Obituary of Stacey Lynn Kanna

December 6, 1969 – Calgary, Alberta

August 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Stacey Lynn Kanna of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2024, after 54 amazing years of loving deeply and without condition. She was surrounded by her proud family, listening to her favorite music, "Who let the dogs out", while she shed the body that could no longer serve her incredible spirit.

Stacey's family understood immediately that she was a special gift to all who would know her, special beyond her needs as a person with Down's Syndrome.

She was loved by those who cared for her and taught us much about communication beyond words–Stacey taught us a different language of love and friendship.

She was an athlete in several events for the Special Olympics from 1986-2019. Stacey was a source of encouragement and inspiration to her teammates as well as her opponents; she joyfully cheered for every player! Never one to want the spotlight alone, she memorably turned back to the start line mid-race to collect and encourage a reluctant teammate to join. She was funny, gentle, kind, and humble. She may not have understood her own accomplishments, but she certainly made sure to celebrate the milestones of those she loved.

Stacey had a rich professional history and a strong work ethic. Supported through the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC), she was very proud to be a part of her work and volunteer teams where she could cooperate and share her knowledge with others.

With a decline in her health and mobility in the last five years, she relied on her dedicated care team at Clifton House for her daily care tasks, and they welcomed her and treated her like family. We thank the wonderful nurses and support staff for their care, communication, and love. We also thank the supportive roommates who became like family over the years, Brigitte, BJ, Caryl, Jeff, Julia, and their extended families.

While at Clifton Manor, Stacey most looked forward to her frequent visits with her sister Cora, who looked forward to those visits even more. Cora will miss Stacey the most; her smile, her laugh, and her soft, sweet hand to hold.

Stacey was predeceased by her fiercely supportive parents, Martha and Joe, who not once let assumptions or prejudgments about abilities or disabilities limit Stacey's endeavors.

She is survived by her big sister Cora, close family members, Barry (Dakota), Wendy, and Laura (Barb); several cousins, companions, friends, and furry family members.

A Celebration of Stacey’s Life will be held at Renfrew Community Hall (811 Radford Rd NE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join for a short program starting at 2:30 p.m. Following, we will gather to share stories, reminisce, and celebrate the remarkable life of Stacey.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary, 4631 Richardson Way SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7B8, Telephone: 403-240-3111, www.ddrc.ca, or to a charity close to your heart.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stacey’s family here.

In living memory of Stacey Lynn Kanna, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.