Stephanie M. Arriaga, 35, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Bourbon after a lengthy battle with chronic illnesses.
Born in LaPorte, Indiana on January 3, 1986, Stephanie is the daughter of Dawn L. (Trent) Pugsley. Stephanie attended John Glenn High School and took some courses at Ancilla College in Donaldson.
Stephanie was a proud CNA, that worked alongside the rest of the healthcare workers in the Covid Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. She previously worked at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson and Signature Healthcare in Bremen.
On April 17, 2009, in Plymouth, Stephanie married Juan C. “Jesse” Arriaga. The couple would settle in Bourbon. Together they created and built-up Arriaga Landscaping, of which Stephanie was the “Big Boss”.
She loved animals and the outdoors, from wanting to be a mermaid to saving turtles crossing the street. Her heart was huge for all, including her dogs, Bertha and Nikko. She enjoyed fishing, traveling and taking her first cruise with Jesse. Stephanie was the perfect “other mom” to her cherished niece, Rori. She loved music. She was a tough fighter with a sparkly personality and was loved beyond measure by her family.
Stephanie and Jesse attended Plymouth Wesleyan Church in Plymouth. In her grade school years, she was in a newspaper article for being a girl on the Junior Football League with a prosthetic leg. She was always proud of her accomplishments.
She is survived by her husband, Jesse of Bourbon; her parents, Dawn and Bob Pugsley of Walkerton; siblings James “Jimmy” Bailey of South Bend, Eve Burch of South Bend and Terry Burch of Buchanan, MI; niece Rori Gonzales; in-laws Jose and Guillermina Arriaga; maternal grandmother Constance (Dave) Warren; aunts: Robin Trent, Edna (Pat) Riewoldt, Kimberly (Greg) Shortt, Jan Trent, and Tammi (Tim) Ousnamer; and numerous cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents James and Molly Bailey.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 12-2 p.m. at Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Road, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Ed Friberg and Ollie Dongell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.
Larry Burch says
Sorry for your loss I’m sure she will be missed dearly
Linda Drews Benjamin says
We are do sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dave & Linda Benjamin
JENNIFER BRYANT says
I worked with Steph in Bremen and she was the greatest. We will certainly miss her great personality!❤
Linda Spencer says
Loved Stephy so much!!! So full of spunk and love. So cute and funny. So much personality. I can only imagine how much your heart hurts. So heartbreaking to lose a loved one. So young and beautiful. She was such a strong girl and she will always be close to my heart. I’m very sad to know that she is no longer here on earth with us. God bless each and every one of you as you go through each day grieving for your loss. 😞❤️ I worked with Stephy at SHC❤️
Abby Hagen says
Praying for peace and comfort in the upcoming days. God Bless you all
Abby Hagen and family
Courtney says
She will be missed by many! Thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Cecilia Powell and Troy Pugsley says
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God keep you strong and united through this tough time.
Pam Chizum says
What a beautiful young lady your sweet Stephanie was. I worked with her at Miller’s Merry Manor. She was one of the best & most loving caregivers I ever had the pleasure of working with. I’m so sorry for your loss as she enters the ultimate journey. Prayers for strength for your family.
Brenda Bollinger says
I will truly miss her smile and laughter. She was the best CNA that I have ever worked with on the night shift at SHC. I will miss her practical jokes. SHE took good care of her residents. I wish I could have seen her before her passing. You are in my prayers.
Brenda Bollinger says
I worked with her at SHC. SHE was the best. She took good care of her residents. I will miss her. SHE HAD a special gift to make you smile or laugh. SHE was truly beautiful. I wish I could gave been there for her and be able to see her again. Your in my prayers.