Stephanie Marie Beatty

Stephanie Marie Beatty, age 22, of Norwich, CT, was taken from her earthly body in the early morning hours of December 8th, 2023. Born on December 7th, 2001, at Backus Hospital; she was the youngest daughter of Soraida and Daniel Beatty. Stephanie grew up in Bozrah, attending Fields Memorial School. She went on to attend Norwich Free Academy, graduating in 2019. She then attended Grand Canyon University, taking online courses with a focus in early childhood development. Stephanie was most recently employed at Junior's in Foxwoods Resort Casino. Her greatest joy came from her time spent employed at Ballestrinis Daycare in Salem. She was set to return to the children she so deeply loved at the daycare when her life was violently ended.

Stephanie spent much of her childhood camping, fishing, boating, and bike riding with her sisters. All three girls harbored an intense love for all animals and the outdoors; frequently bringing home an array of animals they found on that day's adventure to show mom and dad before releasing them back to the wild. If Stephanie wasn't out adventuring with her sisters, she was snuggled up in bed reading a book or watching The Suite Life of Zack and Cody with her mom. As a toddler, she loved to dress up in her pink plastic heels, pink boa and sunglasses as she paraded through the house passionately singing into her unplugged microphone, making sure everyone could hear her. During elementary school, she was known to be quite the little impromptu seamstress. She had a plethora of sewing machines, and much to her mother's dismay, would frequently cut up her own clothing and blankets to create her own personal "designs" which usually consisted of pillows and doll size furniture she would gift to those she loved. In middle school, Stephanie joined the Fields Memorial cheer team, something she deeply enjoyed and made many friends doing. Her short life was filled with immense joy, endless laughter, and immeasurable happiness; more than many of us may experience in a lifetime. Almost as if she knew her time here was limited, and she needed to make the most of every moment. If there is any one word to describe Stephanie's very being, it is ethereal. She was such a vibrant light in the lives of all who knew and loved her. There was no room for sadness or discontent when Stephanie was around; her main objective was to make you smile and see the joy in life, even if just for a fleeting moment. She often utilized her goofy antics or provided you with some wisdom that was far beyond her years to divert from the arduousness of life. She was a ray of sunshine; a light that was much too bright for this world.

Stephanie was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents, her uncle Donald, and her closest childhood friend, Crystal Collins. Left to mourn her devastating loss are her parents, Soraida Beatty and her fiancé David, her father, Daniel Beatty and his wife Donna, her two sisters, Nathali Munera and her boyfriend Bret, Diane Beatty, her nephew Jonah, countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends as well as two of her three beloved cats, Bambi and Precious. Tragically, Halo, her third fur baby, crossed the rainbow bridge to reunite with Stephanie on December 11th. Calling hours will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 128 Norwich Ave, in Colchester on Friday, December 15th, 2023, from 10 AM – 12 PM with funeral Mass to follow. Burial will be private; those who are not immediate family are asked to move to the St. Andrew Parish Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshment. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephanie's memory to your local animal shelter, Connecticut Children's Hospital, or to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. Stephanie's tragic murder is a cautionary tale of the dangers women face when taking the final steps to leave their abuser. She finally found the courage to put a stop to the control and the abuse she suffered for years; and just as she could see the other side, her life was snuffed out by a violent monster who refused to let her go.

Know the signs; if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available. thehotline.org

"Violence is a dark contrast to what so many of us still believe in – love." – Robi Ludwig