Karla Elizabeth Brusseau

With immense sorrow we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Karla Elizabeth Brusseau. Karla died suddenly and tragically on Saturday, June 24, 2023. She was 39. Karla is survived by her grandparents Carol Cianciolo, Judy and Joe Limonciello, parents, Paul and Cathy Brusseau, sisters Michelle Brusseau and Leslie Walton, brother-in-law Chris Walton, nephews Wyatt and Graham Walton, several aunts and uncles and friends all over the country, who loved her deeply and miss her desperately. Born on April 10, 1984, in Stoneham (residing in Woburn), Massachusetts, Karla was always a northeasterner at heart, despite being raised in Florida. She grew up in a loving home, where she loved to cheer on the Patriots with her father and mother. A standout student, she graduated Edgewater High School, cum laude, in 2002, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2007. She then studied computer science at Harvard University. She went on to build a distinguished career in some of the country’s largest corporations, including Disney. Perhaps the highlight of her career was serving as an integral team lead tasked with facilitating the launch of the Disney+ streaming service. Under Karla’s watch, the launch went off without a hitch. As with all lives, however, it was not always smooth sailing. In August 2020, Karla suffered a life-threatening stroke, which left her hospitalized and unable to move or talk. Karla, however, was a fighter. Within just a few days, Karla started to regain her strength, bravely forcing herself to walk. Although diagnosed with aphasia, she painstakingly re-learned how to use language. Perhaps most remarkably, she never once considered herself a victim, but instead embraced the challenges posed by the stroke to hone her determination and character. Her attitude in the face of a life-altering medical setback is instructive to us all. We will always remember Karla’s infectious laugh, sparkling eyes, and lovely voice. Her love of music was only matched by her love for her family. She devoted her time to cultivating relationships with her loved ones, whether that meant singing a familiar song with her best friend and sister, Michelle, watching movies with her parents, or playing with her nephews on the playground. It is hard to fathom that her life has come to an end so tragically early. We will miss her so, so much. A celebration of Karla’s life will be held on July 23 at 11:00 am at the DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, Florida. Memorial donations in Karla’s name may be made to the American Stroke Association at stroke.org.

Karla Elizabeth Brusseau

April 10, 1984 - June 24, 2023