Obituary
Posted by Mishi Methven on Oct 25, 2012
BRUNER-METHVEN, Stella Joy
Stella Joy left this world on October 22, 2012 in exactly the same way as she entered it---completely surrounded by a circle of love created by the people who meant the most to her.
Stella will be forever missed and forever remembered by her parents, Aimee Bruner and Michelle Methven, as well as her brothers Samson (born October 2011) and Hugo (born August 2012).
Stella's family feels so lucky to have had her for the last three years; she touched the hearts of her best friend and cousin, Gracie Bruner-Gonsalves as well as her Auntie Angie (Andrea Bruner), Auntie Juju (Julia Gonsalves), Auntie Heather (Heather Methven), Uncle Daniel (Daniel Pellett), cousin Xavier Methven-Pellett, Auntie Nicole (Nicole Young) and Uncle Tristan (Tristan Mohr).
Stella was blessed to have wonderful grandparents who spoiled her with love each day of her life; Poppa (Noel Methven), DeeDee (Margaret Mohr), Grand-Pa (John Bruner), Nanny (Sandra Young) and Tutu (Marilyn Emery).
Other special people in Stella's life were Frank & Arlene Steger, Jen Caldwell & Brad Needham, Grace James, Natasha Watt, the wonderful staff at Childspace 3 / Metamorphosis Daycares, DPT's of Fall 2007 and her #3191 donor siblings (Holden, Olivia and Rosie). A special message of thanks to Stella's care team including her palliative care doctors Dr. Kevin Bezanson and Dr. Parween Brar, who are not only superb Doctors, but also incredible human beings, our palliative "dream-team" of An Warnick and Em Hopkins and Stella's nurse Chris Velem, who brought much appreciated humour and warmth to our home.
Stella will be missed terribly by all her special friends (and their parents), especially her best friends Arin Akintan-Carter and Flora HayDraude, as well as her other buddies: Tobin, Aurora, Cedar, Ava, Declan, Lark, Nate, William, Eamon, Alice, Evie, Ayokari, Sky, Violet, Winter, Hugh, Zev and Maya. As these children grow up, it is our fondest wish that Stella's spirit stays alive in their smiles.
Stella's love, light, infectious laugh and huge heart will continue to guide and inspire all those whose lives she touched. Her time on this Earth was short, but her impact was huge and we will be forever thankful to have been blessed with our redheaded "force to be reckoned with". She is forever woven into the lives of so many people, and we know she will continue to inspire us from afar. To learn more about Stella and her journey, visit www.stellabrunermethven.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Max and Beatrice Wolfe Children’s Centre (Choose Max and Beatrice Wolfe Children’s Centre from the dropdown box) or Camp Oochigeas for Children with Cancer.
A private funeral for family and friends will be held next week, followed by a public Celebration of Stella's Life which will take place November 10th at 6:00pm outdoors in Riverdale Park West (just outside the gates of Riverdale Farm), rain or shine. You are invited to bring yourselves and your children, and come remember this special girl with us. BYOT (Bring Your Own Timbits)!
The light of a distant star continues to reach the Earth long after the star itself is gone.
Comments (47)
Darlene:
Apr 03, 2013 at 04:38 PM
So beautifully written. Stella's soul is free, may she rest in peace. God bless all of you. xo
carmela morelli:
Dec 28, 2012 at 05:50 PM
although I don't know any of you I have read about Stella in the toronto Star. I was touched and felt like I knew Stella and I apreciate very much that my boys 9 & 11 are in my life. Somedays
when they are fighting all the time and I don't know what to do with them I think of precious Stella. Thanks for sharing this very private story with all of us who now remember Stella in their thoughts. Rip Stella you have touched more than you know.
to Stella's parents I wish you best wishes from hear on.
Sandra MacKay:
Dec 09, 2012 at 12:07 AM
I have been reading about Stella. I heard about this blog from some friends of mine, but couldn't muster the strength to read it because it tapped into my greatest fear and this is losing my only child, my beautiful daughter who 12. I am in awe of the strength of you both and your circle of friends and family. Stella was a beautiful girl and very lucky to have had all of you in her life. God Bless all of you. God bless her two mothers who are incredibly brave women.
Rosa:
Dec 08, 2012 at 12:59 PM
I cannot imagine what you have endured with the loss of your beautiful little girl. She reminds me so much of my own daughter who is the same age and cried so hard when reading your story. I am touched by the precious little girl who you lost. I am truly sorry. I believe she is high above the clouds looking down on everyone and smiling happily or playing a prank and laughing. What a lesson children can teach us - they are a blank canvas and enjoy life and each moment - and as adults we rarely do that. There is nothing more beautiful than the smile and the innocence of a young child. I treasure every moment with my own daughter when she tells me she loves me and gives me a kiss. Those moments cannot ever be replaced. One day if I'm lucky she'll grow up and then she'll have her own life and interests and I'll be a lesser part of hers. But I treasure every moment I have now with her while she still thinks I'm the coolest thing ever.
Love and best wishes.
