Stella, pronouns she/her, was born February 15th, 1991.

Stella was a certified sushi chef. She was also a devoted vegan, vegan cook and a fierce animal and human rights activist. She was passionate for LGBTQ rights and all marginalized humans in the world.

Stella knew nearly every movie made and the casts, loved true crime, comedies and horror movies. Growing up she loved theatre and was a wonderful actor who could memorize entire scripts with one reading.

Stella found the person who stood out from the crowd by their heart and their struggles. Those are who she connected to. She was open about her battles in a broken mental health care system including the severe trauma for transgender individuals and access to critical care. This included the lack of quality treatment centers in Denver for severe eating disorders, including Eating Recovery Center and the trauma-induced care that was inflicted upon her. It was Stella’s last wish to let this be known.

Her story was one that her Mother told to provide key testimony to legislators which resulted in the enactment of new laws in Colorado in response to her experiences in our broken mental health care system. She pioneered change all the way through the end of her life with her Mom, Stepfather Damon, Aunt Linda and Greg ceaselessly marching alongside her in the harrowing battle.

One of her doctor’s final messages: “I’ll miss you Stella. You are a beautiful soul. This world is too harsh for you. Rest easy. May this next life be easier.”

There is a quote, “Don’t leave the world without having had made your mark on it.” Stella did just that. Her legacy will live on.

Stella had insight that surpassed this Earth’s understanding.

You are finally at peace, dear girl. You are not gone. You are finally free.

Stella is survived by her Mom, Maree, her Stepdad, Damon, Dad and Stepmom, Grandma, Nana, four aunts, uncle, two cousins. She is also survived by her incredible friends and every soul whose life she profoundly touched. Stella’s wish was for everyone to be kinder humans and to love others for exactly who they are. So be kinder today. Remember Stella as you support that the right decision is always what the most loving decision is. This was her message for the world and for each of us.

Stella touched those who knew and loved her by her honesty, courage, and above all else, her authenticity. Some thoughts from those her knew her best:

“Beautiful, kind.”

“Deep and wise.”

”A beautiful woman.”                    

“She made me feel seen.”

“An old and beautiful soul.”

“Real, funny, smart, protective.”

“You will forever have a place in my heart.”

“Fearless, compassionate, gentle, generous.”

“I know no one who fought more, you fought so hard.”

“It breaks my heart to say goodbye but know she is in some place better.”

“Showed me unconditional love and support in the darkest times of my life.”

“To love and be loved by Stella is the best blessing I’ve had and ever will have in this life.”

“I’ll miss your laugh, your straightforwardness and how happy you made me the time I knew you.”

“She bolstered acceptance and never demanded anything more than what you were in the moment.”

“Someone I could always be myself with and seen for exactly who I was, and this was all she wanted in return of others.”

“Stella had a reality-based outlook on life, which reminded me that life was about appreciating not only the big things but also the small things such as a flower, raccoons and music.”

“People who feel too much like you, are what make the world a better place for people like me.”

“I can’t wait to meet you again as a bird or butterfly, you said you wanted to be the butterfly.”

“Unashamedly genuine, despite the many prejudices or challenges she faced.”

“You have inspired me and reminded me daily of what I will keep fighting for.”

“I hope that wherever you are, you never forget how loved you are.”

“Stella’s light was too bright to be contained in her body.”

“I’m honored and humbled by your presence in my life.”

“You were caring, loving and compassionate.”

“In a superficial world, she was transparent.”

“Gave me unconditional acceptance.”

“Unique, with a higher perspective.”

“Complex, misunderstood.”

“Beautiful inside and out.”      

“One of a kind.”

May 11 2025
From Maree McRae about her first Mother’s Day without Stella:

"I found an old cassette of this when moving last month. It had a song with lyrics that Stella's Dad and I had written when Stella was born. I then added the music and arrangement, and recorded it for her to have one day.

I had planned for her to one day listen to it and have it. But that day never happened, because life takes us on different roads we never expected and Stella left the world too early. Somehow I know she is listening, and I give this in your memory and with love to you this day my Stella.

It’s my first Mother’s Day without you. I love you so much and miss you so. I celebrate you are in a realm of peace finally. I’m with you and you with me and all of us, forever."

Song: Little Heart of Mine
Performed by Maree McRae
Written by Maree McRae & Steve Smith
©1991 Maree McRae Music. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more about Maree McRae's Music: MareeMcRaeMusic.com