Obituary for Stacey Marie Johnson

Stacey Marie (Quade) Johnson truly embodied her mantra of being “the storm” as she weathered every high and low in her battle with cancer these past five years. She was surrounded by her “storm chasers” who showed her their outpouring of love and support throughout her treatments. Stace was tough and sassy until the very end; even when talking was a struggle, a “Hush it!” or two may have slipped out, along with some serious side-eye and a threat of a throat punch. Her resilience in this fight was something that was forged early on in her life. Stace didn’t battle nicknames like “Pee Machine” in elementary school and wear gigantic glasses that covered half her head in middle school without developing some kind of mental toughness. Throw in some braces and you get the picture: one.tough.cookie.

Stacey was the type of person who always had your back; she cared deeply for her people, and she was just as equally loved. She was always up for fun–whether that be a vacation, a concert, or a night out. Throughout her time in hospice at home, family and friends made sure to bring the energy and fun to her, whether that was in music and manicures, bracelet making, campfires, or a car parade! When she passed away on July 4th, 2023, she was at home with loved ones at her side as she peacefully went to Heaven. We’d like to think the fireworks that night had a little extra sparkle in them. It is no surprise to anyone who knows Stacey that someone as independent and feisty as she was would happen to pass away on the 4th of July–she wasn’t known for subtlety. Now every year on the 4th we can celebrate this firecracker of a woman!

Stacey was born on December 22nd, 1978 in Barron, Wisconsin to Cathie and Phil Quade, their first born child together and their only daughter. Her little brother Troy was born four years later. She was such a proud big sister, attending his wrestling matches from elementary school and up. Stacey attended elementary school and part of middle school in Barron, Wisconsin before she moved to New Richmond in 7th grade. She met some of her oldest and dearest friends during middle school who are still her “girls” to this day. They spent a lot of time together making mix tapes from the radio, driving around town, going shopping in Stillwater for clothes and “cassingles” with their hard-earned More 4/Pamida money, and going to dance clubs. Stacey graduated from New Richmond High School in 1997.

Stacey attended college at UW-River Falls and loved every second of it (except maybe her Spanish class junior year and that one time she fell over on the sidewalk and couldn’t get up because her backpack was too heavy). She met some more lifelong friends along the way and graduated in May 2001 with a degree in social work; she used her degree to be a champion and an advocate for people with disabilities. Stacey was so passionate about her work that she worked until a few months before her death and only stopped when she was no longer physically and mentally able to. She found purpose in helping people find their voice and live to their full potential.

Stacey met the love of her life, Larry Johnson, at her good friend’s birthday party in Rockford, Illinois in 2009. They hit it off instantly, and Larry moved to Minnesota to be closer to Stacey. They were married on September 10th, 2011 (9/10/11) in Minong, Wisconsin and made their home in Maple Grove, Minnesota. They welcomed their son Kevin on July 25th, 2014. He looks just like Stacey, and this fills all of our hearts with so much joy. Stacey melted when she would get Kevin’s hugs and hear “his little voice.” Stacey and Larry were perfect for each other–both goofballs with big hearts who enjoy a good dress up date night (and by that I mean 80s dress up, not formal wear) and also loved nothing more than being at home, spending time with each other, Kevin, and close friends.

Stacey was greeted in Heaven by her grandparents, Bernard and Marcella Quade and Ervin and Marian Gores, along with her uncle Bob Gores and her mother-in-law, Grace Johnson. Keeping her memory alive, along with her beloved friends, are her husband, Larry, and their son Kevin; her mom, Cathie Quade, and dad, Phil Quade; her brothers Troy (Amanda) Quade and Bob (Laura) Quade; nephews Jake, Hunter, Trevor, Luke, and Braden Quade; and her aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life for Stacey will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, located at 34 2nd St. NE. Osseo, Minnesota, 55369.

In lieu of flowers, Stacey would prefer donations to the American Cancer Society, the Melanoma Research Alliance, or to a college fund that is set up for Kevin.

Stacey is so loved. Honor her by fighting for people who can’t fight for themselves. Honor her by prioritizing your friends and family. Secure her legacy by always chasing your passion and knowing your why. Leave this world better than you found it, like Stacey did.