Horseheads woman who died in crash remembered as a loving friend 'with a heart of gold'

A Horseheads woman killed in a motor vehicle crash in Schuyler County is being remembered by friends and family for her generosity, loyalty and a smile they say lit up their day.

Around 7 p.m. July 9, New York State Police say Brandy Stahlman was heading south on state Route 14A in the Town of Reading when, at the intersection with state Route 226, the vehicle she was driving went off the roadway and struck a tree.

Troopers said no one else was in the vehicle with Stahlman and no other vehicles were involved in the crash — an investigation is ongoing.

Stahlman was later pronounced dead at Schuyler Hospital. She was 42.

'That smile was the light of the day'

Stahlman was born Sept. 10, 1979 in Oil City, Pennsylvania, according to her obituary, and was a graduate of the Corning Community College nursing program.

Friends posted tributes to Stahlman on Facebook in the days after her death. They shared stories about her love for her children and grandchildren, her generosity and upbeat demeanor.

Stahlman "had such a good heart and loved her beautiful children and her dogs so so much," Michael P. Woodard wrote. "I loved seeing her posts and how much love she always showed everyone."

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"No words can express how I am feeling right now," April Troccia said in a Facebook post. "You were an amazing friend with a heart of gold who would go above and beyond for anyone. Just know you will [be] missed and loved. Thoughts and Prayers. Love you Beautiful."

"You will forever be in my mind and heart," Robert Marsh said in a Facebook post. "That smile was the light of the day. Always positive never a bad day."

Stahlman is survived by her mother, four children, one stepchild, two grandchildren, two siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. A private service will be held at a later date.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Remembering Horseheads woman who died in car crash