Joey Stomps

“Joey was a gift that we had for 25years.
She was beautiful and engaging, she radiated brightness. It was so easily that she loved her family and all so easily loved her back.
Whatever Joey did she injected a delicious sense of fun and adventure. If Joey was there it would be guaranteed we’d be dancing, smashing piñatas, playing twister or singing karaoke.”

“I first met Joey when she arrived at Frensham in Year 8. In walked this beautiful, gorgeous, blonde haired and blue eyed girl who shone with and air of friendliness, kindness and laughter that meant we were all dying to be friends with her. Always popular at school, always adored, Joey was the one who could always make everyone laugh. Humble, honest and genuine – she was everybody’s friend.”

“Joey was such an exceptional individual. I have never met anyone like her and am sure I never will again. Her persona and nature epitomize all things beautiful, I think her grandmother described Joey as a flower recently. I imagine a huge big sunflower.”

The above are excerpts from 3 of the eulogies at Joey’s memorial service. Also included in the eulogies were the frustrations and the funny “Joey stories” borrowing and losing many things; arriving late; playing tricks; but always there for friends and family. Joey certainly had a unique approach to living, she was so accepting of difference and embraced everyone.

Joey achieved a lot in her 25 years. Amongst her achievements were graduating and working as a primary school teacher, receiving loads of gymnastic trophies, school sporting awards for swimming and skiing and being an amazing surfer, Joey was very proud of a surfing photo taken in Hawaii that appeared in a girls surfing magazine.

Joey suffered from severe depression and after recovering from 2 episodes found the third too much to bear. After her death on 13th June 2007 our house was filled with friends across three generations, they provided huge doses of comfort and support to us and to each other, sharing Joey stories that we loved hearing and hope this will continue for ever.

For Joey’s family and many friends “without her I don’t think the sun will ever shine quite so brightly” but we will remember and celebrate having Joey in our lives for 25 years and all the precious memories and gifts she has given us.