Stacy Semel Bates passed away peacefully at her residence in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Born Jan. 31, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Evelyn (Barnhart) Semel, of the Harmony/Zelienople area. As a child, Stacy could be found dressing up one minute and the next minute, playing rough-and-tumble games with her siblings and cousins. She was equally at home in a princess costume or running with a football in the yard.

Stacy graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1980, where she was an active member of the swim team and a proud participant in the “Cuppie’s Guppies.” Following graduation, she attended the Pittsburgh Computer Institute before transferring to Florida Southwestern College. During this time, she kept her mother company in Fort Myers while her father commuted for work. She later earned her bachelor’s at La Roche College.

Returning to Florida, Stacy began her professional life in advertising and furniture sales with Robb & Stucky. Her work carried her along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts — from Fort Myers Beach to West Palm Beach — before her journey led her farther still to Massachusetts, Illinois and Alabama. Ultimately, she returned — first part-time and then full-time — to Fort Myers Beach, where she pursued a career in real estate.

Stacy embraced life fully and was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit and the genuine warmth she extended to all who knew her. She was most at home by the beach, where she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. A round of golf, long walks along the shore with her beloved canine companions and watching for the green flash at sunset, was when she was happiest.

Stacy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ev Semel; and her great-nephew, Wyatt Bartley.

She is survived by her loving family, her sister, Terry (Semel) Rose and her husband, Fred, of Fort Myers; her brother, Gregg Semel and his wife, Jen, of Zelienople; her five nieces, Heather Bartley, Tara Walchesky, Sheena Smith, Ann Semel and Audrey Tellez; as well as three great-nephews and one great-niece, all of whom she cherished deeply.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, caregivers and friends at Amavida Senior Living for their compassionate care and companionship, and to Vitas Hospice for their guidance and support during this difficult journey. Special thanks are also given to caregivers, Kathy and Mara, whose unwavering love surrounded Stacy in her final months.

SEMEL BATES — A Mass of Christian burial for Stacy Semel Bates, who died Thursday, June 18, 2026, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Association/Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, Zelienople.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.