“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.
On Monday, October 23, 2023, our South Shore YMCA community, friends, and families gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Emilson Y Studio C group exercise and yoga studio in memory of Stacey Cross Hugues. A renovation and expansion of the space will begin this November.
“Stacey was a part of our Y family,” shared Paul Gorman, President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA. “Her 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.”
Throughout her life, Stacey exemplified resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our Y community. Stacey and her family were active members of the Emilson Y and, for years, Stacey was a beloved instructor here, teaching yoga and Pilates. Stacey’s classes were not just exercise routines; they were spaces of serenity, nurturing minds, balancing bodies, and uplifting spirits. With every breath, stretch, and movement, she guided her students toward their best selves, instilling a deep sense of self-care and empowerment.
Stacey played a crucial role in the launch of the South Shore YMCA Staystrong cancer support program, a collaborative community initiative providing free Y membership and support to cancer patients and their families and was one of the program’s first recipients. Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Stacey was open and candid about her experience, graciously sharing her story with others to help them heal.
On Friday, October 20, Stacey’s longtime friend, breast cancer survivor, and fellow yoga teacher, Amber Gregory, led a powerful Staystrong yoga class fundraising event, which the two taught together for years. “I am grateful to her for consistently elevating me as a person, providing solace and inspiration to many of us, all the while showing us how to leave a legacy with grace and strength. She is truly one of a kind and simply effortless to love.”
Stacey was an active part of the Y tennis community and, as her father shared, what she especially loved was being with her tennis team. “That brought her joy,” he said. “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.”
“When someone has cancer, everyone goes through it,” said Paul Gorman. “Our Staystrong program is free to cancer patients and survivors, along with their families, to support them during the most difficult time. The program’s goal is to provide support in spirit, mind, and body.” To support our Staystrong program in honor of somebody you love, visit ssymca.org/staystrong to learn more.
“We know that Stacey is looking down on us today,” said Steve Cross. “And we all know she is thankful we have stayed strong.”
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