STEPHANIE LYN “STEPHIE” LUFKIN, age 7. First Grade Student at Normandy Elementary School, Bay Village. Precious princess and cherished daughter of Katie (nee Traynor) and Douglas; loving sister of Scotty and Sara; adored granddaughter of Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger, Thomas Traynor and Rosemary Breehl, Joe and Lyn Lufkin of Tampa, FL.; sweet niece of Kelly “Tee-Tee” and Brian Weist, Dave and Cyndi Lufkin, Darcy and Doug Zehe, Cheryl and Dan Belic, Tom Lufkin and Max and Frank Salinger; awesome cousin to Benny, Danny, Tommy, Mason, Conor, Angela and Big Money Nick; best-est friend to Miss Clare Matthews and deeply loved by all who knew her. Seven years ago Stephie danced her way into our hearts and cart-wheeled through life. Passed away, Thursday, May 8, 2008. Funeral Services, Bay Presbyterian Church (Lake and Columbia Roads) TUESDAY May 13th at 11:00 AM. Interment Lakewood Park Cemetery. Friends may call in the McGORRAY BROS. FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 CENTER RIDGE RD. (Just West of Columbia) MONDAY from 2-4 and 6-9 PM and TUESDAY MORNING AT BAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (In The Great Hall) from 10:00 AM TILL TIME OF SERVICES. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to The Stephanie Lufkin Memorial Fund at Charter One Bank, 411 Dover Center Rd, Bay VillageOH 44140. www.cleveland.com/obits
Dear Sara,
I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of your beautiful granddaughter Stephie. My hugs and love are with you.
Roberta Karim
(Bay Villager and fellow writer)
Sara.
It has been a long time since our days at JDR&P, but as I was reading the paper tonight and I saw your precious granddaughter’s face staring at me from the paper I was compelled to send you my condolences for your loss. In times like this one is almost obligated to question why such a sad thing should happen, even with the knowledge that we won’t know that answer until it is our time to meet our Maker. May your loving memories of your precious Stephie help to fill the obvious void that will be left with everyone by this loss. And once again Momma Sara must be strong for her girls and the rest of the family.
Carolyn Chism
Deep breath, big hug, sending lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Happy Mother’s Day–I hope a peace envelopes you all so that you can find some comfort space today. Love, Lee Ann
Dear Sara HolBrook,
Hello I am one of Mrs.Lufkins students.It is so sad and painfull to see Stephanie go at age seven. She was the cutest running down the hallway every afternon with her big pink backpack dodgeing six graders on her way to Mrs.Lufkin’s room. The whole 6th grade is with me in saying your friends and family are in our thoughts and prayers. There is a verse in the bible that is so calming and comferting, Matthew 11:28-30. It is a wonderful verse and I recomend sharing it with others.
Sincerly,
Grace V.
Dear sara holbrook
i’m one of mrs lufkins students why did she have to go so early she is only seven. he should of taken me insted of her she is just to young. i think that she was to young to pass away so early but he had to take someone so nice like stephanie he took her so he could lite up the room with her brightness. it would of been better if he took me insted of stephanie.
sincerly- andy taylor
My heart and prayers are with you–today and all of the days ahead.
Love,
Lee Ann
Dear Sara Holbrook,
Hi i’m one of Mrs.Lufkins atudents. it is really sad that happened to Stephanie. She was so not scared of walking down the hallway after school with her big pink back pack. She had her own desk it was so cute. i love hearing stories about Stephanie from mrs.Lufkin. Steph was so cute.
Sincerly, Erin Seifert
Dear Sara Holbrook,
I am one of mrs.Lufkin’s students. i feel very sorry about Stephanie. She always was precious and special in all ways. I remember when she ran down the hall way at the end of the day to her moms room. We are keeping you and the whole family in our thoughts.
Sincerly, Ameera Venkataraman
Dear Sara Holbrook,
I am so sorry for your loss of Stephanie, I am sure that we are all grieving at this time. Little Steph was the cutist little thing when running down the hall. I am sure that this has been a very difficult time for all of us. We wish you our very best wishes.
The Demirjians
Dear Ms. Holbrook:
I linked to you from Kelly’s website…I’m an online friend and I have been watching this horrible story unfold on her blog. I just wanted to send my condolences…Stephi was beautiful….
Susan
I came here by way of Wendy Hoke. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that the thoughts and tears of those of us whom you don’t know and who never had the good fortune to know Stephie and her family can help ease the grieving, even if by only a very little by knowing that people do care about the lives of strangers.
Oh no, Sara, I’m so sorry. What a painful thing.
Sara – my heart is breaking for you and your family. What a beautiful little girl…
Love,
Lisa Fowler (Heinemann)
Dear Sara,
As I am a grandmother myself, my eyes filled to the brim as I sadly read the posting concerning Stephie. May God keep you in his thoughts, and fill your mind with wonderfull memories of time spent with your granddaughter.
Deborah Devine
sorry for your sorrow. there are no words.
Stephie was, and will always be, the most beautiful little girl known in the universe. Think Pink!
Dear Sara Holbrook,
I am very sorry for you. I currently have Mrs. Lufkin as a teacher and saw Stephie very often because I am in her 8th period class. Stephie is the prettiest little girl in the entire universe and I love her even though we never really talked. The last day I saw her she was wearing bright pink shoes (crocs). I was going to, and should have, tell her that I really like her shoes and have the same pair. Also, she had the cutest clothes and many times I wanted to compliment her. I am so sorry for you loss.
With love,
A B.M.S. student
My daughter’s home is in Bay and she told me about the Luminaries and she did light one. This little child has touched my heart and I pray her family can sustain each other during this heartbreaking time in their lives. Being a Christian, we are assured that she is in God’s loving arms and offers his comfort to you, her family and friends. She will live forever in all hearts that she touched.
I am so sorry for your lossand your sorrow. I do not have words
Sara,
I was with Janet Allen this weekend presenting in LA and heard about Stephanie. I could only think about how much light you bring to those around you and what a loss of light in your own life her death must be. I’m so sorry. All blessings and prayers to you and your family.
Jim Burke
sara,
i also currently have mrs lufkin as a teacher she would always run down the hallway with the huge backpack and just light up everyones day. to see her go is devistating. she was a beutiful girl inside and out her big blue eyes and caring heart made everyone fall in love with her the moment they say her she will always be in my heart
Sara – My sister Bridget told me that she saw something in the paper. I’m so sorry. I’m a new grandmother now, and don’t have a clue what you are going through. Please give Katie a hug and kiss from me, and take good care of yourself. There aren’t any words I can use, but I’m confident you have them in your heart and can express them for all when the time is right.
Maura
I was in Stephanie's Class in kindergarten. I was so heartbroken when she passed. I hope she's happy in heavan.
I meant in first grade.:)