Kristine Krak

Kristine L. Krak, 44, of Camillus, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle with melanoma. A graduate of Marcellus High School, she also received a degree in respiratory therapy from SUNY Upstate Medical University and a nursing degree from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica. She was a registered nurse at Community General Hospital. An avid sailboat racer, Kristine was an integral part of the team that won Lake Ontario Boat of the Year in both 2000 and 2006. Kristine sailed and raced on all five Great Lakes and was part of winning efforts in the Chicago to Mackinac Race (2005), Trans-Erie Yacht Race (2005), Lake Ontario 300 (2006), Mackinac/Manitoulin (2005 and 2007) and qualified for, and raced in, the National Hospice Regatta in 2005 and 2007. In late 2010, Kristine was recognized by the Lake Ontario Yacht Racing Association for her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, receiving the LYRA President’s Award. She also obtained a marine pilot’s license. Kristine enjoyed traveling and spent weeks in Japan, China, Thailand and Cambodia. She charter-sailed the Caribbean extensively from Nassau and the Bahamas to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She also managed a trip across the Canadian Rockies, and up the inland passage of Alaska. Kristine was also an avid gardener and enjoyed arts and crafts. Surviving are her parents, Robert L. and Carol A. Krak of Camillus; brother, Kevin R. Krak of New York City; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly M. and Gene Judd of Northport, Long Island; niece, Kiera; nephews, Patrick and Beckett; and beloved Cats, Fermie and Pierre. Relatives and friends may call Monday, May 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17 at the funeral home and noon in St. Joseph's Church where Rev. Gregory LeStrange will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kristine’s memory may be made to The Director, National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 or The Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016.