Tribute To Stephanie Jude from Mom My Dearest Stephanie Jude,
All of my life, I dreamt of having a daughter, someone to share a bond that only a mother and daughter can share just like the one I shared with my mother. From the day you were born, I knew you were extraordinary. Your loving eyes and your smile melted my heart. Everywhere we went, people would stop us and admire your beauty and what an angel you appeared to be. You are such a happy girl. They had no idea. You are one of a kind, a rare and beautiful person. You always made people smile and laugh wherever you went. Remember all of those paper umbrellas that you put in your hair and the silly faces you would make? How about all of your baby dolls that you would hold, kiss, rock to sleep, and tuck into bed each night? As the years passed, your inner and outer beauty grew. You are a beautiful girl not only from a physical perspective but because of your heart. You were always there to help others even those whom you did not know. You gave yourself to your friends, your school, and to your community. You are intelligent, determined, beautiful, loving, and caring. The hundreds of lives you have touched while here on earth is amazing. Had this terrible tragedy not occurred, just imagine the lives you would have touched. I would give my life to bring you back. I want to trade places with you because, without you, I am nothing The loss of your life was truly preventable. I promise to continue your legacy. You will continue to make a difference in the world, perhaps a greater difference now, if that is possible. We will raise the awareness of this rare, genetic issue which resulted in your untimely death. Our goal, as yours would be, is to ensure that no other family will have to endure the heartache and pain that we are experiencing. We will do our best to prevent other lives from being lost due to complacency surrounding malignant hyperthermia. I always told you how proud I was of you but words were never enough. I always said “I love you Stephanie”. I long to hear you say, “I love you too Mommy”. Each day you’d call me at work and ask “when are you coming home Mommy and what’s for dinner?” I began to prepare myself for when you were going away to college which would begin the journey for the next segment of your life. Although coming home without you there was going to be hard, I always knew you’d come home during breaks and we’d talk on the phone every day. There is nothing that could prepare me for this, the day you will never come home or call me on the phone again. I love you my darling daughter, Stephanie Jude, with all of my heart. Thank you for giving me 18 years of joy and a lifetime of memories. Your motto was to live life. I don’t know how I’m going to do that without you.
Love always, Mom
“My Little Princess” Oh, “My Little Princess” I am so sorry! I love you so very much; my heart is on fire and will always burn until any sense can be made of this tragedy. Our loss is the world’s loss, as you have already made and would certainly have continued to make positive differences in many people’s lives. You were so beautiful in every way, your focus and determination was inspirational to everyone that knew you. I said to you recently “You are the best daughter any Dad could ever hope for” and those that knew you would undoubtedly agree. I can’t change what has happened, but I will change things going forward. I promise you that your sacrifice will bring change in this world and protect and inform people of the dangers that contributed to your loss of life. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, saying goodbye to you, but I believe as you were such a miracle of a person the miracle must exist that I will be with you again sometime.
- Dad
Stephanie, my beautiful baby sister. The fact that you are gone is beyond belief. For the past 18 years it has been you and me, side my side, growing up together. I remember how excited I was to learn how to read just so I could read stories to you. We have hit our milestones of life together, and I don’t know how I will go through the rest of mine without you. We always talked about how much we were going to need each other when we were older, grown up with kids and a family. As you grew up, you flourished into a person to be envied by all. Your selfless acts of kindness and never ending smile affected everyone around you, everyday of your life. I don’t think you knew how special you really were. Your friends told me how much you looked to and idolized me, but I was the one who looked up to you. You taught me how life should be lived. You would always tell me how much you love life and you lived it to the fullest. Whether it was helping other people at all hours of the night, regardless of what you had to do, or just going out and having a good time, you always did the right thing. I haven’t figured out yet how I will return to any sense of normalcy in my life, but I known you’d have it no other way. Regardless of how or when I can move on, I will never be the same. The emptiness in my heart will never be completely healed. Even though I will not be able to see your beautiful face again, you will always be with me. It’s time for you to take care of me and hold my hand through life now. I could never have a stronger angel on my side. Please take care of me Steph and know I love you with every fabric of my being and every ounce of energy in my soul. Heaven may be a brighter place now, but I will never be the same without my angel. I love you (more than I could ever describe),
Your big brother, Chris.
