, CT 06472 or Smilow Cancer Center, Closer to Free Fund, PO Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519-0611. Arrangements are with the Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 493 Whitney Ave.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Aug. 25 to Aug. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Alisandra Usher

Not sure what to say?





susan Oneill

August 19, 2025

My prayers are with you today.

susan Oneill

August 19, 2024

Thinking of you
Sue Sette Oneill

susan Oneill

August 19, 2022

Thinking of you all...

Chris Lynch

September 15, 2012

You are greatly missed.

Sharon Husenita

September 12, 2012

I am also a returning adult student at Univ of Hartford, as well as a native from North Haven. I am so very sorry for your loss- she inspired a lot of people in her life and this should comfort you. As a mom I can't imagine the heartache of losing a daughter. My thoughts & pryers are with you.

September 7, 2012

Dear Steve, Marne and Andrew,
We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of Ali. If ever there was a girl who enjoyed and appreciated life, it was Ali. I haven't seen her since the summer days at NHCC pool, but I have vivid memories of a wide-eye, high- spirirted ,'think-outside-the-box' kind of girl. She was a lot of fun and will be deeply missed by those who had the good fortune to know her. Our most sincere condolences to your whole family.
With Love,
Claudia, Peter, Pete, Matt, and Carla Reynolds

Kenny Foscue

September 6, 2012

Our very deepest condolences from our whole family - I am so sorry for your great loss.

Kaylyn Carew

September 2, 2012

Losing a friend is never easy... but losing someone like Ali Usher is incredibly difficult. She was a joy to be around and brought light to every situation. You could always count on a good laugh and a day full of smiles whenever in her presence. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to not only meet this amazing woman but to have been her friend. We shared great memories from annual drama productions in middle school to working together during our high school years. I will continue to miss Ali but am comforted in knowing she is among her kind, angels!

Barbara and John Hill

September 2, 2012

Steve and Marne,
Was at CM the other night for dinner when we heard the sad news from the owner/manager (?). So sorry to hear of Alli's passing after a year long battle with brain cancer. Are sincerest condolences to you, her brother and extended family and Alli's friends. She sounded like a vibrant young lady that lived life to the fullest and it is so sad that her life was cut so short.
Your old friends, the Hills

September 2, 2012

Steve and Marne,
Was at Christopher Martin's a couple of nights ago and was asking the owner/manager (?) about Steve when he told me the sad news. John and I are so sorry. How very sad and difficult for you, not to mention a young life cut short for such a vibrant young lady full of life. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family and her close friends.
Barbara and John Hill

Anna Ferretti

August 31, 2012

My heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. We never met, but as a mother, I feel your loss. God Bless you.

Norris Family

August 31, 2012

Our heartfelt condolences to your family.

Ibrahim Karkouti

August 30, 2012

May Her Soul Rest In Peace. My Sincere Condolences To Her Family On This Great Loss.

Ed.D Student

gabby

August 30, 2012

i just wanted to say how sorry i was to hear of alisandra passing...thought & prayers go out to her entire family & friends

Sherry Buckberrough

August 30, 2012

On behalf of the Art History Department at the University of Hartford, I would like to offer sincere condolences. Ali had only recently made the decision to become an Art History major. We were delighted to have her, not only for her intelligence, but for her incise perception and her abundant spirit. She will be sorely missed in our classes.

August 30, 2012

My condolences to you and the family. May god bless you all. You fought a strong internal battle, which made you a strong young female in God's hands.

Pam Kendrick

August 29, 2012

I had the distinct honor of being able to be both Ali and Andrew's English teacher in eighth grade. I remember so many things about them! Ali's love for horses, Andrew breaking a running record at NHMS, their top academic achievements, and the fact that I have an Aly (our spelling) and Andrew (Andy)myself with the same birth order. I used to tell Ali that, as when I had Andrew I only had my Andrew, not my Aly yet. I remember the kindness and class of Mrs. Usher, helping on important committees and always donating hard earned money to help students in need. Should teachers have favorites? Well the Ushers: brother, sister, and parents have always been some of mine and have remained dear to me. I am truly saddened by Ali's passing. My best to the family, especially Andrew.

