Liana Theresa Kuras

Liana "Lee" Theresa Richard Kuras, 85, of Davidson, North Carolina, formerly of South Windsor, Connecticut, died peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, September 9th, 2018.

The daughter of the late Olivier Joseph Richard and Marie (Richard) Richard, Lee was born January 7, 1933 in Worcester, Massachusetts. She grew up in Worcester, Millbury, and Grafton, MA, and attended high school at St. Anne’s Academy in Marlborough, MA. After high school, she completed a legal secretarial program at Morse Business College, after which she worked as an executive secretary for several years. In 1954, while working in Worcester, Lee was tragically struck by a runaway ice truck resulting in critical head trauma and was given her last rites. Fortunately for all of us, Lee, always the fighter, recovered after several months in the hospital.

In 1958, Lee married George Kuras, her “Gentle Giant,” and moved to Connecticut. In 1959, she began work as bookkeeper for the town of South Windsor, CT, continuing for two years until leaving to start a family. In 1973, she returned as Assistant Town Clerk, serving for 20 years before being elected Town Clerk in 1993. When Lee was nominated for the post before the November 1993 election, it was the first time that an unaffiliated Town Clerk candidate was endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans. Lee's enthusiastic and friendly approach to people and neutral political focus made her the unanimous candidate. She was known to treat everyone with the same respect which contributed to a welcoming and inviting environment at the Town Hall. She retired in 1997.  

After living in South Windsor for over 56 years, Lee moved to The Pines at Davidson in 2014 to be closer to her son and his family. While at the Pines, Lee made many new friends and uplifted those around her. She was dedicated and passionate about visiting her friends in Assisted Living and Healthcare to share a laugh and hold their hands.

Beloved by her extended family and friends, Lee was known for always being positive, solving problems and staying in touch. “Pray, hope and don’t worry” was the mantra she lived by. An extremely devout and caring person, Lee will be greatly missed.   

Lee was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in South Windsor and was later affiliated with St. Therese Church in Mooresville, NC.

In addition to Lee’s parents, her loving husband George Kuras, preceded her in death in 2005. She is survived by her brother, Joseph “Roger” Richard of Millbury, MA; her sons, Steve and wife, Margaret, of Mooresville, NC, and Ken of Freedom, CA; two grandsons, Greg of Edinburg, TX and Michael of Charlotte, NC; and many loving and supportive cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren.  
The family will greet friends in the Living Room at The Pines, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 4:00-5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on September 29 at St. James Church, 89 Main Street, South Grafton, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Friends of the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (1841 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27635, https://www.friendsnclbph.org/donate.php) or the Resident Support Fund at The Pines at Davidson (400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036).  

The Kuras family is under the care of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Huntersville.