Kristen Candice Frances Alcantara

December 24, 1980 - December 21, 2021

Kristen Alcantara (Kris Loya), age 40, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 24, 1980, in Trinidad, she was the daughter of Jan Sirjusingh. A talented artist, instructor, and illustrator, Kris moved to northern Virginia to marry her husband Steve, another artist and educator, in 2009, and cultivated a love and a bond with him that was inseparable. Kris was a well-loved member of the local arts community, teaching painting at the Round Hill Arts Center, and filling up watercolor classes while also exhibiting her beautiful work at the Loudoun County Public Libraries. She also managed Tryst Gallery in Leesburg, taking it to the number one spot in Loudoun, and making it a hub of art and creativity, bringing in artists from all over the DMV and beyond. Upon moving to Virginia, Kris pursued a life that was rich, colorful, and full, making lots of friends and teaching herself how to knit and crochet. She also brought Trinidad cuisine to her stateside home, learning how to cook and bake a wide array of traditional foods native to her beautiful island homeland. A warm, vibrant, generous, humorous, and compassionate young woman, Kris loved, and was loved dearly by all who knew her. One of her favorite places to go since moving to Virginia, was Ida Lee Park, where Steve proposed to her, where they got married, and where they often went on dates before and after tying the knot. The park was also an endless source of inspiration for Kris, where she honed her photography skills and gleaned creative inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty. May we all strive to honor Kris’ life by being kinder to each other, more compassionate to all living things, and finding beauty in what often gets overlooked. Kris is survived by her loving husband Stephen Loya, mother Jan Sirjusingh, brother Ryan Alcantara, father-in-law Kenneth Loya, sisters Selene Alcantara and Renee Russell, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, dear friends and beloved family members. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or The National Endowment for the Arts. Kris’ ashes will be scattered along places that have had very special significance to her, in both Trinidad and Virginia, and a celebration of her life is planned for May, 2022, in the Leesburg, Virginia area, with more details to come. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com