Stacy Cristal Meraz

Stacy C. Meraz, age 18, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday morning, March 2, at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis following a courageous fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 11, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Stacy Cristal Meraz was born on June 12, 2003, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Eustacio and Sara (Medina) Meraz.  She grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and was currently a Senior at the Willmar High School.   Prior to her illness, Stacy was active in soccer and track.  She enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, fashion and design.  She had strong religious and political beliefs.  Stacy loved her family and friends.

She is survived by her parents, Eustacio and Sara Meraz and one brother, Eric Meraz, all of Willmar; her grandmother, Paulina Hernandez Campos of Mexico; two beloved companions, Mocha and Youme; several aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends and her surrogate grandparents, Jose and Maria Franco.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.