First meeting with Grandparents visiting from California

First time Grandpa Winn & Grandma Pat met Serena

Serena had had her internship in IS library since her junior year. She had barcoded, stamped and shelved hundred of books. She worked so hard and we all miss her dearly.


During the remote learning years, 2020, I coach Serena to do push-ups for PE class.

I had the privilege of getting to know Serena in her younger years. She was a ray of sunshine that found joy in everything she accomplished. Two of my favorite memories with her are when we made homemade dumplings with her family. We all sat at the dining table and while they slowly showed me how to fill and close the dumpling, Serena took them out of my hand, finished closing them herself and said “that’s mine.” When we later got to enjoy them, she did share :). Another is when she asked if she could roller blade instead of ride her scooter at the old house. I thought it would be fun to try. She was very quick at getting her helmet and pads on. I assisted her to the end of the drive way and she let loose! I had to run to keep up with her which I was not ready for. I’m pretty sure she was laughing at me the entire time I  chased after her.  Serena was a beautiful, fun loving, young lady that will be missed dearly. 

A beautiful soul inside and out. A beautiful girl.  I will remember her piano playing. 
 Our sympathies.  Love and hugs to you all.  Rick,  Julia, Victor and Derek Piglowski. 

After I told my wife the sad news of Serena’s passing I learned she had been talking to friends about Serena only the day before. She was relating how sweet Serena was and telling a story of when we had dinner at the house. Before going to bed, Serena hugged Mark saying, “Goodnight daddy, I love you” with genuine affection. Serena didn’t simply go through the motions. She set an example of value to all by expressing her feelings without fear or embarrassment. 

During the covid remote learning years,  Serena worried about there won’t  be a school picture time. So we did a home portraits instead, just in case!

I remember visiting Serena and the rest of the family when my son Gus was one years old. She was so excited to meet him and help take care of him. She was ready to get any supplies he needed and worked hard to entertain him with the chickens and trampoline and anything he wanted. She had such a joyful energy and made him laugh and smile. She will be dearly missed and is still very much loved.

We send condolences to the family of Serena. 
Serena for me, was a ray of sunshine .  She would come down and always ask to water my garden. She told me she wanted to be a gardener when she grew up and she went to great lengths to water each plant. Serena delighted in finding berries and fruit and always had excitement and enthusiasm for the next garden task.  I loved how she would ask me questions about the garden, about the fruit and about my family.  I loved how she knew everyone so well. She even knew the name of the cat and the family that visited us with a dog. Serena remembered everything. She knew what I wore  over 15 years ago and we would laugh together about all of Jack’s toys and the noises or musical jingles they played. She knew them all. She had such attention to detail, it always blew me away and frankly she remembered details I had forgotten and I loved how she reminded me of those details. I will greatly miss her delightful laugh and beautiful presence in my life, 

A favorite picture of my dear niece when she was 4 years old. She loved what she loved, from day one! And she was always willing to tell you what she didn't love. She was a gift to us all with her curiosity, crooked little smile, forthtightness, her deep love for her family. Her siblings and parents were the world to her and I am so fortunate to have been part of her life for 18 years.  My last memory of her was Thanksgiving  2019. It was wonderful to have her come share Thanksgiving with us in Colorado. Her one wish for me that vacation was to teach her to iron!  :-) So we did! All the pillowcases in the house got ironed that  trip. Chatting about school, her favorite games and movies and ironing together.  Don't take for granted the small moments in life. They can become treasured memories. I love you very much Serena. 

In Sacramento to say good-bye to Granny Flo, 11/11/2017 with her siblings and cousins.

Serena and her Colorado family, who loved her very much.

Serena and her Colorado family celebrating Christmas in Estes Park, 2008.

I have many wonderful memories of Serena visiting family  in Colorado, joining  extended family for a camping trip and even a time we serendipitously met in Mexico over winter break.  
We were staying just down the beach and walked up to the Stevens hotel where  we first  spotted Serena lounging in a hammock .  She was relaxing and happy and convincing her siblings to repeatedly take her for wardrobe changes and checking out the snack bar.  It made the world seem smaller to have these wonderful relatives a walk away.
Her gentle spirit was a gift to us.


One of the many selfie moments with Mom. 

International School Focus week photography work.

Serena helps mom to harvest veggies to deliver to the neighbors. 

Remembering Serena’s love for life, her inquisitiveness, her child-like wonder, followed by her clear sense of what she liked and did not like. This photos brings back a lovely memory of Serena freely and fluidly dancing, flowing without a care, feeling the music move through her and creating an emotive dance that was beautiful to watch.  She brought joy with her in her happy greetings to you. She had a sweetness about her.  We were blessed to have her as a part of our family.  

I remember the day Serena arrived on this earth. Her Uncle JP got a phone call from her dad with the happy news of twins! All her family here in Colorado was gathered, so we all got to share in that happiness.  I remember how joyful both her Mom and Dad were. Through the years we would hear updates and have occasional visits.  My last visit with Serena was here in Colorado, where she truely had a sparkling presence and a delight in her baby cousin, Florence. Serena's life was short but treasured, and her impacts were huge. My heart goes out to her parents and her siblings.💕

Serena was just the most terrific cousin to Florence. She remembered everything about her and always connected with her over shows and paper crowns and animals. I remember how sweet, careful, and warm she was towards baby Florence. I knew she was in loving arms.

OBITUARY

Serena Caoyuling Stevens

December 24, 2004 – January 8, 2023

Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services