Carrie Miranda Schuler, 32, died unexpectedly on September 12, in Jacksonville, Fla. She was born in Bridgeport, and resided in both Connecticut and Florida, where she graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in history and a minor in education.

Her mother, Penelope Odell, and her partner, Graham Ingels, of Newtown; her father, John Schuler of Virginia; her sisters, Deborah Montelli and her husband, Thomas, of Fairfield, and Jennifer Arias and her husband, John, of Gainesville, Fla.; her brother, Jason Hand, and his wife, Andrea, from Danbury; nieces; nephews; and finally, her faithful dog King, survive her. Her infant daughter predeceased her.

She lived her life with an indomitable spirit, and her endearing personality touched many friends, including horses, dogs, and people of all ages.

Ms Schuler's candle was brief, but its light will continue to overcome the darkness for all those who knew and loved her.

Her family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to High Watch in Kent in Connecticut, highwatchrecovery.com, or HORSE of Connecticut Rescue in Washington, horseofct.org.

The family will receive friends at her mother's Newtown residence on October 1, at 2 pm, for a celebration of Ms Schuler's life.

To leave an online condolence, visit her memorial page at williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.