Kristina “Kris” Paliwoda
November 4, 1981 – December 31, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen,
We gather here today to honor the life of Kristina "Kris" Paliwoda—a daughter, sister, veteran, partner, and friend whose time with us, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Born on November 4, 1981, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Kris was the beloved daughter of MSGT Charles "Chuck" Paliwoda and Buarian "Toy" Paliwoda. From an early age, she was surrounded by the strength and dedication of her military family, and it came as no surprise that she would follow in their footsteps. Kris proudly served nearly a decade in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army, exemplifying courage and resilience during her time in Iraq and beyond. Her service to this nation was a reflection of her heart—a heart full of compassion, loyalty, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Kris carried these qualities into every chapter of her life. After earning her degree from UT Dallas, she pursued a path of caring for God's creatures, dedicating her time to the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Her love for animals, especially her bond with Zara, the center's bald eagle, speaks to her nurturing spirit. Kris reminded us that even in the simplest acts—like feeding a bird with fish, she caught herself—there is beauty and meaning.
Yet Kris was not only a caretaker; she was an adventurer, an artist, and a teacher. Her passion for life knew no bounds. Whether riding her motorcycle with her partner across 15 states, summiting mountain peaks, skydiving, whitewater rafting, or simply enjoying a home-cooked meal with family and friends, Kris approached life with enthusiasm and a desire to leave the world better than she found it.
Though Kris was not deeply religious, she believed in the power of connection, reflection, and kindness and, through her actions, reminded us of the sacredness of living fully and loving deeply. Kris lived by the lessons she taught others: don't give up on yourself or your loved ones, and cherish every moment, for time is precious and fleeting.
As we stand here today, mourning the loss of such a remarkable soul, let us remember the gifts Kris gave us: her laughter, her strength, her courage, and her wisdom. Her life challenges us to look beyond the busyness of our days and embrace what truly matters—our families, our friendships, and the moments we share.
Kris is survived by her mother, Toy; her sisters, Kalista and Katherina; her loving partner, Daniel; her brother-in-law; nephews; and her many dear friends, colleagues, and loved ones. She joins her father, Chuck, in the eternal embrace of God's love.
While Kris's journey on Earth has come to an end, her legacy lives on—in the stories we tell, the relationships she nurtured, and the inspiration she left behind. May we honor her by living as she did: with courage, kindness, and an unrelenting zest for life.
Rest in peace, Kris. May God's eternal light shine upon you, and may your soul find its home in His grace. Amen.
Kris’s kind heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love will forever be remembered, and her legacy will inspire all who knew her. 💜