Help Stephanie Wallis Heal After John's Passing

My name is Samantha Cooley and I am fundraising on behalf of Stephanie Wallis.

On April 25, 2025, Stephanie Wallis’ world changed forever when her fiancé, John Weston, passed away unexpectedly.

Stephanie and John were planning their future together and preparing to start the next chapter of their lives. His sudden passing has left Stephanie facing not only overwhelming grief, but also the reality of needing time away from work to process, heal, and manage the many responsibilities that follow such a loss.

We are asking for your support to help ease Stephanie’s financial burden during this time.

All donations will go directly toward:

Covering rent and essential living expenses while Stephanie takes time off work

Managing any unforeseen expenses that arise in the months ahead

Giving her the ability to focus on healing without the immediate pressure of financial worry

Any amount you’re able to give would make a meaningful difference.

If you’re not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser would also help tremendously.

Thank you for standing with Stephanie during this difficult chapter.

Update as of April 29, 2025: I am providing a more detailed update to give additional context regarding Stephanie’s loss and the reason behind starting this GoFundMe. First off, imagine losing your spouse, your partner, your significant other — the love of your life — and then consider how much time you would need to even begin to process and heal from that. The goal of this fundraiser is to ensure that Stephanie’s stable housing and immediate basic needs are not impacted by this loss. While both Stephanie and John worked hard during their time together, it’s important to understand that John’s career as a union tradesman, was highly project-based and seasonal by nature. There were stretches where John had consistent work, and other times when projects ended and work became unpredictable — sometimes with gaps lasting several months or longer. This is very common in his line of work and not a reflection of his work ethic, but simply the nature of the trade. Throughout their relationship, Stephanie maintained steady, full-time employment with the same employer and often carried the primary financial responsibilities for their home. When needed, she even took on a second job to help bridge the gaps during times when John was between projects. Given these circumstances, Stephanie’s ability to take time off work is extremely limited, and unpaid time off will have a serious impact on her ability to cover:

 • Rent

 • Utilities 

• Groceries

 • Insurance 

• Transportation

 • Medical and counseling expenses

 • Other day-to-day living costs 

 At the time I initially set up this GoFundMe, it was unclear how funeral or cremation expenses would be handled. Since then, John’s immediate next of kin — his children — have established a separate GoFundMe to help with travel costs, time off work, and final expenses. 

I absolutely encourage anyone who is able to support both. Although Stephanie and John had not yet married — their wedding was planned for August of this year — they were a blended family who supported one another fully.

 If all 900+ friends of mine shared this and gave $10 to each GoFundMe, it would cost less than two Starbucks coffees — yet it could make a life-changing difference for this family during their time of grief. Stephanie’s fundraiser is focused specifically on keeping her housed, fed, and supported while she grieves and manages her personal transition after this devastating loss. 

 It is Stephanie’s sincere hope to be able to contribute toward John’s final arrangements in honor of their life together if her immediate needs are met. However, it was important to us to share his children’s GoFundMe as well, as both sides of the family are carrying heavy burdens. 

 Even a small dollar amount from each one of you to both GoFundMes would make a tremendous difference for this family that has been utterly rocked by this loss. 

 Thank you so much for standing with Stephanie, John’s children, and their entire extended family during this heartbreaking time. Your support — whether through donating or sharing — truly means more than words can express.

 I will continue to share every couple of days until BOTH GoFundMe accounts have reached their goals.