Stacy Berkshire

Stacy Berkshire obituary

Stacy Berkshire

Stacy Berkshire Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Jowett Family Funeral Home - Benzonia on Aug. 1, 2025.

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"Happiness is spending days together with your grown children and partners, and realizing that you've won the lottery in life." – Stacy, 02/2025.

Stacy was vibrant, loving, adventurous and joyful – and she made friends everywhere she went. She loved her family fiercely, including her furry family, and she would always drop everything to help when help was needed. The world was happier and brighter when she was in it.

Stacy Berkshire passed away on July 29th, 2025 at the age of 65. She was born on August 3rd, 1959 to Shirley and Theron Huffman in Paw Paw, Michigan. Stacy was one of four children, and she often recounted some of her favorite memories with them growing up,

including playing outside, wading through the creek, gathering and drying elderberry blossoms and spending time almost every day with her grandma and grandpa, Olga and Ralph Masten, who she dearly loved.

In high school, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia for her dad's job where she spent her freshman year. That year started her love of travel and exploration she held throughout her life. Her hobbies in her high school years revolved around theatre, band, art and many athletics, enjoying tennis in particular which her dad coached her in.

When she turned 17, she took it upon herself to write to the American Field Scholars so that she could participate in an exchange program. This allowed her to live in the Philippines for one summer, an experience she always credited with so much of her personal growth and understanding of different cultures. When she left the Philippines, she was set to have a layover in Los Angeles before returning to Michigan. But when her plane landed in L.A., she decided to take the belongings she had, walk off the plane and start a new chapter in southern California. There, she enrolled in college and worked various jobs for 4 years before moving back to the Midwest after taking a cross-country road-trip with her brother Greg in her little red Fiat.

In the winter of 1983, while living in Chicago, she met and fell in love with Brad Berkshire, and they were married 10 months later. Together, they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she managed the Gantos flagship store in the Woodland Mall.

It was in Grand Rapids where she and Brad started a family, having three children:Hayley, Bart and Mette, who all still reside in Michigan. She continued to have a successful career throughout her life; joining Liz Claiborne before returning to Gantos

(Corporate Office), then joining Wolverine World Wide in Human Resources before accepting a role at Perrigo where she spent the majority of her career. She first worked from Allegan, Michigan within Human Resources and then later took multi-year

assignments in Braunton, England (moving into Quality Operations); Minneapolis, Minnesota; Gent, Belgium; and Dublin, Ireland, ending her career as Sr. Vice President Supply Chain & Operations Reinvention. In 2021, Stacy and Brad moved back to the

U.S., relocating to Arcadia, Michigan, the town and community she had always loved.

Outside of work, she also enjoyed music, hiking, yoga, morel mushroom-hunting, pickleball, running, gardening, walking her dogs and anything outdoors. Some of her favorite outdoor accomplishments included hiking Machu Picchu, the Tour du Mont Blanc, the South West Coast Path in the U.K, the West Highland Way in Scotland and Hadrian's Wall Path in Northern England. She was extremely active and ran dozens of half marathons as well as five full marathons. Stacy was also very involved with Purdue and drew so much joy from teaching and spending time in Africa. In the last year-and-a-half of her life, she became a grandmother which was her favorite role. She spent as much time as possible with her granddaughter, reading to her, going on walks, swinging, dancing and making her laugh – and she was absolutely adored by her.

Stacy is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Brad; her three children, Hayley (Nicolas), Bart (Andy) and Mette (Katelyn); her granddaughter, Belle; her mother, Shirley; her siblings, Jeff (Darsi), Greg and Leslie (Mike); her mother-in-law, Margaret;

and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Stacy Berkshire's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 12, 2025

Brian Nyabuto posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2025

Jennifer Johnson planted trees.

August 15, 2025

Sandy Hatten posted to the memorial.

