“Stacey and I met in 1993 while working in Roche Bros. in Sudbury, in the bakery dept. We were working an overnight shift, and Stacey decided (without my knowledge) that it would be a good idea to have a cake icing fight. We were covered in icing and laughed until we cried. It was at that moment that I knew we were going to be lifelong friends. Stacey was the friend who would make sure you got home okay. The friend who would bring you soup when you were sick. The kind of friend who could read your thoughts, tell you what you saw, and never say a word. The kind of friend that becomes family. The kind of friend you only meet once in a lifetime if you are lucky. I was the lucky one. We had so many fun filled memories. Concerts, Red Sox games, parties, vacations, getting tattoos, picking me up at the airport- no matter what time the flight came in. The list goes on. Stacey was the friend who you could call in time of need and she would come right over, no questions asked. Stacey was the person who would help in any way she could. She taught me a lot and the most important thing she taught me was to not let the little things bother you. In her own words, ‘F@#$ it.’ She was absolutely, 100% right. She had nailed it.

You will never be forgotten.

I miss you and love you so much! Keep watching over us, we feel your presence. 🐞😘❤️”

“One story often comes to mind when I'm thinking of how much I miss my friend Stacey.

In 2018, Stacey knew I had lost a very close friend of many years. After a couple months, Stacey recognized how broken-hearted I was and she gave me a gift I will never forget.

It was ‘A Day of Fun’. It all started when she picked me up at my house. It was maybe 11 AM. Without asking, she pulled two little white bottles out of a bag and said something like ‘Hop in! Are you ready for our Day of Fun!’

We hit the road and headed to RI for the day. Our many adventures started with a bakery, next we went to lunch then decided to check out a brewery and our last stop to end the day was at Plainridge. We laughed and shared stories and just had the best day ever! It was one of the only times in my life I felt truly seen. Someone, my new friend, had truly saw me and saw through the shield I was wearing. We made a true connection and bond that day that will live forever in both of us. She truly was my person and when I lost my friend and later on when Stacey lost a good friend, I was her person.

It was a great lesson for me that true friends will always meet you halfway and help you get up and keep going. Stacey was sincerely a true friend and I knew after that day that we would both meet each other halfway for the rest of time.”

“Stacey, what can I say? I have a million examples of her greatness. Everyday she did something to amaze me. It is truly hard for me to pick one or two specific examples.

She was Mama Bear, protecting our children from any wrongs or injustice. She was at every game, school event, or big moments, always having all of our backs.

When Stacey got pregnant with Tyler, we had only been dating for a few months, and we were both recently divorced. People thought we were crazy. After the intital shock of the pregnancy, Stacey showed me what family meant. She made a house our home. She had confidence that all would be fine. When money was tight and I would stress out she would always reassure me that everything would be okay as long as we were together.

She always worried about me and looked out for me. Even on her last days, she told friends that she was worried about how I would be without her. Even though she was dying, she was more worried about me and her babies.

She was the most selfless person I ever met. And I know she is still looking out for me. Always and Forever.”

“Stacey was always the life of the party, the one to keep everyone laughing, but she was also a friend that would do ANYTHING for her people. I only knew Stacey for a few years when she proved to me and my family that she would always be there for us.

It is fitting that one of my most cherished memories of her involves softball, which was what brought me to her as a friend. My daughter Sammy, unfortunately was not on Coach Bower’s team one year, and was having a terrible time at a tournament with another team. For a player who always did as the coaches asked, and played her heart out, she didn’t deserve how the coaches were treating her. The Saturday night of this tournament weekend we got together with Stacey and our original softball group of friends. I mentioned to the group how Sammy didn’t want to go play the following day to finish out the tournament, because of how the previous games went. We always told our kids to finish something when started, but seeing the pain in my 11 year old’s face, who wasn’t one of those cry baby kids, was devastating for me and her.

We had a wonderful night as usual with this group of friends and forgotten for the most part, the day’s events. As we are leaving, Stacey says ‘I’ll see you in the morning!’ to Sammy and myself. I looked perplexed and said ‘Stacey you’re crazy.’ The game the following day was over an hour drive and started at 7:30 AM, something I didn’t even want to get up for and go too. We said our goodbyes to everyone and went home.

That next morning, Sammy and I reluctantly drove to the game, only to get a phone call from Stacey, ‘We’re on our way!!!’ referring to herself, our friend Sharon, and their daughters Tess and Katy. They made a pit stop at dunks, may or may not have ‘borrowed’ some coasters, and took the early morning drive to support Sammy and myself. I was so appreciative to have the support for both of us during that game, and this was just one of the many things Stacey did, for not only me but so many of her friends.

I always say, if you met Stacey once, you KNEW her!! She left a mark on your no matter what, and myself and my family were blessed to call her not only a friend, but family.”

“This is my story of a time when Stace was there for me and my family without blinking an eye. This was a time when I was going through some personal medical issues. I was sacred, crying, weak, and bleeding on our bathroom floor.

I called out to Stace for help, at which she immediately dropped everything and ran across the street to my house. After assessing that I wasn’t in immediate danger, but needed to be at the hospital right away. She quickly went into action, called my husband, they figured out a plan for my kids and then cleaned me up, got me dressed, and placed me in the car.

We made our way to the hospital, at which she stayed with me until my husband could arrive.

That’s when I realized once again I was so blessed. I had such a caring and warm hearted best friend who knew I needed my friend to hold my hand at such a personal and private moment in my life.

Stace was a very special kind of friend who became family to me, my husband, and our kids. We love and miss her everyday. ❤️”

“Stacey was one of those people who wanted everyone to be happy! She would just do special things that made people smile.

