Obituary for Alisha Kimiko Haywood
It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce that Alisha Kimiko Haywood, 33, beloved daughter of Grant and Jamie Haywood, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023.
In addition to working as a Certified Nurse's Aide, Alisha was a passionate horsewoman whose life was devoted to her rescue horses, her dog Jewel, and the many family members and friends she loved. She was a 2007 graduate of Taconic High School.
Alisha's extensive knowledge of horses was legendary to everyone she met. She discovered her equestrian passions when she was just four years old, guided and inspired by her mother's adoration for horses.
Alisha competed in many competitions during her younger years. Any type of riding was thrilling and pure joy for her! She was a natural born teacher and shared her knowledge with anyone who was interested in learning. Hundreds of people called on Alisha's expertise when they had a question about caring for horses or knew of a horse that needed rescue. Alisha approached her relationships with family and friends in the same passionate way that she approached her care for horses. Everyone enjoyed her incredible sense of humor, energy and free spirit. The love, kindness and devotion Alisha showed to all will be sorely missed by the many people who knew and loved this fierce, courageous, hardworking and special woman.
In addition to her parents, Alisha leaves behind her grandmother Kikuko Lagadinos, her brother Grant II, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was also a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, Aniela, Milena, Grant III and Grayson. She also leaves her longtime partner, Ryan Fudge. Alisha's family extends their sincerest gratitude to her many friends and extended family for the incredible outpouring of love and support. They would also like to recognize the amazing doctors and nursing staff at Berkshire Medical Center's Critical Care Unit with sincerest appreciation for the extraordinary compassion and care provided to Alisha and her family at this most difficult time in life.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 2-4 pm at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Equine Refuge in care of the funeral home. All contributions will be used to care for Alisha's rescue horses. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In addition to working as a Certified Nurse's Aide, Alisha was a passionate horsewoman whose life was devoted to her rescue horses, her dog Jewel, and the many family members and friends she loved. She was a 2007 graduate of Taconic High School.
Alisha's extensive knowledge of horses was legendary to everyone she met. She discovered her equestrian passions when she was just four years old, guided and inspired by her mother's adoration for horses.
Alisha competed in many competitions during her younger years. Any type of riding was thrilling and pure joy for her! She was a natural born teacher and shared her knowledge with anyone who was interested in learning. Hundreds of people called on Alisha's expertise when they had a question about caring for horses or knew of a horse that needed rescue. Alisha approached her relationships with family and friends in the same passionate way that she approached her care for horses. Everyone enjoyed her incredible sense of humor, energy and free spirit. The love, kindness and devotion Alisha showed to all will be sorely missed by the many people who knew and loved this fierce, courageous, hardworking and special woman.
In addition to her parents, Alisha leaves behind her grandmother Kikuko Lagadinos, her brother Grant II, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was also a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, Aniela, Milena, Grant III and Grayson. She also leaves her longtime partner, Ryan Fudge. Alisha's family extends their sincerest gratitude to her many friends and extended family for the incredible outpouring of love and support. They would also like to recognize the amazing doctors and nursing staff at Berkshire Medical Center's Critical Care Unit with sincerest appreciation for the extraordinary compassion and care provided to Alisha and her family at this most difficult time in life.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 2-4 pm at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Equine Refuge in care of the funeral home. All contributions will be used to care for Alisha's rescue horses. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.