Happy:
Nov 14, 2012 at 07:22 PM
Though I never met you, I nevertheless felt part of your journey. I often think of Stella, a little girl who touched my life, all the way in Chile and I smile, even though my heart aches in my chest, I smile at the memory of Stella. May the father of all grace and comfort keep you and your family. Much, much love to you. Dios los guarde, mucho amor desde Puerto Montt, Chile.
sarah:
Nov 10, 2012 at 03:19 PM
I have been thinking of you all and sending fierce love from the beginning, and will continue to. I won't ever forget that beautiful grin... The world is a better place for having held her for this short time and everyone who has been touched by her life, forever altered.
Love & light,
henderson
Kaleigh:
Nov 06, 2012 at 07:35 PM
We are thinking of you every day and want to express our deepest sympathies of your loss.
Much love and blessings, Kals, Gav, Ella, Devin, and Hudson
Crystal:
Nov 04, 2012 at 08:12 PM
Although I don't know either of you- you have been in my thoughts and prayers since I linked to this blog a year ago. I am so sorry for your loss and would like to thank you for sharing this part of your life with us in the way that you did. Stella I believe has touched so many people, and her life will never be forgotten.
Barbara Brown:
Nov 02, 2012 at 09:41 AM
Mishi, Aimee and everyone,
My heart is full of love for you, for Stella. I have heard the story along the way through our mutual friends, and only have the utmost respect for your courage and capacity. To accept the invitation Stella Joy gave you about learning how to love deeply - that is the hardest and most essential human journey. I love you.
Mary Jane:
Nov 02, 2012 at 12:17 AM
I was reading the globe & mail on October 24, turning the pages one by one...reading articles i can't even remember & then i turn a page...the most sparkling smiling looking up at me...my first instinct was to smile...what a beautiful little girl...then i realized this smile was not to some funny little article celebrating a moment in a little girls life but the unthinkable...i turned the page back...i couldn't look...it was an obituary...tears instantly in my eyes & i was overcome with grief.
I calmly tried to compose myself...i was not alone & didn't want to alarm anyone.
With a few deep breaths i decided that i needed to know what happen to this beautiful angel...i turned the page back & read the most heartfelt words from 2 mommies...
I took the obituary out of the paper & quickly went to my office where i could finally break down...how could this happen...why does this happen...what possible reason would taking something so precious make any sense at all...
The remainder of my day at work was robotic as thoughts of this little girls family & the devastation they must be feeling.
I didn't know these people but hurt for them.
I noticed the web site at the bottom of the obituary so i waited until i was home to visit the site.
Once i visited the site the story began.
Each nite since, i have read the posts one by one from the beginning, like reading a story knowing how it will end.
I was so deeply moved from the 1st post to each one that followed...weeping quietly while everyone slept...laughing at the photos & videos of a child so Joyful & Precocious...to know her was to truly love her...
I was amazed at the complete dedication of entire family to this silly little "imp"...dedication to each other to make the most of every moment.
I wish i could have been part of your support system but i had no idea what was going on in the world at that time.
You see, I have a little girl of my own...her name is Scarlett Sofia...she is 16 months old...she was born June 23, 2011...i brought my baby home from the hospital June 24...the same day your baby received the diagnosis that changed hers & your lives forever.
STELLA JOY...a pretty name for a star...
I think of all the milestones Scarlett reached as Stella's were lost...
STELLA JOY...means never give up & defy the odds
I am grateful for the day i turned the page & saw your daughters sparkling face.
STELLA JOY...means being who you are on your own terms
I always wondered if i would have patience to raise a child since i had her in my 40's & the first few months were terrifying wondering if i was doing it right...wondering if i passed on some kind health defect because i had her in my 40's.
Then i read your posts...the lessons i have learned i am forever grateful to you.
STELLA JOY, Mishi, Aimee, thank you for showing me how to appreciate the now...to be in the now with my family & not thinking of tomorrow while a pair of innocent eyes are looking up at me as if to say "i'm here...be here with me..."
Before i turned the page of the news paper & saw STELLA JOY i was too busy doing house work while Scarlett played on her own because things needed to be done...now i set aside those menial tasks & i play with Scarlett every waking moment she is with me...i stare at her constantly so that i don't miss anything.
Time with her is a gift that i won't take for granted...i owe that to you.
Now to answer your question...will the memories fade...will you forget...i promise you STELLA JOY is forever imprinted on your soul...i have lost my father at 30 & a close relative that was as close to me as a sister when i was 17...no time can erase their impact on my life...
STELLA JOY means life & love
no time will erase that curly haired red head with passion for life & love...
I wish you peace of mind & heart...
Sadly i won't be able to come Nov. 10th (work)...i will go on the 11th to pay my respects...i think Scarlett will like it...she's my sandy brown curly haired little "imp"
LOVE & HUGS...MJ & Scarlett
NOTE: please continue with this blog...consider taking all that you have written & put it in a Memoir of Stella's Joy...It will bring your sons close to their sister the angel with wings...dancing & twirling...
Go to Comment Page 1 2 3 4 5