Stacey L. Leventis

Stacey Lee Leventis was born on December 24, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the second of four daughters born to Toula and Mike Leventis. She died of natural causes on June 16, 2024, with her sisters by her side. Stacey spent her early years growing up on Downington Avenue, often following the lead and direction (sometimes to her own detriment) of her slightly older sister, Michelle. “Lucy and Ethel” (as we referred to them later) shared adventures, fun, and a close bond long before their two younger sisters came along. Stacey took the role of being their big sister seriously and remained a loving and protective sister for the rest of her days. Stacey attended elementary and junior high school in Salt Lake and graduated from East High School in 1974. She attended the University of Utah for a period of time, eventually leaving to travel around the U.S. and to Europe for the next decade, where her then husband, Johnny, played and coached professional basketball. Stacey had a love of travel, experiencing other cultures, and an affinity for learning languages. During her years living in Germany, Belgium, and Italy, she quickly learned to communicate with the locals in their language and was often the unofficial interpreter for the players and coaches. In Italy, Stacey found one of the great loves of her life in the people, language, geography, and culture. She carried her passion for all things Italian close to her heart until the end of her life. Upon returning to the U.S., Stacey began a 34-year career working in the medical and mental health field, first at the Western Institute of Neuropsychiatry (later, the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute). Her love of, and dedication to, assisting others during extreme times of need and difficulty were a driving force for her, and likely a quality passed down to her by our mother. She retired from the “U” in 2020, from a position in the School of Medicine/Department of Psychiatry. She often talked about how much she loved working with medical students in their psychiatry rotation. Her love of travel was lifelong, with trips to Russia and a return to Italy as two highlights. She also enjoyed music, film, and theater, attending countless concerts and plays over the years. Stacey’s love of all non-human creatures is legendary and perhaps her greatest passion and calling. The animals knew it and were instantly drawn to her. She took in countless dogs and cats over the years (and one rabbit she managed to catch with her sister, Georgette), and was a loving and devoted auntie to many others. Stacey was grateful to have time with her sister, Joni, during the last few years of her life. She also shared a close bond with our mother, and it brings peace to her family to know they have been reunited after many years.

Stacey is survived by her sisters: Michelle (John), Joni, and Georgette (Erica), her nephew Zach (Kelsea), niece Annie (Trevor), grandnephew Greyson, grandniece Ivy Toulula, beloved aunt, Sophie (“Gogo”), nieces Jennifer and Jessica, several cousins, and many dear friends and former colleagues. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and animal family members too numerous to name. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal welfare or behavioral health organization in Stacey’s name, due to her passion and dedication in these areas. Stacey’s family would like to extend our gratitude to the Gold Cross, SLC Fire Department, and the University of Utah Medical Center Emergency Department personnel for their kindness and the care they provided in the last moments of her life. 

There will be a celebration of Space’s life on August 9, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. 

“Daniel my brother you are older than me

Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won’t heal?

Your eyes have died, but you see more than I

Daniel you’re a star in the face of the sky.”  – Elton John