Stacey Lynn Sulko

Taken way too soon after navigating a recurrence of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, Stacey lives on in every person whose life she touched. She leaves a legacy of love, empathy, strength, and impossible whimsy.

Stacey is survived by her mother, Diane Sulko of Alexandria, Virginia; beloved cats Toofless and Sigrit, and her chosen family, Shannon O’Donoghue, Cindy Burleson, Amy Van Meter, Ashley Dobson, Sarah Mele, and Ellen Barbosa, among many others. She also leaves behind her aunts and uncles Janet and Paul Macik of Frederick, Maryland, Jerry and Cindy Markowitz of Mount Airy, Maryland, Laura and Lenny Cline of Del Ray Beach, Florida, and cousins Steve and Maxine Marks, Brian and Jill Macik, Juniper Markowitz and Aya Montoya-Moraga, Mark and Elaine Cline, Ben Cline, Morgan and Rachel Marks.

Stacey, a Leo to her core, knew how to sprinkle magic and creativity on anything to make it AN EVENT. Big or small, she made sure it was commemorated and celebrated.

There was nothing she couldn’t elevate with the perfect costume, styled outfit, or impeccable makeup look. Stacey was always authentically herself and loved to express herself through beautiful and creative tattoos, statement jewelry, and hair the colors of the rainbow. She gave others the courage to be themselves through her example.

Halloween was her favorite time of year, always counting down the days to spooky season. She loved delicious dips and never visited someone without bringing a full snack assortment in her bag to lay out. She was a pop culture expert, fluent in everything from New Girl and Schitt’s Creek to Love Island and Dancing with the Stars to the latest horror flick.

Stacey rooted for the French Men’s soccer team, Arsenal F.C., Nationals, Caps, and Washington Commanders, but it was the U.S. Women’s soccer team that held the biggest space in her heart. She was a fierce advocate for women’s sports, especially women’s soccer. She played as a kid, making lifelong friends on the field.

She loved music and had the most gorgeous voice. She could sing any genre of music, flipping from stunning ballad to fast-paced rap without skipping a beat. She had playlists for every occasion and loved to inject humor into a situation through her song selections.

Stacey was a theater major who graduated from James Madison University in 2012. She felt theater performances deep in her soul, identifying underlying themes and finding ways to decipher even the most avantgarde piece. She could be introspective and good at self-examination, always striving to learn more and do better.

Stacey believed deeply in self-care and using that rejuvenated self to build community care. She showed up for everyone she loved, often identifying things people didn’t even know they needed and helping them in ways they couldn’t pinpoint until after the fact. She changed so many people’s lives by asking deep questions and encouraging people to pursue their dreams.

Stacey was the most incredible daughter, cat mom, and friend anyone could ever ask for. She will be so deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stacey’s honor can be made to Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, or Alzheimer’s Association.