Stacy Wakefield, the widow of former Boston Red Sox pitcher and two-time World Series champion Tim Wakefield, has died.
Her family said in a statement released through the Red Sox that she died Wednesday at her Massachusetts home, less than five months after her husband died at the age of 57. Ms. Wakefield was 53, according to online records.
“She was surrounded by her family and dear friends, as well as her wonderful caretakers and nurses,” the statement said. “The loss is unimaginable, especially in the wake of losing Tim just under five months ago. Our hearts are beyond broken.”
The family mentioned a diagnosis but did not provide a cause of death. In September, Tim Wakefield’s former Red Sox teammate Curt Schilling said on a podcast both of the Wakefields had been diagnosed with cancer. Mr. Schilling said Tim Wakefield had brain cancer and Stacy Wakefield had pancreatic cancer. The news came with an outpouring of support for the Wakefield and criticism for Mr. Schilling disclosing the matter without their permission.
“We will remember Stacy as a strong, loving, thoughtful and kind person, who was as down-to-earth as they come,” the family’s statement continued. “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.”
The Wakefields are survived by their children, Trevor and Brianna.
As much as Tim the Wakefield was celebrated for his achievements on the field, both he and Ms. Wakefield were also regarded in Boston for their work in the community.
Ms. Wakefield worked alongside her husband in raising money for multiple charitable groups, including the Red Sox Foundation. They also worked with the Jimmy Fund, visiting with patients and raising funds for the childhood cancer charity.
