Obituaries

Remembering Cancer Hero Myde Stocker

Stocker, after battling cancer for 13 years and inspiring many others to continue the fight for a cure, died on March 5. She was 59. She was chosen as the Huffington Post's Greatest Person of the Day on Thursday.

[Editor's Note: Myde Stocker has been chosen as The Huffington Post's Greatest Person of the Day for Thursday, March 8. You can read about past honorees here.]

"Myde's Minions" lost its original hero this week, although her spirit is sure to live on.

Peabody cancer survivor Myde Stocker, who has battled a blood form of cancer over the past 13 years, died on Monday. She was 59.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The team of supporters that formed around her each year in the Peabody Relay for Life -- "Myde's Minions" -- has become almost synonymous with the event itself, which is a signature event for the American Cancer Society.

In 2010, Stocker received a Community Spirit Award from the . The awards are presented to local unsung heroes who demonstrate a consistent and enduring effort of volunteerism in their lives.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

, Stocker recalled how she was diagnosed with a multiple myeloma in 1999, but after a hard-fought battle and treatment, the cancer appeared to go into remission for eight years. In 2009, however, the cancer was back and even after undergoing new and improved treatments in the past three years, she finally succumbed to the disease on March 5.

She leaves her husband Dick and two children.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by this weekend. If you'd like to leave a memorial message, you can find an online guestbook here from the funeral.

Readers are also welcome to leave their thoughts in our comment section below.

A memorial service will be held Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Stocker's memory via the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.

A funeral service will then be held Saturday at noon at , followed by burial in at 1:30 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here