My Dearest Stella, it’s been a year since you left us but it still feels like yesterday. I still cannot believe you are gone. Words cannot describe the loss I feel. I miss you so much, my dearest friend. I’m heartbroken!!!
The sadness never goes away the silent tears still flow, you’re thought of and so sadly missed more than you’ll ever know. However, I know you are with the Angels, safe and sound in Heaven so I hold on to the memories and treasure them with love.
I knew Stella for about 18yrs but we became best friends 7years ago when I became her manager. It was a privilege to be her manager because I didn't have to worry about her work performance. Stella’s role was one she performed with outstanding passion, sensitivity and dedication. We all use to see the enjoyment and satisfaction in her when she assisted/supported vulnerable clients in keeping their homes as well as seeing them get their lives back on track.
Stella leaves behind an incredible legacy of hard work and dedication on the front lines of the council’s homelessness response. She worked closely with both external and internal bodies very well. She was well loved and respected by her colleagues, and will be greatly missed. She was a fantastic team player and always supported her colleagues, especially the new starters, always willing to share her knowledge and experiences. The team is not the same without Stella.
Stella was always ready to smile, dance and for the lucky few- give a bone crushing hug! She had a bubbly personality, lively, warm, and always ready for a laugh. Stella loved to dance in the office and got other colleagues to join in. Stella loved her children so much and always talked about them and was very proud of their achievements. I know you would have been a wonderful grandmother so its shame you didn’t live to see your beautiful grand-daughter but I know are looking down with pride, joy and dancing in Heaven.
One of Stella’s strengths was her ability to always apologise when she thinks she had offended someone. I remember when we had a disagreement she would always call later and as soon as I picked up the phone she’d say ‘I Love You, I’m sorry HRH’ then we’d start chatting again. Stella was convinced that we were sisters and would constantly ask me ‘are sure you are not Igbo’ and I would always respond I'm positive.
We were inseparable and will call each other about 6 -7times a day. Sometimes when Stella realised we had spoken a lot in a day and she wants to talk more, she would call and pretend as if she wanted to discuss a homeless case with me and I would tell Stella I believe you don’t need an answer from me– her response would be ‘Yes, I just wanted to hear your voice again my sister’ and we would then burst into laughter and start chatting for hours. I have miss your risqué videos & messages, your laughter, our conversations, Stella– It’s not the same without you, I miss you so much my sister.
Stella we love you and miss you dearly, you will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Even though no words can really help to ease the loss we bear, just know that you are very close in our thoughts and prayer. Stella you will be forever missed, your life was a blessing. Time may pass and fade away but memories of you will always stay with us.
We love you so much but I guess God loves you more. The Heavens have again an Angel.
MAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL, KIND AND GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE My DEAREST FRIEND, STELLA!!!