blog
This section is to voice your
thoughts on what happened, what will happen, or just reminiscing of
Stephanie. She touched many lives and will never be forgotten.
Click here to send us your thoughts.
(if you've written in the Edmonton Journal's Guestbook or on the
butlerpetition site, it will be included in this blog as well)
sandra lyon, ponoka
August 1, 2007
Hi Mike I have only learned of what has happened to you and your families. I
am so very sorry. I did not ever have the opportunity to know Stephanie
personally but I do know her father Doug, and what a wonderful man he is. I can
only imagine what a wonderful lady she was. My thoughts are with you and your
families.I am so sorry for your loss.
Lolita (from butlerpetition.com)
June 3, 2007
I'am deeply sorry for reading this article for Steph's family my deepest condolence. I was just searching for any update for my father in law's death he was murdered in Alberta last April 24 his name is William George Ruptash & I click on Steph's picture & read the article. Eventhough I don't know her very well, I can tell she's a beautiful person inside & out. I hope the PM will take any actions about the complaints you have against the EPS. Again my deepest condolence.
jessica rutten (from butlerpetition.com)
May 15, 2007
Steph and I were classmates and neighbours for many years and if there was
one thing I learned from her was that it just takes a little kindness to make a
huge difference. I miss running into her at the bus stop or Costco or at our
mom's complex. Stephanie I will never forget you!!!
To both families I am so sorry for your loss. May you have peace in your hearts
and homes.
Megan (from butlerpetition.com)
May 12, 2007
i am sorry for her loss. she will be in the hearts of loved ones forever.I
pray for her family.
Mike (from butlerpetition.com)
May 6, 2007
I love you bug
Kerri (from butlerpetition.com)
April 28, 2007
I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope and pray that the laws will change as
this was an act that is dispicable and heart wrenching. It's bad enough that she
was taken in such a violent way, but when you know the individual that was
responsible and could nothing is incomprehensible. I pray for your family.
Yvonne (Eve) Chiang, Edmonton
April 25, 2007
I had written you a poem. Odd how it took your death to break down my
writer's block. I'll miss you Steph. But I guess that's a given. I do have one
regret, and that's that I didn't get to go through all the things we "planned"
on doing. All our "to-be sister" things. That I didn't get to hang out with you
as long as I'd have liked. I feel a bit shamed that I learned more about you
when you left than when you were here. So, to the sister I didn't quite get to
keep, Rest in peace. Love you. Your baby sister, Eve
Our candle
A bright and vibrant candle once stood.
Whose flame brought cheer and love to others,
Even to the unwitting, and unwanting.
Some spurned, many rejoiced in the candle’s glow
But all screamed when the candle was snuffed out.
Screeches of horror and agony rending the air,
We are stumbling in the sudden darkness.
Nothing can replace the candle and its glow.
Nothing will bring the cheer with the same flicker of life.
Nothing will bring the same laugh
Even the match that brought the candle to life,
Huddles in the cold
The lantern that held the candle so dear,
Grasps and clings to the smoke.
But Should the scent of the loss,
be scattered with time,
The wax it dripped into our lives shall remain.
The memory of its warmth shall linger in our hearts.
No one can replace our candle.
No one would dare try.
No one will forget,
Our candle snuffed out too soon.
Amanda (from butlerpetition.com)
April 24, 2007
An acquaintance of your husband’s, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you
while you still graced this world. I am deeply sorrowed by the fact that again
another good one has been taken before her time. My condolences go out to your
family as well as the Butler family. A great amount of loss, hurt, and anger run
deep through both families I am sure, but in time those feeling will be replaced
with an infinite amount of love and happiness in a celebration of your life, as
short as it was, that had been filled with so much love to give. Everyone that
knew you will use your strengths to help them through one of the toughest times
they will ever have to endure in their lives. Mike was a lucky man to have been
able to share a love with a woman as beautiful as you on the inside as well as
the outside. Forever you will be missed, forever you will be loved, and above
all, forever you will be remembered! Good-bye Stephanie…and thank you for
sharing your time with us while you could.
Phi (from butlerpetition.com)
April 24, 2007
Hey Steph, I'm sorry for what happened. RIP and hope we all get to see each
other again up there...
