Stefani Jo Dugas was a little girl with a head of ringlets and a mischievous smile, always trying to keep up with her older sister and cousins. Born on September 25, 1990 in Indianapolis, IN, her childhood was spent at her grandparents’ campground, where she sledded down snowy hills screaming with laughter, swam in the pool like a mermaid with her eyes wide open, and fished in the pond on long summer days.
Surrounded by her loving family in Indiana, Stefani’s life was rooted by the devotion of her grandmother, Patsy Swain and her grandfather, Jim Swain (deceased), her sister, Heather Reynolds, and her mother, Staci Baker (deceased). The four cousins (Stefani, Heather, Zachery (Tia) Campfield, and Brittni Campfield (deceased)) were her “siblings” and meant the world to her – they were her protectors and her first friends. Her aunts Shelli Bailey and Sheri Swain (Kathy Kiely) were also an integral part of Stefani’s life, a close-knit family with a common goal to be there for each other.
Stefani moved to Inverness, FL in 2000 with her grandparents and sister. A student at Pleasant Grove Elementary and a graduate of Citrus High School, Stefani benefited greatly from the educators who helped her learn valuable life skills so she could live an independent life. Her beloved grandmother, Patsy, was the guiding force who made sure that Stefani had the strength and confidence to handle anything life put in her path, and who taught her persistence, a trait all who knew her would certainly agree that she mastered.
It was at Citrus High School where Stefani met the love of her life and husband, Jeffery Dugas. In fact, Stefani’s proudest two words were “my husband.” Her 4-year marriage (and 11-year relationship) were the foundation of Stefani’s adult life. Stefani and Jeff were known around town by a network of friends and family at various workplaces like Citrus Memorial Hospital, Arbor Trail Rehabilitation Center, Angelo’s Pizza, and Walmart. They loved to go out to eat at Applebee’s, Joe’s Family Restaurant, and Wendy’s – and you could guarantee that soup was usually part of those meals. That girl sure loved her soups.
Stefani was a huge fan of thrills: she loved scary movies and especially terrifying rollercoaster rides – the faster, the higher, the better. She would crack up, wanting to go on the rides again and again, usually while Jeff opted to wait for her elsewhere (as much as Stefani was a fan of these thrills, Jeff was… not). Her honeymoon at Universal and Disney were some of the happiest days of her life.
Some of her happiest days also included time with her second cousin, Lily Williams, and her little nephew, TaytonLee Stone Keyes. Her connection with kids was pure – they always related so well to her that you weren’t sure who was the kid and who was the adult. Being Aunt Stefani brought her immense joy and we were never quite sure who would giggle the loudest when Stefani played together with either Lily or Tayton. Stefani was also a proud aunt to Jeff’s many nieces and nephews, and an important part of the Dugas clan.
Losing Stefani suddenly on August 19, 2019 has brought her family and friends deep sadness. Stefani was a lifelong fan of Winnie the Pooh, just like Brittni, the cousin she lost just two years ago. Stefani’s character grew from the Hundred Acre Wood – a fusion of Pooh’s simple wisdom, Piglet’s pragmatism and Eeyore’s skepticism. Like the family did for Brittni, we now remind ourselves of these profound life lessons, and in this case, draw inspiration from Winnie the Pooh for the way Stefani lived:
“You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
May the memories of Stefani’s infectious laugh, her bright smile, her sense of playfulness, her love for her family — and the surety that an angel has just gotten her wings — bring her family and friends comfort.
A gathering for family and friends will be on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 12 noon, at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.
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