Obituary of Tristin Marie Buckstad

Tristin Marie Buckstad was born August 20, 1970 in Monticello, NY to Marie Benson Buckstad and Carl 'Butch' Buckstad. Raised in Forestburgh, NY, she graduated from Monticello High School in 1988, and later graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in psychology and minor in anthropology. She worked as a dental assistant, then mental health counselor for the State of Maryland. After obtaining certification she worked as an animal groomer. She returned to school and was studying for a masters in Five Element Acupuncture at Tai Sophia Institute in Md. Always a passionate supporter of animal rights, she worked and volunteered at rescue organizations in New York and Maryland. She leaves behind her devoted life partner Jim Westerman; her parents; her sister Tara Buckstad Russo and her husband Joe, and their children Kirsten and Hunter; numerous aunts and uncles, as well as countless friends. She will be remembered for her great smile and laugh, her compassion, and her passion for those things and people she loved. She fought a long battle with depression, PTSD, and dissociative disorder. She found freedom and peace Friday, January 24, 2014. Family & friends are invited to gather on Saturday, February 1 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. A private service will be at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to PETS Alive Animal Sanctuary, Derby Rd, Middletown, NY 10940 or http://www.petsalive.org/ Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com