Mydene Cuevas, Miyagi, Japan (from Edmonton Journal)
April 24, 2007
I knew Stephanie when we were in junior high. Even then, when we were still
so young, she was already making a positive impact on the people around her. I
will always remember her as a person who brought joy to others. I am so sorry to
hear that she is gone.
Raj Kapoor, Vancouver
April 24, 2007
Mike... I never had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie... but she sounds like
a wonderful woman. I wish you all the best... my thoughts are with you. When I
read others' words about her, this poem came to mind...
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a
thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers
of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in
the graceful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of
the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the
birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I
am not there. I do not die.
Aarti Smita K., Edmonton
April 24, 2007
Stephanie and I first met in Elementary school. I never imagined, back then,
that we could share such a dear friendship for almost 15 years. It is difficult
for me to verbalize what a wonderful friend Steph was and continued to be
throughout the time we knew each other. Even back then, Steph was so full of
kindness, warmth, and had more energy than an entire cheerleading squad. While
growing up, throughout Junior High we became even closer, spending hours in
school together, and many more after school on the phone (after she practiced
her violin, of course). As we also shared many of our “firsts” together; Steph
was also my first best friend. She was always there in times of need, to be
supportive, give advice, or just to listen. Anyone who was privileged enough to
have Steph as their friend knew, she was always your biggest fan. She taught me
the true meaning of friendship, and for that, I will always remember her. Though
our paths diverged as we went to different High Schools, Steph always made sure
we stayed in touch. Countless emails and phone calls were made during those
years, and our friendship stayed strong despite the fact that we only saw each
other during our Birthdays. I still remember getting together months after those
Birthdays had passed to exchange presents we bought for eachother. One year,
Steph gave me two gifts…one for the current year, and one from the year before
that she had kept, for the next time we got together. We both ended up at the U
of A together in ’99, and it was during those years we had the opportunity to
spend more time together. We both shared a common interest in Psych, and we were
so happy to be in some of the same classes together. Everyday Steph would bring
her enormous lunch to class, and we’d “listen” to our lectures while secretly
gossiping. Steph even went out of her way to meet my friends from High School,
and always used to look for me where I usually could be found in CAB. Steph even
sent my friends on a manhunt for me when she hadn’t seen me in class for a few
days. We used to joke about that all the time. Describing her in one word - I
would chose “happiness”, as Stephanie was the truest personification of that
word. She had an infectious ability to make everyone around her smile. Her
giggle was contagious – and one I will never forget. I have never known anyone
who loved life and lived it as fully as she did. Mr. and Mrs. Mah Poy: You
raised an incredible daughter, who was so beautiful inside and out. She had the
ability to give so much of herself to everyone around her. Words cannot express
how sorry I am for your loss. Mike: Even though we never had a chance to know
each other, I know how happy you made Stephanie. She loved you very much, and
you gave her happiness that no one else could. I think that your cause is so
meaningful, and I will do whatever I can to support your endeavor to bring
positive change through this tragedy. Please do take care of yourself, and know
that she is watching over you. It is difficult for me to imagine my own life
without Stephanie to share it with. She was my oldest and dearest friend, and my
heart is so deeply saddened. Saying goodbye to her right now, like this, is
something I never imagined having to do. I am honored to have known such a
beautiful person who was loved by so many, and who gave so much love in return.
She will always be thought of fondly, and missed more than words can ever
express.
Amanda (from butlerpetition.com)
April 23, 2007
An acquaintance of your husband’s, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you
while you still graced this world. I am deeply sorrowed by the fact that again
another good one has been taken before her time. My condolences go out to your
family as well as the Butler family. A great amount of loss, hurt, and anger run
deep through both families I am sure, but in time those feeling will be replaced
with an infinite amount of love and happiness in a celebration of your life, as
short as it was, that had been filled with so much love to give. Everyone that
knew you will use your strengths to help them through one of the toughest times
they will ever have to endure in their lives. Mike was a lucky man to have been
able to share a love with a woman as beautiful as you on the inside as well as
the outside. Forever you will be missed, forever you will be loved, and above
all, forever you will be remembered! Good-bye Stephanie…and thank you for
sharing your time with us while you could.
Phi (from butlerpetition.com)
April 23, 2007
Hey Steph, I'm sorry for what happened. RIP and hope we all get to see each
other again up there...
