Dear Geraci family-

For every person that has written a memory here about Stephanie, there are so many more who considered her a friend and loved her. I was fortunate to work with Stephanie as her para for six years. When I met her, she was like a breath of fresh air! She was truly a natural born teacher and she had a confident, relaxed style that made every preschooler and parent adore her. Her smile and warmth greeted them at the beginning of each day. I remember when she got Koopa! They had an enormous love and devotion for each other. It is their destiny that they be together for eternity. Keep her memory alive for Francis. They share the same wide smile and warm brown eyes. May he share her love of the beach, Curious George and her sense of humor. I know that the jagged space left in your hearts by her loss will never completely heal, but I pray that the edges may soften with time.

God bless-

Doreen

Just 9 days later, Stephanie’s dog Koopa now rests peacefully at her side.  Divine Intervention has united them.  Two beautiful angels watching over us from Heaven.

Michelle,

My heart breaks for you and your family. May your beautiful and loving memories sustain you now and in the future. She will always be with you.

Wini Polyak

Ms.Stephanie was my daughter's very first teacher whom we as the whole family adored like anything.She was the one who made us aware of many things which we never knew about as a parent of special kid.She was a motherly figure to my daughter. My daughter used to hero worship her.Her words were golden words for my daughter.So much so that within 3 months of joining her preschool at 3 yrs my daughter could talk inspite of speech delays.We felt lost when she was busy with the birth of little James but she came back with a bang with a more infectious smile then ever.She was a happy person which was reflected in her surrounding and environment.Her passion and commitment could be seen through her involvement with children and how she used to commute for one hour to school every day.It was a shock to us when we heard her sudden demise.Our prayers are for her and her family and especially to little James.May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

She was born Stephanie Rose Geraci on July 27, 1983. Big brown eyes, round cheeks, and rosy lips. Stephanie was a beautiful, smart, funny, vivacious, and loving person from the start. Not only was she the first born, but she was also the first granddaughter on both sides of her family so her welcome to this world brought everyone an overwhelming amount of happiness.

Stephanie was undeniably bright from a very young age. She was a gifted student who easily excelled, and she took pride in helping others, whether they were her classmates at school or her siblings at home. She also looked up to many of her teachers, which helped pave her career path in education.

Stephanie’s faith was instilled in her by her loving family, including her confirmation sponsor, Grandma Kay, whom she shared a very special bond with very early on. This faith was a guiding foundation for her desire to inspire those most in need. Stephanie chose a profession in teaching preschool aged multiply disabled students, and she was dedicated to helping them thrive over the course of over 15 years. Her role as a special education teacher was truly her calling, and so many children and families benefitted from her steadfast commitment.

Those who knew Stephanie, whether for a lifetime or a brief encounter, were drawn in by her gleaming smile, childlike sense of humor, infectious laugh, and remarkable ability to immediately light up any room she entered. She shared these qualities with the people who loved her most in this world; her loving parents, Mel & Michele; her adoring siblings, Nicole and Nicholas; and her precious son, Francis James. Countless memories of Stephanie’s generous nature, lighthearted humor, and radiant spirit live on with their entire family— many aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as Stephanie’s friends, colleagues, and students. She made a lasting and profound impact on each and every one of these people, and they all wish that her time on Earth hadn’t been cut so short.

Her connection to God was evident in her continued perseverance and her ability to spread joy, help others, and share laughter, even when life became challenging and struggles seemed endless. We pray that the light that Stephanie shined into others’ lives continues to be shared, that those who loved her can carry on her legacy of giving, and that she may shine her light down from Heaven onto her family.

Stephanie,

I have always been so proud to have you as my cousin. You were the first experience of me having a younger cousin, and you will always be special to me. I will always remember your laugh and smile from the time you were young and throughout your life. I cherish the times you would visit Grandma's when I was staying there. Some of the fondest memories that I have are of you and all of our cousin's on Christmas Eve in Canarsie with Grandma and Grandpa. These memories will always be with me, and you will always have a place in my heart. You are dearly missed.