June & Alan Sturtz & family

August 29, 2012

We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. May she rest in peace and may peace and comfort be yours.

Sprinkle

August 29, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. may god be with her and your family.

August 29, 2012

Condolences to the family in this time of bereavement. May her soul rest in peace

Dorinda Little

August 29, 2012

Ali's information about her passing came through the Univ of Hartford email this afternoon. I am an Adult student returning to school this fall and I have children around Ali's age. Although I did not get the pleasure of knowing her, I can tell she was very special. I don't know how it feels to lose a child, but I hope Ali's spirit will continue to live on in special ways. I will certainly think of her as I begin classes. I wish your family peace and love. May God bless you all.

Corey Martin

August 29, 2012

I apologize for the loss, but there is no more pain for her. She is better again. My condolences to your family.

Kerry Beckford

August 29, 2012

Ali was a student in my first-year writing class during her freshman year at Univ. of Hartford. I remember her terrific smile and easy-going manner. She gave 100% all the time, even with a heavy class load for her major. We talked about our love of horses and she invited me to go see her horse anytime I liked. Ali was a warm and lovely person. My prayers are with Ali's friends and family.

Krystina

August 29, 2012

Ali, I know we haven't spoken in several years but I am terribly saddened to hear of your passing. Growing up you were such an inspiration to me and other girls at the barn. I wish you, your friends, and your family peace in this hard time. Rest in peace Ali <3

Evie Michaud

August 28, 2012

Dearest Marne and family,
You are never far from my thoughts and prayers as you go through these first few weeks of loss. Be comforted by the fact that indeed you had Ali with you and that she was loved by so many. As a mom who lost her son, I know that time will help and that their spirit is with you always in so many ways. With love, Evie Michaud

August 28, 2012

We are so very sorry to hear about Ali. Sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Roseanne. Anthony Fabrizio and family

Kalie Siciliano

August 28, 2012

Sending prayers to Ali's family.. I have pictures of her from elementary school and remember having her as a close friend. Although I had not talked to Ali in quite a few years, I remember her smile and wonderful personality. I am so grateful to have known such a fantastic person. She will always be remembered that way.

Traci and Dave Bosch

August 28, 2012

All of our love is sent to you from Illinois. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the Bosches.

Ruth Baraquin

August 27, 2012

Her voice on a school cd, her laugh and smile in the memories of my children. She will be remembered. We are so sorry, Ruth, Michael, and Amy Baraquin

Viviana Torres

August 27, 2012

Ali was in my drawing and painting class when I was a freshman. She was a senior. She was such an inspiration to me in the class. She was always alive and giggly and bright. She had a contagious laugh and personality. It's horrible to see such a wonderful, beautiful girl leave us. But I know she is in a better place. Even now, she continues to be such an inspiration to not only me, but to everyone who's life she touched.

Elida DeLuca

August 27, 2012

It was such a pleasure knowing Ali. She would bounce into the barn and everything lit up. She generated such liveliness. We miss her terribly. God has a wonderful Angel with him in Heaven.

August 27, 2012

To the Usher Family: I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, wonderful daughter and sister. I will always remember the many visits to my house with Stephanie and how much the two of them laughed and laughed. Ali was a gift of sunshine to those who knew her and truly courageous in her fight with cancer. You are in my prayers.
Mary Ann Zavorskas

Maria Smith

August 27, 2012

I was drawn to Alisandra's obituary..although I did not know her or her family. It made me so sad to read of the mountain she was forced to climb. I lost a dear friend to brain cancer and know the trauma and heartache that goes along with it. To her family I send my prayers and sympathy. She is now an angel in heaven. Rest well Alisandra.