Stephanie...... I don't know where to begin, like everyone else in your life we are still in shock over this tragedy. I spent almost every day for 2 years with you, but these last 2 years I haven't seen you often enough. You were my first real girlfriend, my first true love and I will love you always...... I cherish the memories that we shared together, our trips to the Keys, playing in the mud on my 4 wheeler, hanging out w/no power listening to my neighbors band during the hurricanes, the never ending phone conversations, the Melones (that you made up), & of course when you dragged me to your cheer competition, all the movies we saw - lol And the best memory is when you got your car and came over my house right after you picked it up, you were so happy and I will always remember your smile. When I found out what happened, I opened the box of our memories, all of the notes, cards, pictures & gifts. When I saw all the pictures your friends have posted, it made me happy to know you had such good times. Steph, you touched so many peoples hearts - especially mine. Keep watching over all of us. I love you & always will keep that close to my heart. Rest in peace. Love, Robbie
Stephanie Jude, You would have absolutely killed me for using your middle name right now, but I have to. Truthfully, I thought your middle name was freaking awesome, and I liked to call you by it. I just wanted to tell you that over the years you impacted my life in ways that are unimaginable, and undeniable to me, and g-d. You are the sunshine of my life, and the memories of you are what allows me keep going. It is those memories that I have that I will cherish until I finally see you again in heaven, and I will never let anything take them away from me. My promise to you is that I will never let you die in my heart, mind, and most importantly my soul. I so desperately wish that it wasn't you, but I know that you are up in heaven watching over all of us and making sure that everything is alright. As the Beatles sang, "Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better. Remember to let her into your heart, Then you can start to make it better." You've sure as hell been in my heart for a very long time, and you will stay there for as long as I live. I love you Stephanie Jude, and don't you freaking forget it. Joanne, Tom, and Chris, You three are amazing. Momma JoJo, I love you with all my heart. I so desperately wish there was something I could do for you to take the pain away. I will always be here for you, Tom and Chris if you ever need anything. I will love you guys like I love Steph, forever. Stephanie is a shining star, the brightest one in the entire universe. Christopher, she loved you more than you could ever imagine. You were her idol, she always had something to say about you. Stephy, I love you so so so so much, and I will never forget you. Watch over everyone, we need you more than ever.
March 26, 2008 Stephanie I am in total shock. Sitting next to you in calculus, was something I will never forget. You were the one we went to for help, seeing as you were the only one who understood what we were learning. We competed for the highest grades on tests, and each day we had our daily countdown to hear back from UF. When I think about those memories, I can't help but remember your smile and your laughter, and those are the memories I will take with me forever. I miss you Steph, you’re an inspiration to everyone. - Tara Becker (Boca Raton, FL)
March 26, 2008 Stephanie was one of the nicest girls I have ever met. When we competed against her team for cheerleading, she would always say good luck. Even though I wasn’t very close to her, I will still miss her and her kind words to the Olympic heights cheerleaders. - Alyssa (Boca Raton, FL)
Steph, words can't express how sad I am that you are gone. You are such a wonderful girl. I loved when you would call to tell me we had practice and start it with a "hey girl" and end with "okay love you". It always brightened my day when I got thoughts calls even if it was about practice. lol. You are truly amazing and will be missed and loved by all. Love ya girl. To Steph's family your daughter is a truly amazing girl and brought happiness to everyone around her. She will be missed and is loved by everyone and will never be forgotten. Nicole Davie (Boca Raton, FL)
The times we shared and the memories we made will be with me forever.. I will always love and miss you thanks so much for doing this and once again im so sorry for ur loss love always Cristina Chiera
Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end. Stephanie you are and will always be my forever friend. I love you. with all my love, Alexa DiPerna - Alexa DiPerna
