Stacey Renee Shay Obituary, Death: Meadville Community Mourns Beloved 42-Year-Old After Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

The Meadville, Pennsylvania, community is mourning the loss of Stacey Renee Shay, who passed away comfortably at Marquette Hospice House on August 9, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 42 years old.

Born on October 27, 1983, in Meadville, Stacey was the daughter of Robert J. Shay Jr. and the late Darla (Gamble) Shay. Her life was defined by strong family connections, a love of sports and the outdoors, and the many relationships she built throughout her years.

Stacey attended Meadville High School before continuing her education at Edinboro University. She later dedicated herself to caring for others through her work in in-home healthcare with Sunny Days.

Those who knew Stacey will remember the energy and determination she brought to everything she pursued. During her high school years, she was a standout athlete who excelled in several sports, including basketball, softball, wrestling and soccer.

Her competitive spirit and love of athletics remained an important part of who she was. Stacey was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, a passion that gave her another way to connect with family and friends and enjoy the sports she loved.

Away from athletics and work, Stacey found happiness in the outdoors and in spending time with the people and animals closest to her.

She had a particular fondness for Halloween and Christmas and enjoyed the excitement and traditions associated with both holidays. Shopping was another favourite pastime, giving her opportunities to explore things she enjoyed and create memories along the way.

Family was central to Stacey’s life.

She is survived by her son, Payton Shay, and his significant other, Heather, of Meadville. She was also a proud grandmother to Payton Jr. and Praxton.

She is survived by her father, Bob Shay, and her brother, Robbie Shay, and his significant other, Stephanie, of Saegertown.

Her nieces and nephews, RJ, Keegan, Victoria and Haley, will also carry memories of Stacey with them.

Her beloved animals were another important part of her life. Stacey is survived by her dogs, Apollo, Topaz and Ravyn, as well as her ferret, Domino.

For Stacey, pets were not simply animals in the household. They were cherished companions and part of the family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Darla; her stepfather, Jack Lackey; her godfather, Dom Mottillo; and her beloved ferret, Carmella.

The loss of Stacey comes after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout that period, she received care from medical professionals and organisations whose efforts her family deeply appreciated.

Stacey’s family has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and particularly Dr. Igor Astaturov, for their care and support.

They also extended their appreciation to the staff at Marquette Hospice House for the compassionate care Stacey received during her final days.

Hospice care provided comfort and support during an exceptionally difficult period, allowing Stacey to spend her final moments peacefully.

For her family, friends and loved ones, the days following her death will bring both grief and reflection.

At 42, Stacey leaves behind a family that will deeply feel her absence. Her son and grandchildren will carry forward memories of a mother and grandmother whose presence was an important part of their lives.

Her brother, father, nieces, nephews and extended family will likewise remember the moments they shared with her.

Friends will remember the person behind the obituary details: the athlete, Steelers fan, outdoor enthusiast, shopper, holiday lover, caregiver and devoted animal companion.

Every one of those parts of her life contributed to the person Stacey became.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The gathering will provide family and friends with an opportunity to come together, share memories and honour Stacey’s life.

Such a celebration can also serve as a reminder that although a loved one’s life has ended, the influence and memories they leave behind continue through the people who knew them.

Stacey’s family has described her as someone who was loved by all who knew her.

That love is reflected in the many relationships she leaves behind and in the memories that will continue to be shared by those closest to her.

Her life was marked by resilience, particularly during her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

The strength she demonstrated throughout that difficult period will remain part of how her loved ones remember her.

For those mourning Stacey, grief will take time.

The holidays she loved, the sports she followed, the outdoor moments she enjoyed and the everyday memories shared with family may all become especially meaningful in the years ahead.

Her dogs and ferret, who brought companionship into her life, will also remain reminders of the affection and care she had for the animals she loved.

Stacey Renee Shay leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, friendship, compassion and determination.

She will be remembered for her athletic accomplishments, her dedication to caring for others, her love of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the simple pleasures that brought her happiness.

Most importantly, she will be remembered as a daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Her passing has created a profound loss for the Meadville community and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

As family and friends prepare to celebrate her life, they will undoubtedly share stories of Stacey’s personality, humour, determination and the many experiences that made her special.

Those memories will help keep her presence alive.

Although Stacey is no longer with those who loved her, the impact she made during her 42 years will not disappear.

Her son, grandchildren, father, brother, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones will carry her memory forward.

She will continue to be remembered during holidays, sporting events, family gatherings and the countless ordinary moments when memories of her return.

Stacey Renee Shay was deeply loved, and her loss will be felt by everyone whose life she touched.

Her family will continue to honour her memory while finding comfort in the life she lived and the love she gave to others.

Though she is no longer with us, Stacey’s memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

She will never be forgotten.

May Stacey Renee Shay rest in peace.