The family of Destinee N. Pusateri of East Stroudsburg, PA announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
What follows is a brief look at the life her family wishes to share.
A life is built quietly, day by day.
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Destinee Nicole Pusateri on April 24, 2026, in North Carolina, at the young age of 22.
Destinee was born on September 18, 2003, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to her loving parents, Nicole Pusateri and Harold "Punkey" Winters. From the very beginning, she was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her, known for her high-spirited nature and the energy and joy she brought wherever she went.
During her school years, she participated in basketball and soccer and generously gave her time to the Special Olympics. She also pursued studies in criminal justice at MCTI. Destinee graduated with high honors from East Stroudsburg South in 2022.
Following graduation, she discovered a passion for mechanics and developed a love for working on cars, with Subaru being her favorite. Destinee grew up with a deep love for family and the outdoors. Outside of her work, Destinee found joy in the simple things-she loved hiking, biking, and swimming, and enjoyed listening to music and drawing. She had an avid love for tattoos, each one a reflection of her personality and story. Her tomboy spirit and fearless, adventurous personality helped shape the vibrant and meaningful life she created. Most importantly, Destinee cherished spending time with her family, her cat Graham, two
turtles Donnie and Gladys, and most importantly creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Driven by a sense of purpose and determination, Destinee chose to serve her country by joining the United States Navy. In addition to graduating from Basic Military Training, she successfully completed sub-school and Mechanics Mate Auxiliary (MMA) training on her path to becoming a submarine mechanic. She earned a propeller and two red stripes to not only show her rate and rank, but to reflect her accomplishments. She formed strong, lasting bonds with her fellow shipmates as she underwent multiple tours on a nuclear submarine. She had planned to continue her education and pursue a degree in sociology. Fair winds and following seas, Sailor. We have the watch.
Destinee met the love of her life at the young age of 21, Alahna Sims, 19. From the start they hit it off, as two shipmates traveling from one command to another. As time progressed she and Alahna become close friends and were inseparable, always together in everything they were doing. The love between them was so strong that Destinee proposed after a little over 2 months of officially being together, and of course Alahna said yes. This was one of the best days of both of their
lives. A few weeks later, there was the wedding introducing Mrs and Mrs Pusateri! On this day, two best-friends said "I do" and become bonded for life. In between all the celebrations and milestones as a couple, Destinee and Alahna loved to travel. They were always on the road together even when they didn't have a destination. The quality time of being in the car, holding hands, singing music at the top of their lungs and all the smiles and laughter that came with it, was their favorite thing. There is so much that can be said, and memories to be shared about the love these two shared, but there isn't enough ink and paper for that. Their love was strong, and many aspired to have the love that they did.
"I knew it was you from the first road trip."
Destinee is survived by her loving wife, Alahna Sims of Alabama; her mother, Nicole Pusateri of East Stroudsburg; her brother, Xzavier Pusateri of East Stroudsburg; her sisters, Skyla and Leah Winters of Allentown; her grandmother, Patricia Matlock; her aunts, Juanita Matlock and Rhonda Kammer; her uncle, Salvatore Pusateri; her godmother, Christine Fernandez, all of East Stroudsburg. She also leaves behind countless extended family members and dear friends who
will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold " Punkey" Winters.
Military services will be held on Monday, May 11th at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg with visitation beginning at 10:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Prospect Cemetery in East Stroudsburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Destinee's memory in a way that reflects her generous and vibrant spirit.
