https://www.gofundme.com/f/she-spent-her-life-caring-for-others-now-her-family-needs

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells, which line organs and produce bodily fluids like mucus and digestive juices. My mother, Stephanie O’Connor, had suffered with this cancer for many months and very unfortunately lost her life from it. People should know, not just what she did or what happened to her, but who she was as a person because she deserved to have everyone know her name.

Three people were interviewed, who were very fond of her, such as her husband, sister, and best friend because they saw Stephanie for who she was more than anyone else.

Interview with Patrick O’Connor:

How has Stephanie’s passing affected you mentally?

“I miss her everyday”.

What was your favorite memory with Stephanie and why?

“First trip to Disney with you kids. She was so happy”.

What did you love most about Stephanie and why?

“She was the most beautiful and loving person and she put up with my jokes”.

What was your first thought when you heard that Stephanie had passed away?

“I was very sad and especially sad for you guys”.

Do you think everything will still be the same even without Stephanie here?

“Things will be different and we will continue to miss her but we will keep on living and getting better because that’s what she would have wanted”.

Patrick O’Connor was her husband and would only ever see the good in her, even in tough times. Her passing has left a huge hole in his heart that can never be fixed, but he remains strong for his kids and with the memories of his wife.

Interview with Billie Mahoney:

How has Stephanie’s passing affected you mentally?

“I’m angry. I have a lot of guilt that it was her and not me. I feel empty without her. She was not just my sister, she was my best friend, my protector, and my greatest source of strength. Her passing is leaving an emptiness and a sense of disorientation in my life. I am struggling to find the same sense of security I once had within my life”.

What was your favorite memory with Stephanie and why?

“When we ran the witch city 5K in Salem in October 2019”.

What did you love most about Stephanie and why?

“She loved me without judgement. She was patient. Her quiet strength. I admired how she wanted to be strong for us, even when her world was crumbling apart. I loved everything about her. I loved how good she was to you kids. She was an amazing mom”.

What was your first thought when you heard Stephanie had passed away?

“Um.. my first thought was this is forever. I will never talk to her again”.

Do you think everything will still be the same even without Stephanie here?

“Nothing can be the same without her here. But I will make sure we will keep her memory alive. And do all I can to make sure you are all safe and loved”.

Billie Mahoney was her sister and knew her better than anyone else did. My mother was a role model for her and me and that’s what we remember everyday about her. There is no saying on how much Stephanie’s passing has affected Billie, she knows that she is still here with us.

Interview with Sarah Martinez:

How has Stephanie’s passing affected you mentally?

“I think my mental health has shifted to sadness. At first I was scared and felt helpless. Now, I am very sad and also very tired which makes my energy level pretty low”.

What was your favorite memory with Stephanie and why?

“1. Going to the beach when you all were at the first day of school.

2. Taking our walks through town.
3. Camping.
4. Laughing for hours and enjoying her company (what I’ll probably miss the most).
5. Our big trip to Universal and Disney”.

What did you love most about Stephanie and why?

“She loves people unconditionally. She loves you guys and your dad, and you all made her so proud and so happy. She was a great role model for me. I loved her laugh, and I’ll miss her voice”.

What was your first thought when you heard Stephanie had passed away?

“I hoped we all made her proud”.

Do you think everything will still be the same even without Stephanie here?

“No, I don’t. I think we’ll get to a new normal but it will never be the same without her here”.

Sarah Martinez was her best friend, they pretty much did everything together. Sarah will miss doing random things with my mom and my sister (sometimes) on the weekends and on vacations but if me, my family, and her family, together, continue to go on how things were, even if we are missing a piece of our puzzle, it will be like she is still here with us in the moment.

Each person that has been with Stephanie has had a very different reaction, some are in shock and others are in emotional withdrawal. There is no saying how big the hole is in our hearts, what with losing a part of us that was so important and special. Stephanie’s GoFundMe is for my family and the funds will help us with a lot of stuff like bills and after school activities for me and my siblings. If you would like to consider donating, the link is at the top of this article, and remember that even if we can’t see her she is always still here.