Marika (from butlerpetition.com)
April 22, 2007
Hey Steph.. I'm just glad we ran into each other as often as we did over the
past year. Still can't believe you are gone?? and what happened... it just isn't
right. RIP my bubbly boobie friend... we're gonna miss you so much
Rita Mohareb, Edmonton
April 22, 2007
Stephanie is one of the sweetest, and warmed hearted person in which I am
very honored to have met. She was always smiling and what I remember the most of
about her is her laugh and her genuineness. Stephanie you be greatly missed and
remembered. I heart goes to Steph's family and Mike. Rest In peace Stephanie.
Marika (butlerpetition.com)
April 21, 2007
Hey Steph.. I'm just glad we ran into each other as often as we did over the
past year. Still can't believe you are gone?? and what happened... it just isn't
right. RIP my bubbly boobie friend... we're gonna miss you so much
Su (from butlerpetition.com)
April 21, 2007
Dear Stephanie,
Words cannot describe how much you have affected the people around you with your
warmth, energy and that iconic life- brightening smile. I wish we had time to
get to know eachother better, but I feel priviledged to have known you at all.
What happened to you is aweful beyond imagination; why is it that life gets the
best of us? We are all aching because nobody knows. We do, however, know that
Heaven has gained yet another angel. Rest In Peace Stephanie, your aura will
never fade.
Audrey Charles, Edmonton
April 21, 2007
I thought it was time I wrote in this blog that I have created. I have been
putting it off, I admit, as this is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to
do.
So let's see...I met Stephanie in elementary school. She was part of the
headband club. She would wear these ridiculous headbands with a large bow or
something of the sort attached. I remember she was the youngest person I've ever
known to get contact lenses. One day in class, one fell out of her eye. The
whole class had to drop to their hands and knees to search for her lens. But we
were children and had no idea what we were searching for. That was probably my
first time ever getting to know her.
I also remember the childhood nickname that drove her insane even into high
school, Step-On-Me-Mah-Poo.
Even in elementary school, she was funny and kind. But we didn't become super
close until junior high. When it happened, I knew she would be one of my closest
and most cherished friends. I remember going out to movies, waiting for the bus
in the freezing cold and singing "My Heart Will Go On" and the self-constructed
french version of "Barbie Girl" to get warm. I still remember the words.
Though we didn't go to the same high school we still remained close. We joined
kung fu and kickboxing together 5 days a week. She always wore brightly colored
underwear under her white uniform.
Though her and I had our troubles, we both knew we would be close friends again.
I have so many regrets about not being in Edmonton to be the friend she deserved
to have. So, I've devoted myself to doing my part to show her just how important
she was and is to me. I support Mike's cause, and devote myself to helping him
achieve his goals. I created this site, and hope all who view can enjoy the
memories here preserved by her friends and family. I appreciate any and all
input. And I know her family appreciates the kind comments left by friends and
even strangers here in this blog.
Stephanie is an inspiration to me as she was such a beautiful soul. Everything
she did, she did 110%. Every friend she made, she gave them her whole heart.
I can't describe the sorrow I feel, but I know I'm not alone hurting from her
loss. Mom (Sue), I will be here for you anytime you need support. You will
always be right beside Stephanie in my heart.
I'd like to thank everyone who came to our candlelight vigil and who attended
the funeral today. It was so amazing to see just how many people she has
touched. I am honored to have been accepted by Stephanie as a friend, and to
have been accepted by her family as a family member.
My thoughts and best wishes will always be with her family. And to you Gurdie, I
miss you more than I ever thought possible. Though I said goodbye to you today,
I know one day we'll be able to see each other again.
Joanne D'entremont, Edmonton
April 21, 2007
To all family and friends of stephanie my heart is filled with sorrow for
you.She was takin away far to soon and i know what a loss it is to loss someone
near and dear to you . She was and is a beatuiful Angel and i hope that good
things come out of this. Our prayers and thoughts are with you .
