On Monday, February 26, 2024, the South Shore YMCA proudly reopened its newly expanded and redesigned Health and Wellness Studio C on the upper level of the Emilson Y branch in Hanover.
In the fall of 2023, the studio was dedicated in memory of Y member, friend, and colleague, Stacey Cross Hugues. As a yoga and pilates instructor at the Y, Stacey was always welcoming to all her students and inspired many to lead healthier lives. Stacey’s positive outlook on life was contagious, even as she battled cancer over the years. She never let her illness define her, and her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was instrumental in launching the South Shore YMCA Staystrong Cancer Support Program, which has offered hundreds of local cancer patients and their families to reclaim their strength at the Y. Stacey’s parents, Sue and Steven Cross, wanted to dedicate a space that will inspire others to support the Y’s mission and carry on Stacey’s spirit and strength.
After several months of renovation, the newly expanded space opened for members this week with a larger footprint, a beautiful and calming design, new flooring, lighting and sound system. Longtime friend and fellow yoga teacher, Amber Gregory, taught the first yoga class in the new studio in honor of Stacey.
“Stacey had a way of pulling the best parts of each person she knew up to the surface and allowing them to shine,” shared Amber with the class. “She made everyone feel like they were so special. She was a source of comfort and hope. I believe she is with us in this beautiful new space today.”
The redesigned studio now overlooks the Y indoor tennis courts and will also act as a viewing space for tennis programs and lessons. Stacey was an active part of the Y tennis community and, as her father, Steve Cross, shared, she especially loved being with her tennis team. “That brought her joy,” he said at the dedication ceremony. “It wasn’t the exercise or competition; it was the fellowship. We think it is fitting that this space will overlook the tennis courts. So, in some way, her spirit will be there, looking out over her tennis team as well.”
“In all that she did, Stacey reflected the core values of the South Shore YMCA: caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. People who took classes with Stacey experienced these values and her love. It’s our hope that, in the future, those who use this space will experience firsthand these values and, through this, feel her love and spirit. That’s one way we’ll be able to keep her memory alive.” – Steve Cross, father of Stacey Cross Hugues.