Lyn Roberts

August 27, 2012

Ali was Katie's first best friend in elementary school. I have such great memories of them as kids that will never fade. Apple picking, clementine boxes, fried dough and sleep overs for starters and that fabulous smile and laugh. She was truly one of a kind and we were all fortunate that she touched our hearts and lives. My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find some comfort and peace. <3

Ruth Esposito

August 27, 2012

My heartful sympathy to to all the family.Ali has left us with wonderful memories of her charm and talents.Her zest for life even as a young girl doing all she could.Her smile was contagious and will be remembered by all.I am so sorry for your loss.My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Cindy B

August 27, 2012

Such a sweet young girl taken from the work much too soon.

Julie Zullo

August 27, 2012

To Andrew, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Sister, Ali. Our sincerest sympathies to you, your parents and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Julie, Glenn, Danny, Billy & Jack Zullo

Allegra Milholland Collins

August 26, 2012

Thinking of Ali and sending her family my deepest sympathy and love.

Diane & Erica Nickerson

August 26, 2012

Ali was a wonderful person, always smiling and enjoying life. We will always have fond memories of her when she came to ride Sunny at Meadowgate. Your family is in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Chris Bosch

August 26, 2012

Love you always! - Uncle Chris

Christianne Glenn-Long

August 26, 2012

Ali was an amazing person to know, even if it was only briefly in middle school and high school. Full of energy, grace, patience, enthusiasm, and a brightness that spread to others, she was a joy to have even as an acquaintance. I remember her keeping up the energy in gym class (especially when we were all terrible) and laughing through some of our academic classes. She knew how to have fun, and she spread contagiously. She will be sorely missed, and even though I had not spoken to her in a few years, I know that she was off spreading her light somewhere else (and still is).

Michelle Martin

August 26, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss . You are in are thoughts and prayers.

Susan Sette-O'Neill

August 26, 2012

What a fighter Ali was!! Her courage will give me strength when times are challenging.
My heart, my thoughts and prayers go to you Marne and your family.

Katelynn Drury

August 26, 2012

I only knew Ali for a short time in middle school, but my favorite memories include her laughing her heart out on stage in Wizard of Oz and talking horses with me. She showed me music and burned me CD's out of the kindness of her heart. She has touched me in a way she never realized. Her passing is a tragic loss. Sending lots of prayers your way.

Angelique Bilodeau

August 26, 2012

Words can not describe how sorry I am to hear of Ali's passing. I remember her strong spirit, beautiful face and kindness in the classroom. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

Mary & Matt Pisani

August 25, 2012

We were all so lucky to have had her in our lives. She was a charming, wonderful, special person and will be missed dearly. We love you!!!

Cheryl Vigliotto

August 25, 2012

Marne, I am so sorry to hear your beautiful angel has gone through such an ordeal. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry for this tragic loss. My love and prayers are for you
Cheryl Vigliotto

Lorrie Quirk

August 25, 2012

Ali had a smile and a laugh that lit up the room. I was her middle school teacher and remember Ali for her kindness and smile. It was a shock to hear of her passing. I am sure she lived her life to the last possible moment. This is a true loss.

Kimberly Carew

August 25, 2012

The world was a better place because Ali was in it! Although she was only with us for a short while, she will never be forgotten. For me, I will always remember the spirited actress singing on stage or the friendly girl scooping my ice cream. Her light will shine forever!

Pamela Criscio

August 25, 2012

To the Usher Family I am so sorry to hear about Ali,although I didn't get to see Ali as a grown girl only as a 4/5 year old she was such a cute and smart little girl. again sorry for your loss.

Mary Minotti

August 25, 2012

Dear vivacious Ali! Even though I know that you are in a better place, the emptiness here on earth is great. I will always remember your musical talent and your willing to do it your way by pushing the boundaries. I've always said that you were an "old" soul that has touched so many people but it just wasn't long enough. I will always remember your laughter, maturity, & intelligence. We love you!

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