Tiffany Popowich, Edmonton
April 21, 2007
I’ve known Stef since the first day of grade 5. We were both new to our
school and we didn’t know anyone. Stef was the first to be-friend me, and we
became fast friends (joined at the hip for years to come). We recently
reminisced about our childhood sleepovers - playing Nintendo all night until our
thumbs couldn’t take it anymore or until we couldn’t stay awake any longer. Stef
and I loved going to the movies (dollar theatre, of course). I remember feeling
so small, sitting in the back seat of Sue’s car as she drove Stef and me to the
movies so many times. As we got older, we started taking the bus. We’d wait for
our bus after the movie, and by the time it dropped us off, we would have made
up 3 or 4 songs together. They were silly songs. It was Stef’s overly creative
imagination that kept them going. I think it was grade 7 when Stef first met
Mike. She loved him… secretly. She dreamt of their wedding day. (It wasn’t until
they met up again, years later, that her dream would finally come true. She was
so happy). I remember the butterflies we had as we started our first day of High
School. We had gone shopping together for new shoes, because high school
students always had the coolest shoes. We were so proud of our new shoes. We
recently thought back, and decided they were the ugliest shoes we had ever seen.
What were we thinking…? … Life was so much simpler back then. We’d giggle about
the boys we were too shy to talk to, and we’d make up silly “code names” for
everyone we knew. That was Stef – she had a code name for everyone. In the week
of her passing, she begged me to take sign language with her, so we could have a
“secret code” language. Instead, she decided to sign us up for intro golf
lessons and cardio dancing lessons. I went to our first dance class last week,
by myself, and it was unbearable. I held back the tears as I danced in the back
row, pre-occupied with the thoughts of Stef and how much I missed her. I don’t
know if I can handle going back… I was so excited when Stef and Mike moved to
their new home, just a block away from mine. We had such plans for the nicer
weather. We were going to get in shape by walking Mylo, going rollerblading, and
secretly playing basketball at the nearby court. (She always wanted to impress
Mike, and show him that she could be good at basketball too). We were going to
have barbecues, movie nights, and eventually raise our kids together. Our kids
would have been best friends… Mike, Sue and Doug – I feel the pain and
heartbreak you’re going through, but I can’t imagine losing a spouse or an only
child. She will be missed and we will always have a very special place in our
hearts for her… Love you, Chickie!
Turtle (from butlerpetition.com)
April 20, 2007
Steph...it was too bad that we didn't have more of the opportunity to hang
out and know each other after our E.R. days....but you're in a much more
peaceful place and I'll always remember you just as you were at your wedding
reception...vibrant and beautiful. Don't worry too much because Mike will be
taken care of.....Rest in Peace Angel....
Bing (from butlerpetition.com)
April 20, 2007
rest in peace Steph...We will take good care of Mike
Han (from butlerpetition.com)
April 20, 2007
hey steph... i'm so sorry about what happened... but don't u worry about
mike... i'll watch over him for u... i've always knew u as a wonderful and kind
person and i'll always remember u that way... rest in peace steph...
Huan (from butlerpetition.com)
April 20, 2007
Stephanie, sorry for dragging mike out on the weekends to play computer
games. I know you didn't like that much. I hope you forgive me. Rest in peace
Stephanie.
Bert and Diane Honkoop and Familes Honkoop, PEI (from Edmonton Journal)
April 20, 2007
Mike and Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during such a time of loss.
Erin C., Edmonton
April 19, 2007
I do not know Michael and Stephanie Butler personally at all but my heart
has not stopped aching since I heard of this sad story on the news. I am so
incrediably sorry for your loss Michael and to Stephanie's parents. A day hasn't
gone by that I haven't thought of Stephanie. And my prayers and heart goes out
to the cab driver (I'm sorry I don't remember his name) and his family. God
bless you all. I hope your hearts will someday heal.
Joslyn Pepper, Red Deer
April 19, 2007
Doug & Sue, I am so sorry for you loss. Stephie was my best friend when I
was a kid. We were so different as kids, she played the violin and I road
horses. I remember at an elementry school concert she put on my cowboy hat and
played her vilolin like it was a fiddle. With all her allergies, she would still
come to watch me ride. I remember waiting for Stephies phone call when she
arrived in Ponoka for the weekend. One time Doug took Steph and I to Nins twin
sisters house for chinese food wich was not like any chinese food my parents had
given me. Doug explained that it was authentic not North American, like I was
use to. Funny how things like that stick with you. Even as a child Stephie had a
heart of gold. I am so sorry we lost touch over the years. My heart goes out to
you and to Michael. There is nothing worse on this earth then loosing someone
you love.
