Melissa Ann Stablein

The time has come when we say, “until next time,” to our most loved Melissa “Missy” Stablein. After five years of confronting and fighting cancer, Missy’s body was finally able to rest, pain free, on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 10:52 pm with her wife and dear friend by her side. But in true Missy style – it was on her terms – passing on a day, and time, containing only even numbers. Missy was loved by so many people that we could not possibly list them all here, but her compassion shines on through her wife Jen, son Skyler, sister Maddie, parents Sandra, Ike, Rich and Kris, her pets Elvi, Bodhi, Ollie, Charlie, Diego, and Chunk. And countless others (people and pets) Missy took in as chosen family. 

Missy made friends with every person that crossed her path. From her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania to her current home in Tucson, Arizona, she knew how to be present and start a conversation with anyone. Those that knew and loved Missy knew that she had her quirks, like even numbers and the direction the toilet paper should go, but she was also a staunch advocate for those in need, believed in equity for all, and meeting people exactly where they were. This showed through in her 10 year business as a skilled massage therapist. Missy had the gift of putting everyone who came to her at ease by just letting them be. And with the warmest of hands, she met them wherever they were emotionally and became their safe space. Because of this she was able to connect deeply with her community and assist them through empowering their own healing.

Missy also connected with people on the page – writing beautifully and honestly about life as she saw it. Inspired by so many amazing writers, but always feeling a particular kinship with the great American poet, Dr. Maya Angelou, it feels fitting to close this out with a quote from one of Missy’s heroes. Dr. Angelou famously said, “When people show you who they are, believe them”. Missy showed us exactly who she was – loving, kind, generous, hilarious, spirited, teacher, student, an advocate, honest, vulnerable, a parent, a spouse, curious, but most of all, love. Missy was love – and we believed her for all of it. 

We miss you and love you deeply, Missy. Thank you for gifting us *you* for as long as you did.