Brian Nyabuto

September 12, 2025

Prof. Stacy was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of learning from her. Her lectures were not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping minds, sparking curiosity, and challenging us to think beyond what was in front of us.
Though she is no longer with us, her influence remains deeply woven into the lives she touched especially while teaching us in the BIRS African program.
Rest well Prof. Stacy. Rest with the angels. My sincere condolences to her family and ftiends.

Single Memorial Tree

Jennifer Johnson

Planted Trees

Sandy Hatten

August 15, 2025

Though I had not been in contact with Stacy in recent years, I have so many wonderful memories of working with her at Perrigo. She was a smart gal with a great sense of humor. Loved her.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Nancy Porter

Planted Trees

Emason Mshana

August 13, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Stacy. It was a true privilege to be her safari guide in Tanzania. We shared many wonderful stories-from medicinal plants to local foods and animals. Her kindness, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and everyone who loved her.

Treece Family

August 12, 2025

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord. And, let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. And, may her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Leslie's Farmers Team

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Roger,Samuel,Tom,Vero,Eric,Mesh,Moses-Kenya PhD

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Single Memorial Tree

OsborneKlein

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Monica Koenig

August 7, 2025

I met Stacy in the Fall of 2018 when I joined the Purdue BIRS Africa instructional team in Moshi, Tanzania. As a fellow "quality-phile" and traveler, we had much to connect on. It was a privilege to team-teach with her and Louis Yu and share our knowledge with, and learn from, our students over the years. As time passed and the program moved from Moshi, and now to Tengeru, I recall fondly not only our work, but our walks over the purple carpet of jacaranda flowers with a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Moshi, to walks in the shadow of Mt. Meru in Tengeru over the last few years, and especially now, this past March. During these walks and down time, we all chatted about family, travel and friends. Stacy spoke with love and pride of her family, (she was especially grateful for Belle), life in Acadia, travel (her trip with her sister in the last year or so), attending/watching Purdue football games with Brad (a passion she shared with Dr. Byrn). Stacy brought light and life into a room with just her presence, and her ever-present smile. She will be missed. I pray that the joy of life she packed into everyday of her life sustains you all in this time of loss. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace, and may the memories of your life with her continue to bless you all.


(photo from Fall 2024 as some of the faculty prepared to leave Tengeru)

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Elizabeth O'Brien

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Jane Mashingia

August 5, 2025

Dear Prof.Stacy,thank you for your generous spirit and passion for training emerging African leaders in Leadership, Management Organisations ,and Business Processes. Your sessions were more than lectures -they were transformative experienced that empowered participants to lead with integrity, vision and purpose. We will surely miss you as a cherished mentor, educator and leader who left an indelible mark on the BIRS Africa Cohort. May your gentle and beautiful soul rest in peace . Amen! Goodbye Prof.Stacy.

Mercy Amaka Okezue

August 4, 2025

I have many fond classroom memories of Stacy and her exceptional teaching and mentoring abilities. The Purdue University BIRS community will miss the energy she brings to our learning group activities. May God comfort all family members in Jesus name, Amen!

Ifunanya Ezekiel

August 4, 2025

Dear Prof Stacy, thank you for the time you spent teaching us and sharing from your wealth of experience. I always looked forward to your classes because you made them so practical and memorable. I wish you could be still be here but God knows best.

Wendy

August 4, 2025

Many good memories of Stacey .. her family lived across road from my Grandma and many of fun times hanging over there when we visited.. such a long time ago but makes me smile thinking back of the fun we had when we were young.. May the lord wrap you in his loving arms dear Stacey.