Erin, Edmonton
April 19, 2007
Last night I was asked to contribute my feelings and thoughts of Steph for
her eulogy and I found it so daunting and overwhelming of a task that I didn't
think I could give her justice or adequately express how much she meant to me. A
word was suggested to me, "vivacious", and as much as that perfectly describes
one element of Steph as long as I knew her, I just found that the only way I
could truly explain what Steph meant in my life was to tell stories for each
adjective that was thrown at me. And as I was stuttering around, trying to
choose my words carefully at first, I suddenly just launched into this massive
backlog of memories and stories I had of us over the almost 11 years I knew her.
Because the way I see it, it's little things, like knowing that Steph's absolute
favourite holiday in the world was Halloween because my uncle would get us
tickets to The Bear's Halloween Howler and we'd excitedly plot out our legendary
costumes for months in advance (and I have emails from years ago to just a few
weeks ago about this) that really let you know what she was like. How absolutely
and completely ingrained she was in my life can't be eloquently expressed by me
right now. The day after I found out, I was receiving calls and my first
thought,without even thinking, was to call up Steph and laugh over some attempt
to cheer me up. Every morning I wake up and expect to see a message left for me
on facebook, or an email (and Steph's emails were an absolute joy and hilarious
to receive-her survey answers and ability to create insults were incomparable)
from her, or a raunchy text or a late night phone call. Our last call lasted
until 4am where we laughed hysterically as she set up her facebook page and
included hobbies, quotes and pictures that only she could get away with. I have
so many stories, some that I probably can't even remember until I hear or see
something that will remind me. When I was overseas, even though she was away
physically, Steph was always there in spirit and made her presence known (my
favourite were the voice messages she left on my work phone last year in London
that went on for at least 5 mins and involved threats, cursing, laughing and
general debauchery where she talked like I was there answering). I constantly
thought of her and missed her then. I was so thrilled to have her back in my
life when I came home in December and we fell right back into our Saturday night
out routine, the daily messaging back and forth, the plots for new photoshoots,
shared financial woes, complaining about requiring fat-girl pants,her fierce
protectiveness of me towards any male who would dare hurt me, musing about the
perfect age to have a baby and just exactly how to ace interviews without
seeming like a total tool. It is devastating to imagine not having her around
for the rest of my life. I miss her in such unthinkable amounts that I don't
think I'll fully comprehend it for a long time. I wish I had been there for her,
but instead of thinking of "what-ifs", I just want to do my best friend justice
and treasure all the living and loving we did in that short of a time. And
that's exactly it-no one who knew Steph can say that she didn't love the people
in her life and live her life to the absolute fullest. I am so sorry for your
loss Mike, Sue and Doug. I wish I had the words to comfort you. Please just know
that Steph will never be forgotten and was very, very beloved.
Don and Hella Morton, Stony Plain
April 18, 2007
Doug and Sue, Don and Hella Morton (Bowker Funeral Home-Ponoka) were totally
thunderstruck at the news of your loss. This has to be terrible thing for you to
go through. Hella and I looked through a bunch of pictures of Stephiewhen she
was first learning to play the violin. Her tiny violin and "little palm tree"
hairdo shall be in our memories always. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies
in your loss. Don and Hella Morton.
Michelle Newel, Edmonton
April 18, 2007
Dear Mike, Sue, Doug & Family, My sincere condolences to you all for the
tragic and sudden loss of your wife and daughter. I met Stephanie on her first
day at work at Grey Nuns. She was so easy to talk to. It just so happened that
Mike and I went to the same elementary where Stephanie's mother in lae taught me
Grade 3. We had lunch together almost every single day. When we met, we were
both engaged to be married the same year. We shared the stresses and the joys of
wedding planning and marital bliss. We both got puppies within weeks of
eachother and shared in the frustrations and joys of puppy training. When I got
pregnant she listened to my fears of having my kids 12 years apart and listened
to my daily complaints of nausea, morning sickness, aches and pains. She was
there for me when I had Teagan almost 2 months prematurely. She visited us in
NICU almost every day and when we home too. She was always there for me. She
always made me feel better. She was the sunshine in my day when I went to work.
I loved going to work because I knew that Steph would be there. She was rarely
sick. If I was home sick from work, she'd call me and check on me. We giggled
our stresses away, we dreamed about being on maternity leave together and
raising our kids together. Almost everyday, perfect strangers would look stop
Steph and I and ask if we were twins or ask if we were sisters. So many people
thought she was filipino like me. She openly expressed how she felt - she had no
problem saying I miss you, I love you babe. I wish I had one more chance to tell
you I love you too. I miss you so much. I've lost a great co-worker, a true
friend and the twin sister I never had. I feel so fortunate to have had
Stephanie in my life.