Love,

Michael

My oldest niece, beautiful in/out, went through so much in her young life, My very first memory of steph was her in her crib smiling and bouncing around, I once told her Kiwi were monkeys balls and she and her sister never forgot it/ RIP child, Aunt Carolyn

Steph,

There are truly no words. A soul as beautiful as yours brought so much light to the world which is evident in the memories and legacy you left with all those whose lives you touched. We have so many childhood memories growing up all together in the cul de sac. Not many people are lucky enough to have their cousins as neighbors and friends. You were always the only one with legs strong enough to give us rides on Grandma’s bike and to do lifts in all our dance routines. I will cherish all our memories and retell them often so as they are never forgotten, just as you will never be forgotten. Heaven gained another angel and you will be loved and missed for as long as we all live.

Love,

Lauren

Steph. You were my very first friend. The kind of friends that move from Brooklyn to Howell together :) always together - being teachers, putting on shows, riding bikes, in the pool and of course watching Dirty Dancing (until your mom would shut the cabinet on us!). My childhood would not have been the same without you. I pray you are at peace and with Grandma Kay. You will be missed dearly old friend. Much love. Xx Marisa

Truly heartbroken for you Mel,Michelle,Nicole,Nick and precious Francis. May God hold and surround you like only He can. My prayers are for His grace to sustain you minute by minute.

Stephanie beautifully took the steps to fulfill her calling while on this earth; pouring in to the lives of children and loving her little one. May we all fulfill our purpose too. As scripture promises,

"GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKEN HEARTED AND BINDS UP THEIR WOUNDS"! Praying you all find rest in that. I promise to pray for you all, especially Francis. God will be there. Fond memories of beautiful Stephanie. Love Always, Terri-Jo

Dear Stephanie,

All I ever wanted was to be a mother. God made that miracle happen when I was 22 years old. You danced and twirled in my belly in true gymnastics form. It was love at first sight. Your rosebud lips, big brown almond shaped eyes and pink chubby cheeks. You were awake, alert and aware from

day one and required little sleep. You loved food, books and play dough that we would make from scratch. You spoke the Pledge of Allegiance at age two and a half in the most angelic voice. As young parents, we grew up along side you and life was a constant adventure. We took you everywhere and you soaked up so much knowledge even though you were quiet and shy. Your love for babies and children became evident when your sister and brother were born. You were a natural, nurturing, compassionate human being. It was your calling in life to be a teacher of special needs. You grew to be beautiful, intelligent, funny and free spirited. You lit up every room you entered. Your smile is the common thread that everyone sharing condolences speaks about. Your legacy will live forever in our hearts because you had an inexplicable “It” factor. One day we will reunite. Our small hands will interlock and the world will be right again. Until then, may your beautiful soul soar among the angels where you will find the peace you desperately searched for on earth.

Always and Forever - Mom

My dear sweet Stephanie ~ my oldest and first niece. You will always remain a light in my heart and in the sky of a million stars, I know you will continue to shine bright upon us and show us your sparkle. Heaven has another beautiful angel. Love you always, Aunt Kathy

"In a world where heroes come and go

Well God just took the only one I know

So I'll hold you as close as I can

Longing for the day, when I see your face again" ~ Donna Taggart

My big cousin Stephanie. There are so many chapters of life that continue to swirl through my mind thinking of you. You were my moms little helper, calling me Jophis, we were quite a crew of cousins in Brooklyn and then on the cul de sac. Wiffle ball games, pool days, camp outs, christmas plays, block parties, movies at Grandmas house, pensy trips. You were our Dottie in softball. Always looked up to you, following your footsteps to apply to Humanities, work at Goodsports/Summer Camp, and learned so much from you on how to be a nurturing and patient caregiver to children. So many memories, there are probably 100 songs I will always think of you when I hear, above all “I BELIEVE THAT LOVE IS THE ANSWER”. Plus many songs with fun and funny memories. Your fun personality, laughter and smile were one in a million. Be in peace with Grandma, shine your light down to those who miss you so much already. Love you Steph

My beautiful Stephanie Rose...my Buddy...Daddy’s Girl...