"Stephanie, you are one of the best friends that I have ever had. You were always there for me and you never let me down. Just seeing you and being with you made my day so much better. You made such a positive impact on my life and I think of you all the time. I will never forget you. I love you Steph". -Daniel Ferrante
Stephy, I don’t know where to start. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news, and I as I sit here and write I still cannot believe it. You were truly such a special amazing person in so many ways. You have touched so many lives like the true angel that you are. If heaven is meant for anyone is was meant for you. I will always remember the smile upon your face. I’m pretty upset with my friend upstairs but I know the best are needed up there. You’ve left us just like the way you were truly a bright shining star I pray for your Family and I know I will see you once again I Love You Stephy and I will never forget you. -Benny Bernstein
I didn't know her that well, in fact I only met her once at a party a friend had once. anyway, I was vomiting my brains out by the driveway and she, a perfect stranger, walked up to me with a glass of water, gave me her shoulder, and took me home all without any request and no begging. if there's a heaven it’s for people like you Stephanie. I wish I had known you before that, but I suppose that'll have to do. god bless. Oh and to her family: she’s in a better place now and I wish you all the best. I don’t pray but I will tonight for you. your angel is flying, proud and strong -Bo Mealing
Steph I love u girl so much amazing times in cheerleading u always comforted me when coach was yelling at me and u were always smiling no matter what or how frustrated u were . you’re amazing and no one will ever forget you . your forever going to be in our hearts and your amazing <3 -Devyn Birman
I don't know how life would be if I never had the chance to get to know u Steph! This year has been so hard and every day I would see you and you could light up the room with all smiles =D... You were always there to get me ready for those stats tests and said to never settle and always go for the top! If anyone could hit the top it was you. You were always willing to listen and give advice. I'll never forget how you came in the room and yelled "hey girl watsup"! And had the prettiest organizer EVER =D!! I miss you with all my heart and promise to pay attention for you in stats. my talks with Chris and bobby feel so empty now like there’s a piece of our puzzle missing! I'll never forget you Steph you were enigmatic, intelligent, one of the kindest people I've ever met, and a true Inspiration! (but still cinelli's teacher's pet according to Chris LOL) I know you will be an amazing angel, and we'll all see you again someday!! ? Rest in Peace -Helen McCulloch
You are by far one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. You were friends with just about anyone & don’t think you had a mean bone in your body. I was telling Kali today at the wake how we all used to ride the bus freshman year and we hated it, it would be a million degrees and we would be stuffed on the bus that never showed or came late lol . She couldn’t believe we both actually went on a bus! I don’t think I ever saw you without a smile and that’s how I plan on remembering you ALWAYS. Today was hard for everyone and I'm sure tomorrow is going to be just as bad. as angry & hurt as I am with "the man upstairs" I guess he had bigger plans for such an amazing girl like yourself. You’re now a beautiful angel who will be with us and in our hearts forever. I love you girl! -Jaime Norcia
I just heard the unfortunate news this morning, and I was in awe, I still feel in shock. I've been thinking about you all day, and all I can remember is how positive and happy you were all the time. You definitely taught me a thing or two, and I will always thank you for it. You were probably the happiest person I knew, you were so amazing because you didn't need anyone or anything to motivate you or encourage you to do anything. Being alive was all you needed to be excited about, it was what drove you to achieve any goal. You celebrated it in any little way possible, you loved life more than any person I know. I wish I would have been closer to you to have gotten to know you a lot better and have witnessed all the good things you did in life while you were still here. I certainly miss you already, and I'm really glad you left a positive footprint within us all. You will always be in my prayers and in my heart. Rest in Peace beautiful. - Sandra Pinzon
Stephanie, you were truly an amazing person so genuinely sweet. you always put a smile on everyone’s faces and cheered everyone up at work when no one wanted to be there. ill never forget our drawings at the hostess stand when you came to keep me company, our talks about colleges and stupid boys and the adventure with thiago and his crazy driving. I wish we spent more time together. I love you and miss you so much. rest in peace baby you will never be forgotten you were truly one in a million. - Leah Ungarten
