Stacy Wakefield, the widow of former Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, died Tuesday about five months after her husband passed.
Both Stacy and Tim were battling cancer before their deaths.
The Red Sox announced Stacy’s passing and distributed a statement from the Wakefield family.
“It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, and aunt, Stacy, passed away today at her home in Massachusetts. She was surrounded by her family and dear friends, as well as her wonderful caretakers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially in the wake of losing Tim just under five months ago. Our hearts are beyond broken,” the statement said.
“We will remember Stacy as a strong, loving, thoughtful and kind person, who was as down-to-earth as they come. We feel so lucky to have had her in our lives, and we take comfort in the fact that she will be reunited with Tim, the love of her life.”
Wakefield had a 19-year MLB career that spanned from 1992-2011, spending two years with the Pirates and the remaining 17 with the Red Sox.
He made one All-Star team and contributed to two World Series championships.
The Wakefields married in 2002; they are survived by their son, Trevor, and daughter, Brianna.
“We would like to thank all of Stacy’s doctors, nurses and caretakers who helped her from diagnosis to today—we are eternally grateful for your unmatched care and support. And to all of you who have sent well wishes over these last several months, we truly appreciate your kindness,” the family’s statement continued.
“We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we try to process this profound loss.”
After her husband died at 57 years old of brain cancer this past October, Stacy shared a heartfelt note that Wakefield left behind through the X account of former Bruins great Bobby Orr.
“Never forget where you came from,” the note read in part.
“Be a mentor to others. You didn’t get to where you are today by yourself and no matter what status you accomplish in life, you should assume the responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than you.”
Wakefield had been heavily involved in charitable work throughout his career and retirement, including the Jimmy Fund, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“I’ve been involved with different charities my whole career and I can tell you that I’ve received much more than I’ve given,” Tim Wakefield continued in his posthumous note.
“I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve made, how big your house is or what kind of car you drive. What matters most is: did you make a difference in someone else’s life?”
When Curt Schilling revealed last year that his former teammate Wakefield had brain cancer, he had also said that Stacy was battling pancreatic cancer.
Jason Varitek’s wife subsequently excoriated Schilling for sharing this news against the couple’s wishes.