We were at the Chris Stapleton concert together at Xfinity Center. We had the GA ‘lawn’ seats which were so crowded and I could hardly see a thing.

Of course we were still having a great time, but I was bummed to have to struggle to see over the crowd. Well Stacey took my hand and said, ‘Let’s Go!’.

She walked us down to the back of the lower level where we spent the rest of the concert. We had room to dance and sing (we definitely enjoyed that!) and I could see the stage soooo much better!! I remember thinking that not a lot of people would do that. They would just stay put and deal. I mean maybe it was bending the rules a bit, but we caused no harm or problem! Just a small gesture that meant a lot to me. She wanted me to be happy!

I love and miss her fun-loving spirit!”

'“In March 2020, the world had come to a standstill due to COVID-19. Schools were closed, airplanes were grounded, and the usual rush hour traffic was nonexistent. After a mentally exhausting day at the hospital, I arrived home only to receive a call from my Mom. Her voice was filled with worry as she explained that my father was refusing to go to the hospital despite losing sight in his right eye. I spoke firmly to both of them, insisting that they either get in the car immediately or I would call an ambulance.

Minutes later, I sent a worried text to my dear friends. Almost instantly, my friend Stacey called. Despite dealing with back pain for several months, she was deeply concerned and adamant that we should drive to Florida to be with my parents. For the next few days, she called and texted twice a day, genuinely offering to make the trip. While many people might have suggested it, Stacey truly meant it. She believed we should be there for my parents.

When we received the news that my Dad was doing okay, Stacey cried with me in relief. She continued to check in, ensuring we still didn’t need to go. Her concern extended not only to my Dad but to my Mom. My parents always remembered Stacey’s true commitment as a friend. When they learned of her passing, my Dad wept, acknowledging that she was one of the best friends I had ever had. He was right. Stacey was always the true friend who put others’ needs above her own.”

“In early 2017 my son (21) had been experiencing stomach issues; he couldn’t keep any food down.  We have taken him to Children’s Hospital several times, but we always got the same answer – he needed to have a clean out for his Cystic Fibrosis.  He would be better for a few weeks and then the cycle would repeat.  My husband and I had previously scheduled an RV trip to North Carolina with friends for May.  As we were packing, my son started feeling sick again.  I was so torn about what I should do.  I didn’t want to be away if he needed to go to the hospital.  In walks Stacey, telling me that she promised to keep an eye on him and would let me know if anything changed and I could grab a flight home. 

We had made it to Connecticut when my phone rang.  I told my husband that we needed to turn around and head back home.   Stacey said NO!  Stacey and my SIL were going to take him to the hospital, and they would keep me informed.  I reluctantly agreed.  By the time they were seen at the ER, they did not keep him because he was feeling better.  When I got home, we found out his gall bladder was the cause of all his issues, which was then removed.  Stacy, of course, came up to the hospital while he was in to visit him.  I will forever be grateful for her stepping in, keeping an eye on him and loving my son like her own.  That’s the type of person she was, she watched over the one she loved.

In December 2020 (during Covid) my daughter wanted to get a puppy.  She found one in Pennsylvania.  Her job would not allow her to leave the state.  She begged me to go get the puppy for her.  Stacey heard that and automatically said ROAD TRIP!  She was all in!  Pete was gracious enough to allow me to take her for 2 days.  We left on Friday afternoon and stayed in Philly for the night.  We got up early because Stacey wanted to see the Rocky Statue and the stairs, which we did.  We then headed to get our precious package.  Since we hadn’t been to PA before, we stopped at the a Amish farm stand and, true to her nature, Stacey began talking to the owner and learned so much about the Amish and how they live.  Stacey was never afraid to ask questions and made everyone feel at ease to open up!  Aunt Stacey held Ned (puppy) for the return trip because he didn’t want to be left alone.  I’m not sure I would have been able to take the trip without her.  She sacrificed family time just before Christmas so that my daughter could have the best Christmas gift.  She’s a true friend and always will be. 

Covid didn’t suck as much as it could have because of Stacey!  She’s the type that bring the party wherever she goes and Covid was no different.  During Covid Pete, Stacey, Sonjalea (Slea), Adam, Rick and I spent many nights together – our Covid Circle.  We had drinks by the fire or at the Katz’s pool, game nights, shotzskis drinks, taco table and so many other brainstorms of Stacey’s!  Covid could have been such a depressing time but with Stacey we always found things to be grateful for….our friendship mostly.  I feel so blessed to have had that time with her and the rest of my Covid Circle.  Not a day goes by that she doesn’t enter into my thoughts and a happy memory will make me smile….or sometime a tear escapes…..I’m profoundly changed by having her in my life….even if it was too short.  While Covid was a burden in so many way, it was also a blessing.  We had so many great nights together. 

I love and will always miss you Stace!”

A Light That Never Fades

———————————————

Some stars burn brightest in the shortest of time,

Yet their glow lingers, eternal, divine.

Stacey was one—radiant, strong,

A guiding light, a soul’s true song.

From miles away, before we met,

We saw her love in the joy she set

Upon my brother’s voice, his way—

A soul mate found, come what may.

And as we knew her more, we knew

Why hearts were drawn to one so true.

A mother, steadfast, warm, and kind,

With love unshaken, undefined.

She judged no heart, she gave with grace,

Her laughter filled each sacred space.

And though she’s gone, her fire remains,

A burning star beyond the pains.

For love like hers defies all time,

Still shining, distant, yet sublime.

And in the night, when darkness calls,

Her light still dances through us all.

We were lucky, blessed, to stand so near,

To share her warmth, to hold her dear.

And though the heavens claimed her bright,

She lives in love. She is the light.