Stephhhh, you were always the one emphasizing the importance of being happy all the time and optimistic, but you not being here with us now, not being able to give me the best insight on life, its the hardest thing. people say things happen for a reason, but Steph I can’t think of any... You were too perfect of a person. I remember that one time me and you got lost in Wellington for 2 hours, and we didn’t even worry, just jammed out :) this is just so unreal, I refuse to believe that I wont be able to have any in-depth convos with you, or be able to have our weekly song exchanges, or having a passion for maroon5 together. just the other day we were talking about how amazing your plan on breaking to your mom your decision on college was, and how excited we were to go to the library together and get straight A's. I’m waiting for you to come to school tomorrow and tell me this whole thing is a joke, b/c I can’t imagine all of us hanging out and you not being there. I’ll see u again in heaven. rip - Ofir Farahan
Stephanie I’m going to miss you soo much. this is soo unreal . how does this happen to someone soo perfect. things really aren't going to be the same. you have touched soo many people and have always brighten my day with your smile and your "hey girl" everyday before 5th hour. I still don’t believe this has really happened but god has is reasons for things and needed you in heaven to lighten everyone’s days up there. you were an amazing girl and I’m so happy I had you in my life as long as I did. there is nobody else like you. rest in peace and watch over us all . I love you Steph you are truly going to be missed! - Stephanie Bodie
Ahh where do I begin, I will never ever forget when I first met Stephanie. I just knew we were going to have an amazing friendship! She was truly an amazing person, always happy n knew how to light a room! Ill miss you forever, but I know we'll meet again! I love you so much and my heartaches knowing your not here. I lost a great friend and an amazing listener! You were truly talented as well. I love you, and will never forget everything you gave me ! - Angela Silvano
Steph I’m still in shock... I remember a while back we used to work like every Monday together... The enormous smile on your face always put one on everyone else's and with all the stupid work drama lol you still always made the most of it. ya know I really do believe that "only the good die young" Steph you will never be forgotten. your spirit will live on thru your family and friends. I know your in a better place watching over all of us here and you will be missed girly!!! to an amazing girl.. I feel blessed for being able to have known you rest in peace Steph? I'll never forget you! to all those who knew her.. just think of how lucky we all were to have been in Steph's life in one way or another. whether you were family, best friends, classmates, or just knew who she was... we can all agree on how awesome and funny she was and she will be remembered thru all of us so we gotta try and stay strong and always remember the good times and great memories we all have with her! -Courtney Pinto
Steph, I can’t stop thinking about all times we spent together. I really can’t believe and don’t want to believe that this is true. I’m so glad I was able to meet you, and talk to you almost every day since ive met you. I’m going to miss you soo much, you were by far one of the happiest people I have ever met and talking to you always put me in a good mood. I know you’re in a better place now and you’re watching over us. I miss you soo much already. Love you. -Stephen Cofer
Steph - I don’t know what to say or do. I got the call from coach last night saying that u were in the hospital all of your friends went as soon as possible. I think they thought I was family or something bc they brought me straight to you. thinking about it - we mine as well be family weve known each other forever =] I don’t know if u knew we were there, next to you or in the waiting room but we were all night. now you’re gone and no one knows what to do. cheerleaders have one less captain, the school has one less friend. I just need you to know that I love you with all my heart and always will and I know your partying with Sara in heaven right now =] I love you concert buddy, captain, ex-national gymnast, best friend, Stephanie Jude Kuleba ? - Taylor Weiss
Stephanie. I can't believe I'm writing this right now. I met you in 1st grade and you have been one of the most genuine human beings I've ever meet. You are truly one of the sweetest and happiest girls. I love you. I pray for your family. Always, Jeff -Jeff Schnier
