Catherine Stence

Catherine Renee Stence, age 20, of Gates, New York, passed from this life at 1:10 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, in Strong Memorial Hospital, following a traumatic injury. She is greatly missed by her parents, Russell and Carol Stence; her sister, Melody (Stence) Stuart; and her brothers, Jesse Stence and Gabriel Stence. 

Catherine had been struggling for many years following a severe psychosocial decline, and her family had been struggling to help her recover in a psychiatric system that is not conducive to helping people like her. She is remembered as a loving, lovable, intelligent, creative and athletic girl. She was very artistic and loved creating whimsical creatures in her childhood drawings, riding her ripstick, snowboarding with her friends and family, sleeping over with friends, swimming and going to Camp Li-Lo-Li in the summer. 

Catherine attended Washington Irving Elementary School, Paul Road Elementary School, Home School Academy, and Gates-Chili High School briefly before transferring to Cornerstone Christian Academy.  

We are comforted that she is now finally restored and enjoying peace and joy in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.  A Memorial Service will be held at Cornerstone Bible Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following organization, which is working very hard to provide better, more humane alternatives for those like Catherine, beset with severe psychosocial setbacks:

Open Excellence, 8532 SW St. Helens Drive, Suite 250, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070

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