Stevie Josephine Rich

Stevie Josephine Rich, born June 12, 1984 in Southfield, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on January 4, 2025 at the age of 40.
Stevie, eldest child of Lisa and Joe, sister to Leslie (Ryan) and beloved parent of Eloise, is also remembered fondly by her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers. She leaves behind two beautiful cats, Butters and Mac, who are very people friendly and followed her everywhere, Mac even coming when called in her Detroit neighborhood with a whistle.
Stevie was beautiful, smart, and talented. She held numerous jobs throughout her life, among them barista in the management program at Starbucks, patient care tech in the ER, and most recently the field of construction, where she found her passion for building and design. Stevie's dream was to be a project manager; she recently secured a position with a construction firm that quickly welcomed and identified her as part of their future. Stevie was very excited about the opportunity to contribute to their success and develop her skills.
Stevie had an eye for style and looked fashionable even wearing paint-splattered hoodies or Carhartt overalls. She was an awesome, dedicated thrifter, finding unusual items, even refinishing and selling mid-century furniture for quite a profit. Meticulous in her self-expression and fearlessly independent, Stevie bought an abandoned home near Motown Museum which she, her dad, uncles, cousins and friends tirelessly worked to renovate, still in process. She hoped to have a place Eloise would be proud to come to and enjoy the city.
She was an avid skateboarder, active in the skateboard community for many years even after the bumps and bruises inherent to the sport started taking a toll on her body. Stevie loved snowboarding and ice hockey much of her life, too; she also brewed the best coffee, had a deep library of recommend-able podcasts, and cooking skills that even taught her "old dog" parents new tricks.
Family life became very important to Stevie in her adult life. She spent many evenings with her Bacci learning real family history. Bacci gave Stevie her matching antique pearl necklace and bracelet which were Stevie's prized possessions. Pierogi making with family was a favorite event that inspired some of her culinary creativity.
Stevie struggled at times but never lost her courage or imagination. No one likes to fail, and many people make sure they're never in a position to do so, but those people don't inspire us like Stevie did. She never stopped challenging herself and finding ways to grow; we should all aspire to that bravery.
We will feel the loss of our relative and friend for the rest of our lives. Stevie left us too soon before we could experience the joys of life with her and rejoice in her accomplishments. We will remain forever proud.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 12pm. Friends and family are encouraged to gather starting at 10am. Lynch Funeral Homes, 404 East Liberty Street, Milford, Michigan 48381. The family has requested friends and guests to dress in casual attire in honor of Stevie.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to the beloved daughter of Stevie, Eloise Richardson.
@elizabeth-richardson-44
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