Hey girl, today has definitely been one of the longest, hardest days of my life. there are absolutely no words to describe how amazing you are and how you’ve changed my life. I can honestly say every time I've been with you there has always been a smile on your face which is the best way to be remembered. if anyone lived their life every day like it was their last, its you. I love you so much and will miss you every day Steph - Katie Weissman
I only met you this year and I noticed that you'd always go out of your way to be nice to me and everyone around you, even though you didn't need to be. thank you for showing me that genuinely kind people still exist in this world. you're going to make a great angel, Stephanie. RIP. -Gina Novacco
Stephanie, You are truly perfect. You are the perfect girl, with the perfect smile, and the perfect attitude. If I had to pick one overused phrase to describe you, I’d have to say that you are one perfect freaking ray of sunshine. You always know what to say to make someone feel better when they are sad, and you always know what to do to help a friend in need. I feel blessed that I met you in 6th grade at Eagles Landing… Yes, it’s been that long, hard to believe, I know. You have no idea how exciting it was that you were coming to Florida State with me. I will never forget a thing about you, I will let your memory live on in my heart. I promise to cherish every last ounce of remembrance that I can take along with me every day. You may have left us physically, but you will never ever leave in my heart. I love you Steph, always have, always will, nothing will ever take that away. Rest in Peace, darling. Love, Benny Perlman
Stephanie, Hey girl! Oh how I'm going to miss hearing that in the hallway. I am very blessed to be able to recall countless memories with you. You were the first person I had to call whenever I saw "ASHTREY"!! haha .. You meant the world to me as one of my close friends from all the way back to those ‘eagles’ days. You are one of those rare people who truly knows how to brighten up somebody's day, and you really are a girl full of sunshine. Steph, you have a beautiful personality as well as a beautiful face. I'm just happy to know I have an angel watching over me now. I love you Steph and I always will .. please rest in peace babygirl <3. -- Lauren Puleo a.k.a. "laurena"
Steph, Every time I think of you, I see you with a smile on your face and being the life of the party. You always had so much spirit and energy to cheer everyone up around you. If anyone lived their life every day like it was their last, it was you. You are such an inspiration to me, Steph. I love you so much and I'll miss you every day. Love, Katie Weissman
Stephanie, it’s still taking me a long while to come to this realization. It was just a couple weeks ago I was working Sunday days with you eating penne ala vodka like always! Making fun of you when u went to each table because of how excited you were. You always had a smile on your face and your one of the few I know that always did. You helped everyone and taught me everything I know at work. You even told me that I remind you of yourself when you were a phone girl. I'll never forget you, I love you <3 Elisa Beardsley-Dodd
Stephanie was truly an amazing person and friend to everyone around her. I got to see firsthand how one person can make a difference in someone’s life. Steph never backed down from a challenge, stood up for everyone around her, and truly made the best out of life every single day. She has taught me so much and i thank her for that. My life will never ever be the same without her and I am so happy that I had her as one of my best friends. I love you Steph, always and forever. - Taylor Weiss
Steph was the perfect human being a perfect work of art a masterpiece that will never be framed and a true girl who knew her part never trying to be someone that she was not Steph lived her life to no manual, no storyline, no plot. her words of advice and comfort had me beaming from ear to ear I was so lucky to have Steph who inspired me to live life without fear as each day passes i will think of her so and i will not get upset because to Steph that was a big no no Steph never wanted anyone to shed any tears. she would be there for you even if she had known you for weeks , months , or years she had a heart of gold, maybe that’s why she was so powerful, so brave and so bold. her dream was to make a difference and change people’s lives she is certainly going to change what husbands say to their wives. she will make a difference here and far far away because now everybody knows the life she lived , and that dreadful day that heaven opened the gates for Steph, a real angel , here to stay. I love you Stephie. Your legacy will live with me always - RJ Farina
