Stacie Lynn Bertrand

“Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd” was music to the ears of Stacie Bertrand when her beloved Cubbies were playing. In fact, she was such a die-hard Cubs fan that her daughter’s first outing was to a Chicago Cubs game! Stacie was a fun-loving woman who worked hard, but made sure there was plenty of time for play as well, especially with her friends by her side. Whatever she put her mind to, Stacie could accomplish as she had just the right amount of fierce determination with a little bit of feistiness thrown in. It was plain to see that the sun rose and set with Malayna. As mothers go, she made sure her daughter had the very best. Although her life came to an end much too soon, Stacie leaves behind a footprint that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide.

The seventies were a time unlike any other in our nation’s history as America remained divided over its view on the war in Vietnam while women were struggling for equal rights. This was the generation that saw bellbottom pants, pet rocks, and the explosion of the station wagon as a means of transportation. This was in many ways a time when corruption rocked our nation to its core all the way from the White House to the hostile takeover of the infamous Attica State Prison in New York by the prisoners. It was during this unprecedented time that Vernon and Julia (Leighty) Bertrand welcomed the birth of their daughter, Stacie Lynn, on December 27, 1971. Born in Kankakee, Illinois, Stacie was one of three children in her family including her brother Troy and her sister, Tami. In fact, people used to think that Stacie and Tami were twins because they were only separated by 14 months and their mother dressed them alike as well. Stacie was a rather hyperactive child and was nicknamed “Spacey Stacie.” With so much energy to burn, it was always a great time when she visited her aunt’s farm where she and her siblings could run wild.

Even from a young age, Stacie proved that she had a mind of her own. She was a bit of a free spirit who often did things her way. At the young age of eight, Stacie attended her father’s company picnic where she participated in a watermelon eating contest. A determined Stacie ended up winning, beating out grown men in the process. Her family had Stacie to thank for their new gas grill that she won for her efforts. When she was about ten years old, she got into a fight at school with another girl. It started when the other girl called Stacie’s mother a name that was a bit less than cordial and Stacie would have no part of that. Without missing a beat, Stacie hit the girl. When called into the principal’s office, Stacie was asked what she learned. “Nothing,” came the reply. Although she was not naturally athletic, she did try her hand at a few sports as a young girl.

Nothing thrilled Stacie more than becoming a mother to her daughter, Malayna. She was a wonderful mother who always made sure that her daughter had the best of everything. Stacie worked to support her daughter in the sales and marketing department of the Corptax Company in Deerfield.

Those who knew Stacie knew that she loved to have fun. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Harley Davidson, she along with Troy, Beth, and David traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they were a part of the festivities. They all agreed that they had the best time.

Stacie Bertrand was a woman who often did things her own way and could even be strong willed when it came to something she was passionate about. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs, but her heart truly beat for her daughter. Stacie considered her daughter to be a treasured gift that she cherished each and every day. A truly special woman to so many, Stacie will be dearly missed.

Stacie Lynn Bertrand of Palatine and formerly of Kankakee died on July 12, 2010. Stacie’s family includes her daughter, Malayna Suzanne Bertrand of Palatine; son, Rene Bertrand Beauchemin of New York; her mother, Julia Ann Leighty of Lawrenceville; father, Vernon (Tina) Bertrand of Kankakee; brother, Troy (Beth) Bertrand of Kankakee; sister, Tami Brinkman (Rodney Spiezio) of Limestone; significant other, David E. Luna of Palatine; niece, Taryn Brinkman of Limestone; nephew, Tobie Brinkman of Limestone; aunts, Carol Cranford of Lawrenceville, Margaret (Howard) Lynn of Lawrenceville, and Ardell Morrow of TN; as well as numerous cousins. Stacie was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, John and Mary Leighty; paternal grandparents, Katherine and Harry Stoner; and uncles, John Leighty and Oren Morrow. Funeral services will be held at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes, Friday, July 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. A time for friends and family to gather will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Bourbonnais Chapel from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the fund established for Malayna’s education.