SADS Foundation :: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation

Stephanie Mejias, an elementary education and psychology major, passed away on July 27 near her home at Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J. Mejias was afflicted with a condition known as cardiac arrhythmia due to myocarditis.

Mejias suffered a cardiac abnormality which affected the rate of muscle contractions in her heart.  With no signs of fatigue or symptoms of any illness, Mejias was unexpectedly taken away from the ones she loved. She was 19 and would have been a junior this year.

Brittany Brown-Webster, Mejias’ big sister in Delta Zeta, a sorority at the College, recalls the moments she shared with her little sister.

“We only knew each other for about five months but we hit it off right away. She was always there to talk and she was quick to put people first before herself,” Brown-Webster said.

“One of the fondest memories I had of her was going over to her beach house to relax and hang out under the sun,” she said.

Her death quickly ended an opportunity for a dedicated student to help the ones she really cared for: her family, friends and the students she hoped to teach one day.

Hector Mejias, her father, recognized her drive.  “She was really into her studies. She always wanted to work with little kids and she had a knack for it,” he said.  “Children flocked to her for guidance.”

Mejias was born Aug. 12, 1989 at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, N.J. Mejias grew up valuing friendship and family.

“Stephanie initially learned to swim from her older sister Melanie. It was hard for Stephanie at first but she eventually learned to master swimming,” said her father, Hector Mejias.

“She demonstrated that once she set her mind on anything, she would tackle it head on and successfully accomplish whatever it was that she wanted.”

Not only did she turn out to be an accomplished swimmer, she also studied and practiced karate, eventually earning a black belt.

She also participated in fundraisers with various organizations, including the Christian Youth Organization in her community.

Once she arrived at the College, Mejias continued to live an active life by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.  She also joined the Delta Zeta Sorority in spring 2009.

“I couldn’t believe how friendly and outgoing she was,” said Kaitlin Drew, Delta Zeta President. “She lit up the room with her smile. She was one of the sweetest, friendliest people I have ever come across.”

Drew said Mejias was always volunteering to go to events on campus to represent the sorority.

“You could always count on her to step up when no one else would,” Drew said. “She got along with everyone and really embodied everything you could ever want in a friend or sister.”

One of Mejias’ closest cousins, Tamika Diaz, saw her passion and drive. She made Dean’s List both years at the College.

“She really enjoyed being around young children and loved teaching kids,” Diaz said.  “It was something she was very passionate about and she set out to make it a career.”

Her sudden death came as a shock to everyone. However, many were quick to show their love and support.

The family received a massive response from close friends and sorority sisters during the viewing and funeral, which took place on July 30 and 31, respectively. Even people who were not available to attend the services sent their regards in any way they could.

“My daughter was amazing. The viewing was unbelievable. My family and I were baffled by how many people she touched,” Mejias’ father said.

Mejias truly impacted the people she was around.

“What I learned from this whole situation was that you never know how long you have with someone,” Webster said.  “What is even more amazing is how someone as special as Stephanie can truly touch and move you in any way possible.”

Her father, Hector, learned one very important attribute from his daughter.

“Without a doubt, I learned patience from her. I’m a police officer and I have been doing it for several years.  There were times where I had no time to deal with certain situations but she was there encouraging me to calm down and to keep my head up,” he said.

“Whenever finals were around the corner, she became nervous and soon enough I started giving her advice that she had been telling me all this time. I told her to relax and calm down.  The only thing she could do is try her best.  But before you knew it, she came out of finals with flying colors. She aced every exam. I was very proud of her.”

Mejias’ family will always remember her as a peacemaker.

“She was always the one trying to calm people down whenever situations got a little tough in the family. She was a peacemaker and had a way to bring about tranquility whenever there was turmoil ,and it always worked,” Hector Mejias said.

Stephanie was also a person who loved to show her humorous side. After attending her brother’s wedding, she joked, “Father … you better save up, because I want a big wedding!”

One of Mejias’ favorite quotes helps people remember what kind of person she really was.

“Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”

The College will hold a memorial for Mejias on Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. The family asks faculty and students to attend and commemorate her life. The family has established a memorial fund with the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation for anyone willing to contribute. The SADS Foundation can be reached at sads.org.