A 32-year-old teacher recorded her life lessons in a self-written obit before she died of laryngeal cancer.
Ashley Ann Kuzma died on September 22, 2019, at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio after three recurrences of the disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the larynx.
She wrote her own moving obituary before her death, saying "when you have recurrent laryngeal cancer that just won't take no for an answer, you have a lot of time to think about death."
In the obit published in the Erie Times-News , she said:"One positive outcome from having recurrent cancer was that it taught me to let go of the insignificant things and to just enjoy the people and places."
She added: "I am extremely grateful for the life that I lived. I was fortunate to have a loving family, supportive friends, a stable and meaningful job, and a house to call my own.
"My wish for you is to stop letting insignificant situations stress you out.
"Do what is important to you. Relax and enjoy the company of those around you."
Ashley was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Conway before doing a degree in History and Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh.
She liked to spend her free time reading, cuddling her cats, wine tasting, relaxing on her dad's boat, watching movies, golfing, decorating, watching football, appreciating a good sunset, and watching TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, the original Will and Grace, and Friends.
Ashley leaves behind her parents, John William Kuzma and Vicky Lynn (Barron) Kuzma, her sister Kristen Marie Kuzma, her maternal grandmother Verda Ann (Durst) Barron and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
In the obit she also mentioned the family dog Lizzy and cats, Archie and Stella.
She requested that her family holds a celebration of her life on October 13.