The Yan's and Bourque's, Calgary (from Edmonton Journal)
April 18, 2007
To Duck Soak, Mike and Family,
We have known Stephanie since she was 5 years old, this loss has been immense
and it feels like we have lost a family member. Her smile and kind spirit were
contagious. She has spread so much joy around in the short time she has been
with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have known and loved
Stephanie.
Lauren Haszard, Cold Lake Alberta (from Edmonton Journal)
April 18, 2007
To Stephanie's family, Please know that our hearts go out to you. Lauren and
Geoff Haszard
Grey Nuns HR Team, Edmonton (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
Mike, Sue & Doug
We are truly sorry for your loss. Stephanie will be remembered for her
contagious giggles in the office. She always had a smile on her face and always
had time for everyone. She has touched many people and made an impact thoughout
the Grey Nuns. Our HR family will never forget the happy times we had with her
and we will always cherish our memories. We love you Steph and we miss you a
lot.
David & Linda, Edmonton (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
Dear Doug and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. As you know we didn't know Stephanie
but we know you. It seems that Stephanie was a fun loving and caring individual
just like you. She will be sadly missed. We look forward to seeing you back at
dancing. Our thoughts are with you.
Sheena Juffermans, Calgary
April 17, 2007
Hello. My name is Sheena Juffermans and first and foremost wanted to say
that I am sorry for your loss. I attended Junior High and Highschool with
Micheal and Kenneth Butler, and must say I am completey shocked that he was even
capable of something like that - should you find out he's guilty. Again Im sorry
for your loss and my prayers and best wishes go you to you and your family.
Carmen T (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
Steph was always an amazing gal with a bright smile. You'll be missed. My
sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Marcella Lee, Toronto (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
I wish there's a word that can describe my emptiness. I remember those days
when we're in class talking about our future. I remember that time when we went
to a movie together how you always smile and cherish friendship. Your wonderful
personality had inspired and shape me into becoming a better person. I will
always remember your beautiful smile, your cheerful personality and our
friendship
Vanessa Cheung, Edmonton (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
To Mike and Steph's family,
I am so sorry for your unexpected and tragic loss. I've been friends with Steph
since our 1st year at the U of A. She was such a bright and cheerful person, and
a true joy to be around. I will always have warm-hearted memories of her and she
will be deeply missed.
Shane Koren, Edmonton (from Edmonton Journal)
April 17, 2007
im sorry 4 stephs loss of life,she was the nicest person ,and had a big
heart
Amanda Nauth, Kitchener Ontario
April 17, 2007
Steph was my closest friend. She was the greatest person I've ever met. She
always brought sunshine into everything and everyone she touched. I can't even
begin to think of my favourite memory of her, because every moment with her was
sweet and unforgettable. She was so cute and sweet, and everything she did was
to make others around her happy. She was a beautiful person and I loved her so
much. There is an emptiness in my heart that will never be filled, where she
will be missed, loved and remembered forever. To Mike and Steph's parents,
please know that I will be there for you if you need anything. I love you Steph,
you were and always will be my dearest friend. Amanda
Dianne, Edmonton
April 16, 2007
To Steph, I never knew what real heartbreak was until I came across your
picture in the newspaper Monday morning. This clenching feeling in my chest will
never go away, and in a way, I’m glad, because it means I’ll always remember
you. I wish I was there for you when you really needed it. There is no worse
feeling then being labelled a “friend” – and then not being able to protect the
ones you love. I miss you. To Mike, All my grief keeps going back to you. There
is nothing I can say that hasn’t been said to you a million times – but I’ll say
it again – I’m so sorry. We love you and we plan to keep on supporting you
through this. Please keep in touch with all your friends. We need you as much as
you need us. To Steph’s Parents, You raised a beautiful daughter. I can honestly
say that I have never met anyone so carefree in my entire life. It was never
about “Stephanie”. It was always just about having a good time and not taking
things so seriously. She may have been here for a short time, but she definitely
had an impact on everyone she met. She will be remembered. Love Dianne
Catherine Smith, Edmonton (from Edmonton Journal)
April 16, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to Stephanie's family, Stephanie was a very bright
shining star in our Caritas HR family, and she is deeply missed by all. My
thoughts and prayers are with all of you.