Beard, Stephanie A.

Stephanie A. Beard, 78, longtime resident of Barkhamsted and Simsbury, loving wife for over 57 years to Richard J. Beard, passed away on August 17, 2021 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. Born in Hartford and raised in Wethersfield, Stephanie was the beloved daughter of the late Mario and Helen (Kushman) Puchalski. Following high school, Stephanie attended cosmetology school and later opened her own studio—Country Cut

& Curl—on Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. For many years, Stephanie brought smiles to the faces of her many clients, who almost always became good friends. As a skilled hairdresser, she found great joy in making people feel special and proud of their appearance and did whatever she could to brighten anyone's day. Stephanie was always willing to lend a listening ear and happily shared her kindness and generosity with each person who walked through her door. She will always be remembered as a loving and devoted wife and mother, and her beautiful soul will always be cherished by those who loved her most. Stephanie is survived by her husband, Richard Beard; her daughter, Dawn Beard; her sister-in-law, Rosemary Puchalski; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Michael Puchalski. Stephanie's family will hold a private burial ceremony at Simsbury Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to the New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance Association, 12B Greenwoods Rd., P.O. Box 1, New

Hartford, CT 06057. The Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home of Granby is entrusted with the arrangements. To

share a condolence message with Stephanie's family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.