It is with great sadness and disbelief that we announce the passing of Stephanie Bishop (35) on April 1, 2022 in Corvallis, Oregon.

Stephanie grew up in Fortuna, where she attended Fortuna High School. She was beautiful, and was so smart, she spent most of her post-high school career focusing on education, she loved attending school and expanding her knowledge. She loved to learn so much that she obtained various degrees and certificates throughout her time in college and had big plans for her future.

It is no secret that Stephanie went through difficult periods during her short time on this Earth, but she was so much more than her struggles. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend, but her favorite title, by far, was ‘Mom’. Alexander was her ‘North Star’. She was absolutely devoted to her son; he gave her a new sense of purpose. He was her greatest gift, and most honored accomplishment. Stephanie loved being a mother, she grew into the roll so naturally, you could not doubt she was fated to be his mom. It was the best time in her life; She was happy, healthy, she was not only proud of him, but she was proud of herself for being the mother she always wanted to be. She beamed when she spoke of him and loved to share photos of him, which she kept with her always.

Stephanie was very close to her father. When he passed, he took a piece of her with him. She could not bear the pain of losing him, and with that loss, we lost a part of Stephanie. Although she spent the final portion of her life confined by her fading mental health, she never stopped fighting for her life back. She put her faith in God and never gave up hope that one day she would be able to be the person she knew she was capable of being, not only for herself, but for her family. She put in the work to get better every day, but as strong as she was, the burden was too hard to bear.

But that is not Stephanie’s legacy; she was so much more than her afflictions. She was a bright light, her smile could light up a room, and we treasured that light. She made friends everywhere she went. Her laughter as precious as it was contagious. She was a good person with a huge heart, a loving daughter and attentive mother, an empathetic soul who deeply cared for others. When she was happy, we were all happy and when she struggled, we all struggled with her. That was the hardest part for her — as we worried about her, she worried about us instead.

Stephanie is survived by her son, Alexander, mother, Tamara Bishop, Brother, Ryan (Cassi) Bishop and their children Noah and Sawyer, sister, Lindy (Steve) Murray, and their children Makayla, Riley and Caleb, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Predeceasing her in death was her father, Bill Bishop.

Just as we loved her, we are mourning her loss just as deeply. However, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, flying with butterflies and finally reunited with her dad. A celebration of life will be held at St. Bernard’s church on May 14, 2022, at 12 p.m. followed by a reception at Samoa Women’s Club at 1:30 p.m.

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