Alta Christine Machnik

Alta Christine Machnik, wife of Stanley Machnik, mother of Christian Machnik and step- mother of Joshua Machnik, passed away too soon on Thursday, May 28 after complications resulting from cancer. She was born September 19, 1953. She graduated from Morgan High School in 1972 and attended both Eastern Connecticut University and the University of Arizona. Alta was blessed with a marvelously upbeat personality that was projected in her positive attitude towards all she knew. In her formative years she was involved in horseback riding, both for her enjoyment and to fulfill a competitive spirit. She retired in 2008 from the Connecticut Water Company to enjoy time with her beloved husband of 34 years and her family at their summer home in Bourne, MA . Alta also loved her time spent at the family cottage on Cedar Island in Clinton. She was a dear friend to her neighbors on the Cape and a sous chef extraordinaire, specializing in clams casino and Machnik kielbasa. She cheered for the UCONN Huskies Basketball Teams with a special love for the women’s team. She enjoyed Martha’s Vineyard Radio and delighted in the fresh vegetables from her garden. Her eyes were the color of the sea. She leaves her husband of 34 years Stanley Machnik and her son Christian Machnik and his wife, Megan (Cable) Machnik of New Haven, her step-son Joshua Machnik and his wife Mica (Huse) Machnik and her grandchildren Allison and Erin Machnik. Her mother, Carolyn (Lange) Sheridan of Killingworth, CT and her brother Jonathan Melzmuf and his wife Susan (Shugrue) Melzmuf and their daughter Mallory Melzmuf. We believe she will be home and in the arms of her late father, Frank Melzmuf, her step-father Jim Sheridan and her niece Erin Melzmuf. Calling hours will be held at Swan Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 3 from 4-7. Service to follow at 7:00. Donations in her name may be made to Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital. Alta’s family would like to thank the staff of the Smilow Cancer Center in Guilford, CT for their tireless help and compassion during her illness.