Crete is in shock and deep sorrow after the heartbreaking news that Stacy Oezer Forde and her husband, Patrick Forde, have died. Friends, neighbors, and family are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a couple who meant so much to everyone around them. Their passing has rippled through the community, leaving a profound sense of grief and disbelief.
Stacy and Patrick were known in Crete for their warmth, kindness, and the care they showed to others. People who knew them best describe the Fordes as truly special — always ready with a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word. They were more than residents of this town; they were woven into the everyday lives of those around them, leaving an imprint that won’t be forgotten.
Family members have spoken softly about the void their deaths have left. They talk about Stacy’s laughter, Patrick’s steady presence, and the quiet strength the couple brought into every room. In a community where everyone feels like a neighbor, losing two people who gave so much of themselves has hit especially hard.
In the days since their passing, messages of support and condolences have filled local spaces — from quiet gatherings to moments of shared prayer. People in Crete have shown up for one another, offering comfort where words fall short. It’s a reminder of how tightly knit this town truly is, and how deeply people can care for each other in times of pain.
Though details around how Stacy and Patrick died are still private and being understood by their loved ones, their memory has already begun to shape the way neighbors talk about kindness, generosity, and the value of everyday connection. More than stories, people remember moments — a neighborly wave, shared laughter over a backyard fence, the sound of familiar footsteps walking down a quiet street.
For many, memories of the Fordes are now treasures. In conversations and silent thoughts alike, their legacy of love and compassion remains. And as friends and family continue to grapple with grief, the community of Crete holds onto the light these two brought into so many lives
