Obituary of Mary-Lou Stacey

Mary-Louise Stacey (nee Hesson), age 61, passed suddenly into the arms of her Lord Jesus on July 28, 2024.  Born and raised in Bonnyville AB, Mary-Lou loved her life on the farm, with her 3 brothers and sister, and her mom and dad. She took many lessons from the farm experiences, her community and her family that helped her to become a nurse, teacher, a caring wife, a loving mother and “Mamelle”. 

She left Bonnyville for Edmonton after graduation to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Alberta.  In her final year, she met (and later married) Don Stacey. Upon graduation from nursing, she moved out to Victoria and worked as a pediatric nurse and in child psychiatry while Don finished his last two years of university.  They married in 1987 and Mary-Lou went back to school to get her B.Ed.  Upon graduation she and Don moved to Kelowna, BC for her first teaching job on a one-year contract and so Don could complete his training as a flying instructor.  The next summer they both found work in Abbotsford, BC but then moved the following year out to Balzac AB, where they would spend the majority of the next 30 years raising their children on an acreage next to Don's parents. Mary-Lou was involved in many activities over the years for the betterment of those around her. Her largest contribution came in the field of home schooling and home education.  She started home educating her eldest son and continued to educate all four children.  They have graduated with various post-secondary and graduate degrees, which is a testament to her dedication as a mother and educator.

As her children became adults, she had the opportunity to be involved as a school administrator. She started as a vice principal at the campus of Koinonia Christian School Red Deer under Mr.Vern Rand and then she was asked to move into a principal role. Eventually she became the Executive Principal as Koinonia grew into 3 separate schools: Emmaus Learning Community, Koinonia Red Deer (campus) and Koinonia at Home.  
In 2021, the family decided that the 4 children (and their spouses) would make a move to the US so that they could all pursue educational opportunities.  Mary-Lou made many trips back and forth to stay connected with her children and 3 grandchildren and found this period to be the most wonderful time of her life.  She and Don celebrated 37 years of marriage this past December and were thrilled to see all the blessings in their family.

She is survived by her husband Don, children Michael (Devorah), Matthew, Kate Reimer (Timothy) and Kristin, along with grandchildren Keziah, Wesley and Carlson.  She is
predeceased by her mother Edith Hesson (Needler) and father Mike Hesson.  She will also be missed by her brothers (Ken, Bill, Brian), sister (Sandi), nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Living Stones Church, 2020 40 Ave, Red Deer on Saturday Aug 10 at 10 am (livestream link https://www.livingstones.ab.ca/live/). She will be laid to rest in Bonnyville. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Koinonia Christian School Red Deer Society, or through https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/103310 to continue the work of others who also want tostrengthen Christian home and campus education.

Respectfully submitted by the Stacey family