Stefanie S Smith
September 9, 1974 ~ June 17, 2019
Stefanie Stagnaro Smith — devoted Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister and Friend was a special gift to everyone she touched. Born in San Diego, California, she was the youngest sibling of four and the only daughter of Roberta and the late John Stagnaro. With three older brothers, she developed both determination and a good sense of humor. Stef graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Political Science while working in Loss Control at Nordstrom where she met her husband Kirk. They married in 2001 and a year later, Kirk’s job moved them to the Fox Mill neighborhood in Virginia. They had two beautiful children, Sabrina in 2005 and Shane in 2012, that Stefanie nurtured with all her heart. Stef quickly made friends and was the spark of many neighborhood block parties, game nights and holiday celebrations. Her positive energy was contagious and her delicious cooking and creative party planning coupled with Kirk’s grilling skills, made their home a warm and welcome place for family and friends. It was important to her that everyone was well taken care of and had fun. She was an active volunteer in her neighborhood association, Girl Scouts, and at Fox Mill School. An intelligent and thoughtful soul, she was a lover of nature and of taking many family vacations – many family vacations. Beyond her beloved children and husband, Stefanie leaves two brothers, Tony and Bobby (Melanie), her Mom Roberta, in-laws Joel and Nana Smith, brother-in-law Joel (Serena) and nieces and nephews Gregory and Aubrey Stagnaro and Clay, Giulia and Ian Smith. Her brother John passed in 2014. Her immediate family, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends are all devastated at the loss of such a bright spirit in all of our lives. Rest in Peace, Sweet Stefanie.
A memorial mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Magdalene, 1945 Illion Street, San Diego, California. Following a reception at the church, interment services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, California.
Donations may be made in Stef's memory to the Global Lyme Alliance (globallymealliance.org).
A memorial mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Magdalene, 1945 Illion Street, San Diego, California. Following a reception at the church, interment services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, California.
Donations may be made in Stef's memory to the Global Lyme Alliance (globallymealliance.org).
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This is how Stef celebrated, it was my birthday, she was fun and loving. Her house was a place you always wanted to go to. Love you dear friend. So sorry to miss her service.
This was the first of many birthdays we happily celebrated together
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in the hope of seeing your loved one again in the resurrection. John 5:28,29
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Stef. She was a lovely, fun, and beautiful person. Prayers and hugs to all during this time.
Mom has been sharing many memories of Stephanie and we both hope the family is comforted with love from all her friends.
Stefanie- I can’t believe this. I wish much love and peace to your husband and children. You will be missed. Katie Ross- USDHS Class of 92
Stefanie – I am in shock, you have left a hole in this world, I will miss you. When I look at your picture I hear your larger than life laugh, I think of your quick wit, your love of your beautiful children and husband. My heart is heavy for Kirk, Sabrina, Shane and your Mom. I am keeping you in my heart always.
Still in shock and disbelief and pain in my heart…that you left us ! – I can only say that I love you Stef, and I will continue to love you through my love for your beautiful family ! Your void won’t be filled but I will carry your love for me in my heart ! God bless you, lovely Stef ! I am Blessed to have you as one my best friends. My hugs and loads of my love to all in the Smith and Stagnaro family. ❤️
Stefanie was an integral part of my family’s life for the past 17 years. There was hardly a day that we did not see each other as neighbors and friends. Every time we bumped into her she would ask me “how are you doing?” I’d say the obligatory “fine” and then she’d come right back with “No, really, how are you?” She really wanted to know, every time. She was a truly caring person, and to say she will be missed does not even come close to expressing the loss.
I met Stefanie in 1985 when I started the 5th grade at the School of the Madeleine after my family returned to San Diego from abroad. Stefanie was unique and different. She would spout obscure facts on a host of topics that were unusual for a young girl; cars and Jim Morrison come to mind. Stefanie also had an expansive, sophisticated vocabulary and a sharp wit that belied her age. I had always been a good student but Stefanie was clever and funny in a way that I was not; she was beguiling. We were friends from the start but became even closer over time; she was my best friend, confidante, and partner-in-crime through high school. As the years passed, I watched her evolve from a headstrong and fearless young lady to a loving wife and mother. She was an amazing cook, great entertainer and do-it-yourselfer. Lastly, Stefanie was a supportive and generous friend. I pass on my love to her family and friends and know that she is still with us. Stephanie Bache, Dubai
My sympathies and prayers for the entire family. A soul gone too soon but she touched so many with her grace and smile and love of her children. God bless.
It was a joy playing volleyball with Stefanie and she will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Stefanie was always so funny and lovely during highschool. We had a remote friendship lately because I am still in the San Diego area. She always stepped up and took my side in difficult political discussions on Facebook. I loved her and she will be greatly missed.
Dear Roberta and family….There are no words that I could ever express to you of the sadness I feel for you Roberta and your daughters children and her husband. Such a tragic loss and gone way too soon. I am so so sorry for all of you. My heart breaks for you?God Bless you all❤
I just want to express my sincere condolences to Stefanie’s family. God cares deeply about you and your pain and gives us the hope of seeing the loved ones we have lost again – Acts 24:15 and he will ” will swallow up death forever, and will wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8). I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your recent loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Death of a loved one is never easy to endure, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Continue looking to God and you will always find comfort in him (2 Cor 1:3,4). He will soon destroy the enemy of death (1 Cor 15:26), and He will soon return our loved ones to us through the resurrection (John 5:28,29). Please visit JW.org and search “When Someone You Love Dies”, it helped me through some difficult times and I hope you can find comfort in it also.