Stephanie Rose Eulogy

Delivered by Nicholas Geraci

First off, I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. I think I speak for my family- my parents, my sister Nicole, her fiance’ Matt, and most importantly Stephanie. All the prayers, phone calls, texts and messages on Social media are more than appreciated. Your kind words mean the world to us. I want to thank everyone for being so generous with their time. Our hearts are full and we feel truly blessed. The last few days have been extremely difficult for my family, especially my parents. The pain they are feeling is something most of us will never have to experience. For those who do- my heart truly goes out to you. Everything my parents have done in their lives up until this very moment has been for their family and children.

The first half of the eulogy I will be speaking for my Mother, in her words. The second half was written by me.

The name Stephanie means crowned, strong, intuitive, enchanting, independent and unconventional. Stephanie was born cute as a button. She was bright and precious. A “Daddy’s Girl.” She loved nature, animals and fishing. She enjoyed Origami which she quickly mastered. Tiny paper cranes were her specialty. Her first occupational choice was to be an archaeologist. She loved hunting and collecting gemstones and crystals. She loved spending time at our Pennsylvania cabin making s'mores around the campfire with all her cousins. During our 4th of July nature walks Stephanie always had an eye for finding the most salamanders. She was an adventurous tomboy. During her First Holy Communion Stephanie couldn’t wait to change clothes because her dress was annoying and itchy. When my mother went to her first parent teacher conference, her teacher Mrs. Flynn confidently said she saw Stephanie “breezing through her school career”.

Stephanie certainly exceeded these expectations. For classmates who were unable to tie their own shoes, she was always there to help. As a child, she was a natural athlete excelling in gymnastics and softball. Stephanie evolved into a beautiful girl, true to her Leo sign. We were very proud when she was named captain of Howell High School’s Tennis Team her Senior year.

Later, Stephanie became a charismatic woman lighting up the room with her smile and magnetic personality. She was charming, funny, silly and sweet. If you were part of her world, you felt the magic of her presence. After High School, she enrolled at Rutgers University. Her first Education course and it became evident that her calling to teach Special needs children was evident. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in 5 years. Three years later, she was a tenured teacher for Edison Township. She earned “Educator of the Year Award” in 2014.

Above all, Stephanie was a loving mother to her son Francis. Her love for him was pure. She was patient and perfectly imperfect. She loved him fiercely and guided him gently. Some of us bring a light so bright that even after they are gone their essence continues to illuminate.

Stephanie was sensitive and strong willed. We are gathered here tonight to celebrate her life. Her journey. Her roadblocks. And the blessings she bestowed on all of us. May God’s Grace find a soft, peaceful place for her to land.

Mom- thank you for your beautiful words.

Here are my remarks: The relationship I had with Stephanie had its peaks and valleys. We lived together in apartments near the beach on two separate occasions. At times, she was my roommate, my second mother and best friend. Stephanie was my rock. My go to. She was there every time I needed her.

Stephanie’s personality consisted of qualities she received from both my my mother and father. Like my Dad, she was charismatic. She could comfortably schmooze her way in and out of any conversation. She was always making new friends. She inherited her passion for reading and nurturing instincts from my Mom. Just like my Mom, I knew Stephanie would become an amazing mother one day. This came to fruition when her son Francis was born. Francis loved his mommy. He thought she was the funniest person in the world. We all enjoyed receiving videos of Francis bell laughing in reaction to his mother’s silly antics.

Stephanie was admired and adored by my sister Nicole. When we were younger Stephanie & Nicole loved watching movies together. Their favorites were “A League of Their Own”, “Dirty Dancing”, “The War”, and “Cutting Edge”. For Nicole, family has always been the most important element of her life. She truly cherished every moment she shared with Stephanie. I think the following quote perfectly describes Nicole’s relationship with Stephanie: “Sisters are angels who lift each other up when one’s wings forget how to fly”.

As a child Stephanie loved having sleepovers at Grandma Kay’s house in Brooklyn. When Stephanie would get angry, Grandma Kay would ask her “Are you mad, M-A-D?” Stephanie would respond “No, I M-O-B!” In her mind, she thought that was the correct spelling and Grandma Kay got a kick out it. The special bond they shared continued after we all moved to Howell. Having Grandma Kay living next door with the Auci’s was a special way to spend our childhood especially for Stephanie. Her idol and Confirmation Sponsor shared countless moments together. The knowledge, wisdom and love Grandma Kay passed to Stephanie helped make her the amazing person she became. Growing up Stephanie had it all. She was pretty, off the charts smart and excelled at every sport she played but she never took anything too seriously. She had tons of friends and a busy social life. Stephanie had a strong work ethic, consistently working various jobs since she was 14. She was the definition of fun, always down for an adventure. This was the real, authentic Stephanie. She was a beautiful, warm hearted soul and I refuse to remember her any other way.

Although the last few years were extremely difficult, Stephanie fought until

the very end. I can picture Stephanie in heaven right now, reunited with her mentor, Grandma Kay, two perfect angels looking down on us all.

I am guided by the most beautiful angel of all...My Mother.

Love,

Francis James

Grandma K & Grandma Sue sharing a place in heaven with their 1st Granddaughter.

Rest Peacefully in Home Sweet Heaven our beautiful Stephanie Rose.

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for giving me life.

Thank you for making me laugh.

Thank you for sharing your warm and beautiful heart.

Thank you for the hugs and kisses.

Thank you for teaching me how to be kind and gentle and sweet and compassionate.

Your beautiful Son,

Francis James

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for giving me life.

Thank you for making me laugh.

Thank you for sharing your warm and beautiful heart.

Thank you for the hugs and kisses.

Thank you for teaching me how to be kind and gentle and sweet and compassionate.

Your beautiful Son,

Francis James