Stacie’s Obituary
Stacie Sandra Swanson was born on August 20, 1967. Daddy Carl and “Strawberry” Linda raised Stacie at home until they felt that Stacie needed an environment that would better challenge and support her growth. At the age of 6, Stacie moved in with Edith and Jim Smith, her foster parents. Carl and Linda had 2 more children, Josh and Becca, who Stacie adored.
When Stacie moved into the Smith household, the Smiths had an adopted daughter named Sheila who also had Down Syndrome. Gradually, the Smiths welcomed two other foster children, Dina and Patty; both girls were around Stacie’s age and both had disabilities. This little enclave of girls grew up together. Stacie loved her foster family and shared a strong relationship with Sheila.
After Stacie graduated from Lincoln High School she moved into L’Arche in the fall of 1988 at the age of 21. She lived at Anawim house until the spring of 2003 then moved into Ananda house.
Stacie worked at L’Arche Farm and Gardens for several years when she first entered the community, and she acquired her best skills in papermaking. She enjoyed delicately removing the paper from the pressing screens and hanging it to dry. Stacie showed little interest in much else on the farm and finally was clear when she said – “No work! Never, ever, again!”
In September of 1996, Stacie moved on to participate at Noah’s Workshop (NW) as one of their founding core members. During her time there, she would go out to coffee with friends, visit people, and do arts and crafts activities. Stacie became known for her signature striped cards, and made some good money selling them. She also got a job at Puyallup Playcare, helping in the kitchen and spending time with the kids in the classroom.
Stacie’s real work in life was through the impact her bright soul had on the people she encountered. At all times, she was fully, unapologetically herself. Everyone has stories. The joy of karaoke and dancing at Bob’s Java Jive or Silverstone. The testing of patience on 90 degree days when she stubbornly refused to get out of the van because she wanted a mocha. Or loudly demanding the same Christmas sweater she’s worn all week. The teasing and laughter as she blamed everyone for everything. “Not me! (Somebody else) did it.” The comfort of her tight hug with a deep breath, her holding and stroking your hand. The rituals she created and stuck to, like taking her shoes off in the chapel, or “goodnight, sleep tight” before bed. In all of these daily ways, she showed us how to boldly show up as our full whole selves and let ourselves be loved and celebrated. There is no doubt that Stacie changed lives, and we are all better for having been loved by her.
Stacie’s Eulogy by Bill Hoskyn
My name is Bill Hoskyn or “Billy” as Stacie called me. Spoiler alert: there will be many Stacie impressions during this reflection. Many have remarked over the past couple weekshow Staciewas one of a kind. There’s no one like her. But after much reflection, I don’t know if that’s true.I think there is one person that we can compare Swanny to, and that’sMiss Piggy. I mean thatas a compliment. And I don’t think Staciewould be upset by that analogy. Stacie never reallyseemed to pay much attention to what was on the TV,but if the Muppets were on, you couldreliably hear her in the livingroom say, “Hoo! How bout Piggy?” She saw a kindred spirit….
