Stacey Michelle Paternoster

Stacey was born in Concord, California. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sandra L. Harrington and Robert F. Cottrell, her first husband Randy L. Gale, and her brother, William C. Patterson. At the time of her death, Stacey was survived by her second husband, Richard P., despite having been separated for many years. She is also survived by her sons, Bryan (and Brandi) Gale, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jeremie Paternoster of Fountain, Colorado; her daughter, Tammy (and Josh) Kirby, along with two grandchildren, Aden and Adalynn, of Fountain, Colorado; four sisters, Vicki Gray of Arlington, Texas, Judy (and Bruce) Werren of El Cerrito, California, Betty McGraw of Nipomo, California, and Brenda Rajotte of Pioneer, California; and several nephews and nieces. Stacey is best remembered by many of her family and friends as kind, loyal, caring, and having a heart of gold.

Stacey met Randy Gale shortly after high school. Their love story began as Randy embarked on his journey with the U.S. Navy, and the couple married soon after. Military life took them across the globe, creating memories in every place they called home. Their first child, Bryan, was born in Texas in the summer of 1987, followed by their daughter, Tammy, born in Guam in 1989. The family settled briefly in Washington before moving to Topeka, Kansas, in 1993. That year marked a sorrowful chapter as Randy passed away in March.

In early 1994, Stacey found love again with Richard, and together they moved to Germany. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Jeremie, in 1994. Two years later, they settled in Colorado, where Stacey would leave a lasting impact within her community.

Stacey’s passion for helping others shone through her volunteer work at the Fountain Valley Senior Center. Her dedication led her to a role as Site Manager with Golden Circle, where she enriched the lives of many. She later became a Café Coordinator at Silver Key, continuing her commitment to serve with kindness and dedication.

Stacey will be remembered for her boundless generosity, resilient spirit, and the love she shared with everyone she met. She touched countless lives with her warmth, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Stacey loved good food, crafting, socializing, helping others, spending quality time with family and friends, and always with a beautiful smile.