Stevie Marie Deluca, born on May 3rd, 2005, was a junior at Pace University when illness unfortunately took her life days before her 21st birthday. At only 20 years old, Stevie left this world on Wednesday, April 29th, leaving the campus in disarray.  

Stevie was a proud criminal justice major and aspiring lawyer. She was a flyer for the Pace University cheer team and a beloved sister of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. From Yonkers NY, Stevie was a commuter, but she consistently spent time on campus with the people she loved.  

Loved by everyone, Stevie left this world far too soon. Since her passing, there has been a noticeable hole in the Pace community. Students walk the campus with memories of Stevie stuck in their heads, refusing to let go.  

This journalist finds herself holding back tears while writing this article. As a member of Delta Phi Epsilon myself, I remind myself of the fond memories we shared. Bid day parties, sisterhood events, coffee dates; anything and everything to keep her memory alive. She was too kind, too young, and too radiant. She was the most beautiful person I had ever met, inside and out.  

Stevie joined Delta Phi Epsilon as a sophomore in the fall of 2024. As a member of DPhiE, Stevie was most known for her positions as social event coordinator and spirit and wellness coordinator. That is who Stevie was, a social butterfly who always brought sunshine to every room she was in. Her sorority legacy is preserved through her sorority twin and best friend, Ioulia Vergis. Vergis coined the phrase “everything for Stevie,” which means going through life doing everything in Stevie’s honor.  

Lisa Maiello, friend of the Deluca family, recently started a GoFundMe in Stevie’s honor. This fundraiser has made over $63,000 in just a few days to go towards funeral costs and relief for the Deluca family. Her GoFundMe page reads, “Stevie was truly one of a kind—smart, beautiful, and incredibly kind. She had a way of lighting up every room she walked into and touching the lives of everyone she met with her warmth and gentle spirit.” The GoFundMe is titled “Support for Stevie DeLuca’s Family.” Every donation helps bring the Deluca family relief for their great loss. You can donate here. 

“Stevie was one of those people who just understood you in a way that didn’t need much explaining”, says Pace junior Ella Tamweber. “As fellow student-athletes and sorority sisters, we bonded over how unpredictable and demanding our schedules could be, but Stevie always had a way of making things feel lighter. No matter how chaotic things got, she had this steady, grounding presence that made everyone around her feel seen and supported. Stevie brought humor and a kind of joy that made everything feel a little brighter. She showed up for her team, the sorority, and her friends in a way that was genuine and consistent.” 

Stevie danced through life with the kind of grace you can only admire. “Losing her doesn’t feel real, and it’s hard to put into words what her absence means,” Tamweber continued. “But what’s undeniable is the impact she had on so many of us and the way she made people feel included, alive, and loved in the moment.”  

Stevie’s service was held at Westchester Funeral Home. The visitation was on Tuesday, May 5th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by a second visitation from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Both events were open to the public.  

In addition, our very own Pace campus intends to host a celebration of life on Saturday, May 9th, at 3 p.m. in Gottesman. This event is partnered closely with Pace DPhiE and will feature student speakers and a photo display. All students are encouraged to attend, pay their respects, and wear pink as that was Stevie’s favorite color.

Stevie’s passing was a significant loss in our community. Students and staff alike grieve for the sweet, outgoing, and beautiful woman who was Stevie Deluca.