— from Shawn Elliff —
Orcas Island lost another one of its unique personalities when Stacy McCray succumbed to lung cancer and took the next big step in her great adventure on May 27th.
Born in 1941 in Los Angeles to Herb and Georgia (Trost) McCray, Stacy lived a long and fruitful life. Married to Daryl Elliff in 1959, she had a son, Shawn Elliff, who still resides on Orcas Island. Briefly residing in Colorado, she ventured back to LA and then, on to the San Francisco Bay area where she opened up a flower shop called Stacy’s Bloomers in Larkspur, CA, where she created memories for herself and others for 15 years. That business continues to this day.
In 1993, Stacy migrated to the Great Northwest to be closer to her son and his family and created more memories in Spokane and Couer d’Alene, ID before discovering Orcas Island. After working at Orcas Island Flowers and Crescent Beach Service, she then retired to live a quiet and dignified life. Her hobbies included painting, beading and raiding the thrift stores where she had a genuine talent for picking out the truly unique pieces. She also had a passion for photography and was a successful wedding photographer
Stacy leaves behind her life partner River Rorabaugh, her beloved Shi-Tzu’s, Harley and Elvis, her son Shawn, a daughter adopted away in the 50s, her grand daughter Kirstin Bullock, three great grandchildren, Katriina, Corynna and Piper Bullock, and, her best friends Gail Tooms and Gina Naccarato.
A small service will be announced soon, when her ashes are received. Her family and friends would like to express their profound gratitude to Hospice of the Northwest for their compassion and caring during Stacy’s last days. Donations to Hospice in Stacy’s name would honor her.
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I have such fond memories of Stacy. May her family grieve her loss but remember what a wonderful woman she was. May you rest in peace dear Stacy.
My heart goes out to Stacy’s family and to all of those who loved her as well as Harley and Elvis who she loved so well. She was a kind woman and a good neighbor. I will miss her. Fly with the angels Stacy! Fly Free!
Spirit Eagle
Stacy was a warm & giving woman, very creative & interested in what she saw around her. I remember her being proud of her photography & on several occasions,when she mounted one-person shows of her work, the result was well-deserved recognition & animated conversation with viewers. Stacy’s creativity played a large part in defining who she was… She humor was acerbic & hysterical. She was a funny & bright woman with a decided ‘gift of gab’. Whenever our paths crossed, which was often during her hours at Crescent Service, I would leave, gas receipt in hand, chuckling all the way back to my truck. She loved those in her family & cared for the rest of us with respect. She fills a warm place in my heart & will truly be missed by those of us whom she befriended. I am sending support to her family at this time of transition. I will miss her. Stacy was a unique & unforgettable woman who added to my life.