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Colleagues say she was passionate and students say she was the best teacher they ever had.
Ficarro, of Paoli, died Feb. 3, following a valiant cancer battle, leaving hundreds if not thousands of people heartbroken (scroll down for arrangements).
"I remember when Ms. Ficarro started as a student teacher at SPX and also helped out in the Discipline Office," one person commented on a Pope John Paul II High School Facebook post announcing the longtime teacher's death.
"She is one of the most positive people I have ever know as well as one of the most pleasant... this is certainly a very sad day for the SPX/PJP communities. "This will certainly leave a void in my life as well as for countless others."
"Every time Stacia spoke to you—it was as if you were the only one that mattered to her," another wrote.
"I loved her laugh and not surprised by the impact she had on this school. As her high school mate I she was special since day one...we are all better because we knew her. RIP Stacia."
A Yardley native, Ficarro attended Villa Joseph Marie High School and spent the following four years at Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor's in Education, her obituary says.
She graduated with a Master's in Education from Cabrini University, before spending 27 years working as a high school math teacher for Archdiocese of Philadelphia, at St. Pius X and Pope John Paul II High Schools, according to her obit.
Ficarro was a founding member of Pope John Paul II High School faculty in 2010. She served as the school's Math Department Chair, was a member of the Thon committee, Blue and Gold Day and was the school's "all-around biggest supporter," PJP said on Facebook.
Ficarro seemed to be a natural athlete, having played basketball for the East Norriton basketball league since college. She also played rough touch football in Upper Darby, leading the "Throw Ball Here" team to five years of undefeated seasons, her obituary says.
Ficarro went on to coach basketball, inspiring players at Pius X in Phoenixville and Ursinus College, her obituary says. She managed the Villanova women's team while earning her bachelor's.
The Saint Pius X High School and Pope John Paul II High School communities are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the high school on Rittenhouse Road in Royersford.
Visit the Pope John Paul II High School website to pre-register. Pre-registration is required to adhere to indoor gathering size limitations.
A private mass will be held Thursday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas of Villanova. All others are invited to join the live stream here.
"Her deep passion and commitment to the mission of Catholic education will be a source of strength and perseverance for the entire PJP community," the school wrote on Facebook.
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