Kristen Tomford Waller

Daughter of Rick Tomford. Passed away the night of January 18th surrounded by family and friends following a brief, harrowing, and valiant battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Rockville Center, NY on July 23rd, 1969, she was raised in northern Virginia. It was in these years that she excelled as a gifted athlete and student. Kristen graduated from the United States Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1991, where she captained the women's basketball team. Kristen served seven years in the US Navy attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Following her military service, she went to work for Verizon and rose to the rank of executive director before her passing. Kristen lived life to the fullest. She traveled the world seeking adventure, whether it was sky diving, zip-lining, or bungee jumping. She ran several marathons in places as distant as Dublin and Alaska. Always looking for a challenge, she completed a Half Iron Man Triathlon in 2012. She loved to watch all sports especially the Midshipman of Navy. The Army-Navy football game was always a yearly highlight, where she was able to meet classmates from the Academy. She loved college wrestling and went to the NCAA Wrestling Championships with her father, uncles Rob and Ron, as well as her beloved cousin Bret nearly every March.
Kristen will be missed and mourned by many co-workers and friends, all of whom adored her. She leaves behind her father Rick Tomford and his wife Ruth of Avon, CT, her step-brother LT. Brian Lefler (currently serving on the USS New Mexico), her brother Scott Tomford of Brooklyn, NY, her sister Lauren Sanderson and her husband Austin and their daughter Kendall of Westminster, MA, and her sister Dana Tomford of Avon, CT. She also leaves behind her uncle Dr. Robert Tomford (wife Cathy Benedict), who provided her with expert medical guidance and encouragement throughout her illness, her uncle Ron Tomford (wife Nancy) and her cousins Bret, Megan and Michael. Her best friend, Melissa Magos of Oxnard, CA was by her side nursing, encouraging and comforting Kristen during her entire illness. Kristen's family will be forever grateful for Melissa's faithfulness to Kristen in her time of need. Kristen also leaves behind her cherished boxer dog, Roxy, whom she admiringly rescued years ago.
Kristen inspired everyone she knew to enjoy life, to be fair, work hard, and persevere even in the face of adversity. She was the rare breed of person that you will always remember, no matter how briefly you interacted with her. At Kristen's request, there will be no funeral or memorial services, and her ashes will be spread to Glacier Bay, Alaska and Queenstown, New Zealand by her father.

---