You touched so many lives each and every day with your infectious smile, your impeccable sense of humor and the gift of teaching those precious young people who were blessed to call you teacher. Thank you for making this world a better place. You were born with Angels wings. My heart is broken beyond repair but some pieces will live with you in Heaven. Rest Peacefully in the arms of God.

Love,

Dad

Stephanie your smile was absolutely beautiful, I see it in your son. I will never forget meeting you in the 1st grade, I still remember that day. You were so beautiful and intelligent your laugh was contagious. Rest In Peace sweet girl.

My sympathy and prayers are with you at this very sorrowful time. My sons Chris and Anthony are friends with Nick. I am so sorry for your loss! May Stephanie’s memory be forever eternal. With prayer, Barbara Russo

My dear dear friend Stephanie. I’ll never forget the day you came over to FDR from JMP and sat in my room with me because you were coming to teach preschool. I knew from the minute we met that we would click and we most definitely did. You made me laugh countless times every single day. Whether it was work related, you impersonating someone, or just your quick witted comments! We shared so much together. From our long talks, our texts, and the positive quotes you shared with me to you helping me when my daughter Alyssa was having anxiety in school. You always stopped what you were doing to help and make teaching fun. I am going to miss that beautiful smile of yours and all of your happy days. I love you Steph! School just won’t be the same without you. I pick up my phone constantly and want to reach out with a text. A “hey how are you? Can you believe this.... what are you doing??” Just our typical conversations on the daily. My heart is broken into a million little pieces. I pray you are at peace my friend. Fly high and please watch over all of us who are missing you so very much. I love you Stephanie xoxo

I will always remember Stephanie, and perhaps what I will remember most, as silly as it sounds, is how “cool” I felt when Steph would hang out with her younger sister and her friends. I still remember Steph driving me and Nicole to high school, with Nelly blasting, windows rolled down, and loving every minute of it. Her beauty, contagious laugh, and big smile filled any room she was in, and when we were with her, we always had a good laugh. She was smart and silly and so much fun. Here’s to remembering the good times. Rest peacefully, Steph.

Stephanie, I will forever cherish the wonderful childhood memories we had together. We could always count on you to be silly and make us laugh. I admired your love for your son, your students and teaching. You were a loving, thoughtful and caring cousin to both me and Jackson. We will miss you terribly and pray you are at peace with grandma.

Stephanie,

I’ve looked up to you since I was a kid. Everyone could see your beauty and intelligence from miles away, but I felt so blessed to get to know you deeper than that as I grew up. So many of my memories of you are of us laughing until we cried, but there were others where our tears turned to laughter. We were always in cahoots, and I lived to see you turn to me with a mischievous sparkle in your eye as we shared secrets and caused a little chaos on one of many fun nights out and trips :) I am so glad we reconnected in recent years and that I had the chance to tell you how much I cared about you. I ache knowing you’re not here; not just for me and your family but for all of the lives you’ve touched, the students who loved you, and for those you hadn’t met yet. It’s simply not fair that I was one of the lucky ones who got to love you, but my life is all the richer for it. Even in my grief I feel joy thinking of all the light you brought me and to others. I promise to be there for your family and remind them of the good times we’ve all shared.

Kitty

Stephanie.Rose , From the moment you came into this world we loved you dearly. Uncle Joe was so proud to be your Godfather. Your precious smile, adorable voice and giggle were contagious. Always so smart and funny. I see so much of you and your son. You lit up a room with your beauty and sense of humor. I will always treasure all the wonderful memories our families made together and It will never be the same without you. I cant believe this is good bye.