Brenda kitimbo

August 4, 2025

Prof Stacy believed in experiental learning.She didnot teach us the theory she made us live it preparing us for real world challenges of leadership and communication .I will always remember the role play skit on difficult conversations. Gone too soon

Single Memorial Tree

Brian and Jeri-Lynn Bailey

Planted Trees

Heaven Sent Floor Basket

The Chippewa Hotel Family

Sent Flowers

Veronica Thuku

August 4, 2025

Prof. Stacy,
We never finished our discussion on the cost of quality, but you got me off to a brilliant start. I´ll always cherish your encouraging words, thought-provoking ideas, and enthusiasm in engaging me on this topic, among many others you offered guidance in. Rest well. Sending love and light.
To the family, please accept my deepest condolences. Prof. Stacy's wisdom and kindness touched many lives, and I am grateful for the time we in the Purdue BIRS Africa program had with her.

Colette Ifudu

August 4, 2025

Dear Prof Stacy my beloved teacher in the BIRS Purdue African cohort. Full of live and love.A mentor and a friend. You will surely be missed .Farewell my dear Prof Stacy.Rest peacefuly in the bossom of the almighty.

Emma Mbabazi

August 4, 2025

I will surely miss my teacher, mentor and friend. Always full of laughter, creating skits to help us learn about quality systems at Purdue BIRS Africa symposia. My prayers to the surviving family and friends.

Monica Agu

August 4, 2025

Hmmm! So it wasn´t a dream, it´s real! Prof Stacy has actually returned to her maker. Prof Stacy, may the Angels lead you home. You have touched lives, you have left a legacy especially in Africa through the Purdue BIRS program. May God adorn you with the crown He has prepared for you! Adieu!!!

Tonda Hood Warner

August 3, 2025

Stacy was a class mate of mine at the Elementary Michigan Avenue School. She had a beautiful smile that made you instantly at ease. She was sweet and kind to everyone. In reading her life story her love of nature and joyful spirit touched so many lives. Prayers of comfort and peace to her family and friends at this really sad and difficult time. She will always be someone who made my childhood memories a little brighter.

Betsy Gundry

August 3, 2025

Prayers for all the familes members. So sad to hear this today. I will keep her in my heart. She will be missed!

ray moran

August 3, 2025

Brad & Family
We are shocked and saddened to hear of our dear friend Stacys untimely passing.
Little did we know when we stopped to help 2 seemingly lost folk on the side of the road in Dublin that they would become such good and valued friends. This was how we first met Brad & Stacy shortly after they first arrived in Ireland.
Arising out of this random meeting Brad and Ray became regular golf partners and friends . Similarly with Stacy and Pauline as we all spent many happy days in Dublin , later in their beautiful home in Arcadia and most recently in Nashville where a stand out memory has to be our night at The Grand Old Opry .
We are saddened not to have the chance to spend more time and make many more such memories but feel sure that Stacy would approve of us arranging to have 100 memorial trees planted in her honour and memory in an area of greatest need and providing oxygen annually for up to 200 people in the great outdoors where she was happiest.
We offer our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to Brad, Hayley , Mette and of course the beautiful Belle.
May Stacys' gentle soul rest in peace .

Ray & Pauline Moran , Sutton, Dublin, Ireland

Tim Ellis

August 2, 2025

I am so saddened by the loss of Stacy. Growing up together in Almena, Michigan, I spent many, many days with all the Huffman kids. And even though I have three sisters of my own, all several years older than I, Stacy was like a sister my own age. A classmate throughout school. An adventure partner over the summers. A dear friend. She was always the most positive, optimistic person in any group. You couldn´t help but be happy and uplifted in her presence. We often went many years between contacts. But each time we got together, we always picked up right where we left off, like true life friends. I´m going to miss those catchups dearly. I wish all the best to the Berkshire and Huffman families.
Tim Ellis
Fallbrook, CA

Nancy Story

August 2, 2025

There was no porch big enough to hold all of the people who called Stacy a friend. It would have had to wrap around the world.

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Jowett Family Funeral Home - Benzonia

7223 South Street, Benzonia, MI 49616

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Sign Stacy Berkshire's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 12, 2025

Brian Nyabuto posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2025

Jennifer Johnson planted trees.

August 15, 2025

Sandy Hatten posted to the memorial.