Stacy Ann Mendez

Stacy Ann Mendez passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017. She was a beloved mom, girlfriend, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. While this can be said for many loved ones, having the opportunity to know Stacy and have her as a part of your life is the only way to truly understand the hole her absence has created for her loved ones. However, those closest to her choose to focus the good qualities her life brought them rather than the pain of today. Stacy was generous beyond any amount of reason. She worked hard to always put others before herself, even if that meant putting her health or something she needed on hold. She was one of the strongest and most resilient people on the planet, going through more hardships than can be imagined. Simply put, she honestly worked endlessly to live a selfless life and improve the lives of those with whom she came into contact. While the last months of Stacy’s life were difficult, she made them the best she could. She was able to witness her daughter’s excitement over a science field trip her class would be taking this year; she cheered on her Royals, even though they hadn’t had the best season; she also got the chance to witness the Chiefs’ strong start to their football season, even though she couldn’t help but note their less-than-stellar performance against the NY Giants the night before her passing; and she was also able to cheer on her KU Jayhawks with the start of their basketball season. With the holidays approaching, she was excited about the upcoming Thanksgiving feast with her family as well as shopping for Christmas gifts for her daughter. Stacy held her family near and dear to her heart. Whether it was frequent phone calls to her sisters, showing up for birthday celebrations, or sharing in simple daily errands, Stacy made it a point to put her family first. This was true even when she was younger. Stacy, also known as the self-proclaimed Punchball Queen, would devote numerous nights and weekends to hanging out with her nieces and nephews and providing them with laughter and hilarious memories they will cherish for a lifetime. This would include allowing a nephew to “spur” her in order to make him laugh, or giving up her prized Tweety stuffed animal once her niece covered it in chocolate. Sometimes these memories included inspiring a love of 80s hair bands or cult classic movies. Other times it would be including her nieces and nephews in driving around the streets of KC singing along to the radio and trying to scare one another on the dark streets. Some of the best memories came from family kickball games where we all had the chance to witness Stacy’s graceful swan dive while mouthing “time out” (seemingly in slow motion) as she ran down the baseline. Even when her nieces and nephews began having children of their own, she made it a point to be a part of their lives. This frequently came in the form of zoo trips or simple stops at pet stores. More than anything, she showed great pride in everything her family accomplished, whether it was big or small. The role Stacy cherished most in the world was that of being a mom to Skylar. What makes Stacy’s passing so difficult, is knowing the years and milestones she will miss in Skylar’s life. For example, Skylar’s first day of highschool, going to prom, and graduation. However, Stacy made the years she did have with Skylar the best years she could with an unconditional love that would span the depths of the world ten times over. Stacy made taking care of and raising Skylar her life. She wanted to give Skylar amazing experiences and fond memories whether it was inviting nieces and nephews over for cookie making over the holidays or tiny pool parties or trips to the park: she wanted her little girl to have as much fun as life could offer. Those who have witnessed this love firsthand, hope more than anything that these are memories Skylar will have all of her life, and they plan to do everything they can to keep these memories of Stacy alive in Skylar’s mind. This intense love for her daughter also inspired Stacy’s advocacy for premature babies and her support for the organization, the March of Dimes. While during times like these, family and loved ones often talk of sending flowers, Stacy would much rather the money spent on flowers go to helping premature babies have a fighting chance through donating to the March of Dimes at https://www.marchofdimes.org/giving/support-general.aspx. This includes the option of dedicating donations in her name. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sat. Dec. 2, 2017 from 9:30-11:00am, with a Memorial Service at 11am at Maple Hill Funeral Home.

Tributes

Stacy Ann Mendez

October 22, 1972 - November 20, 2017