Grandma Kay and you always had a special bond and my only comfort is to imagine her holding you in her arms in heaven. Rest in peace sweetheart. We will always love you, Aunt Donna and Uncle Joe

My dearest friend, Stephanie

. I loved you

Like a sister. I will miss our daily

Chats, the laughter, the tears, the secrets we shared. Just the other night we laughed for an hour over the times we shared in the classroom! I will cherish our memories of fun times together! I will love you and miss you forever! May you dance with the angels in peace! We always ended our conversations with this- so for now :

Always remember you are braver than you think

Stronger than you seem

And loved more than you know!

Until we meet again. I love you Stephanie.

Forever in my heart. Judy

So many great memories of us all of us growing up and making complete fools of ourselves. There was never a dull moment or a dry eye. You had one of

The greatest laughs and it was so contagious. I loved to make you laugh. Rest In Peace <3

Oh Stephanie...I can’t find the words to express what I saw in you! You were so brave and resilient even in the midst of your greatest challenges. You lived for your wonderful family and that angel face Francis! My heart aches for your family as they were your foundation of strength and your passing will leave a void like no other. May you find the peace you so badly desired and so deserved! You died a hero Steph!

There are no words. Our hearts are broken to lose you. Such a kind loving spirit that touched so many. We connected from the moment we met and lI looked so forward to have you as part of our family. Rest In Peace dear Stephanie

Josephine

I was working with Ms. Stephanie since last 2 years in FDR. She was an exceptional educator who would go above and beyond for her students. A very emotional and caring person who would always respect their co workers and support staff. My deepest condolences to the family. Ms. Stephanie you will be missed so much but you will be always in our thoughts and prayers.

Such a caring person. Heartfelt condolences to the Geraci family and to Stephanie’s sweet son. You are all in our prayers.

Stephanie, you were a light in this world. Dedicated to helping the most vulnerable children find their way in this world. You were a mother and teacher. You made everyone happier just by smiling.

You were a part of so many first for me. I know our lives went in different directions but my love for you never did. May you rest peacefully and joyfully. Until we meet again. I love you.

I am truly sorry to hear about Stephanie's passing. I got to know her briefly while working as a custodian in the district. May she rest peacefully and God's blessing on her son and family.

Stephanie was my co-teacher at JMP, which was her first year of teaching. She was an amazing teacher to work with each and every day. She was always so loving and cared for every student. Stephanie's smile lit up the room, and her sense of humor was hilarious. I send my heartfelt sympathy to her precious son and family. I pray she is resting in peace.

Sincerely,

Bridget O'Grady-Robbins

I had the pleasure of working with Stephanie in the extended summer program for the multi disabled class in Edison for a few years. She considered giving the students a fun summertime break from the pressures of yearlong learning a priority through socializing and activities that brought curiosity and learning naturally. Summer school was a joy with her snd I will forever remember her for this. Peace to all! Stephanie was a great teacher!

When I started teaching in Edison 11 years ago I shared a pod with Steph in FDR. She was always helpful and kind to me during my struggles as a first year teacher. She was also very generous with her time and her materials, for the entire year. She was a great help and friend to me and I will always be thankful for her assistance & guidance. She will be missed.

Rich Angulo

Stephanie was the nicest and sweetest person I’ve ever met working with her during the one year of summer school. She was an amazing person and teacher. My deepest sympathy to The Family of Stephanie. She will be greatly missed. May beautiful Stephanie Rest In Peace.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Law

She was my big cousin, such a warrior and brave and always faced life with a smile no matter the obstacles she faced. So beyond loving and encouraging and truly was not only a cousin, but a friend.. I’m gonna miss her pretty smile and random texts telling me she loves me. I love you girly, fly high.

Jacqueline

Steph was my niece and goddaughter. From the day she was born her beautiful smile and contagious laugh could light up a room. She will be sorely missed by anyone whose life she touched. Rest in peace, my sweetheart, until we meet again...

Aunt Ro

Stephanie was my mentor during my first year teaching. She was an amazing person with a kind heart. Stephanie will be missed by many. Sending my deepest condolences to her family❤️