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A smiling face is missing from the offices of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce.
Stacy Hoover, vice president of events and technology, died suddenly Monday afternoon at her home in Sankertown. She was 47. (Please see obituary, Page A4)
Hoover had worked at the chamber for 27 years.
"Anyone who knew Stacy was automatically impressed by how organized she was and how determined she was to make certain that everything ... was done in the best possible way," Chamber President/CEO Joe Hurd said.
Hoover was one of the more caring people Hurd has known. "She loved her family more than anything, but she would also go out of her way to help anyone who needed help," Hurd said. "She also loved the chamber."
Hurd said Hoover leaves a vacuum as a person and as a staff member that is practically impossible to fill.
Hoover worked closely with the Blair-Bedford Builders Association each year on the Home Garden and Healthy Living Show.
"Stacy was a very dedicated and compassionate person when it came to her involvement with community projects," said Dave DeBiase, executive officer of the Blair-Bedford Builders Association.
The association was very fortunate to have worked with Hoover.
The show took many directions and Hoover and her committee worked diligently to put on a first-class show, DeBiase said.
Remembered as a cheerleader for businesses and chamber members, Hoover always had a smile on her face and was always willing to help answer any question or need that came up, said Amy Mearkle, director of marketing and events for DelGrosso's Park & Marianna's Fundraisers.
"She was my go-to when a question came up -- especially if it was something that I had written down and couldn't find my notes," Mearkle said. "This is one of those tragedies that you are just not able to quite wrap your head around, but you have to have faith that the good Lord needed a very special angel, and he got one. She will be missed by all who knew her."
She strived for perfection, said Barb Smith, who has been on the chamber's safety committee for 10 years and worked closely with Hoover.
"We would have a vision for an educational opportunity and she could make it happen without us getting involved," Smith said. "She was so good at what she did and was so friendly and always did it with a smile. She went above and beyond."
Smith said Hoover's loss will be felt by everyone.
Mike Cree, owner of Press Box Printing, called Hoover "awesome, hardworking and a very dedicated mom.
"We worked with her on many projects through the years, and they were always seamless, she will be greatly missed," Cree said. "There is an upcoming golf event that just will not be the same without her being there; we miss her already."
The chamber will be closing the office at noon today so that Hoover's friends and colleagues can attend services, according to a Facebook post.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Anderson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services,
233 Keystone Ave., Cresson.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Ave., Cresson, the Rev. Leo Arnone celebrant. Committal will be in the church cemetery.