In Loving Memory of Jacob Lambert, Stacy Forde, and Patrick Forde

In Loving Memory of Jacob Lambert, Stacy Forde, and Patrick Forde

The quiet community of Crete Township, Illinois, has been shaken to its core by a tragedy that has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors. The lives of three beloved individuals—32-year-old Jacob Lambert, his mother, 54-year-old Stacy Forde, and her husband, 55-year-old Patrick Forde—were taken far too soon in a devastating act of violence that has left many searching for answers and struggling to comprehend the depth of this loss.

In the early hours of Monday morning, what began as a routine welfare check turned into a heartbreaking discovery. Authorities responded to a home on the 3400 block of Norway Trail around 2 a.m., where they found Jacob in a vehicle in the driveway, and Stacy and Patrick inside the home near the front door. The scene was one of profound sorrow—three lives, deeply connected by love and family, gone in an instant.

Jacob Lambert will be remembered as a devoted father, a son, and a man who carried both strength and compassion in his daily life. Those who knew him speak of his dedication to his two young children, 4-year-old Ella and 3-year-old Rhett, who were the center of his world. His love for them was evident in every smile, every effort, and every hope he held for their future. Jacob’s life, though tragically short, was filled with moments of care, resilience, and quiet determination.

Stacy Forde, a loving mother and a pillar of her family, was known for her warmth and nurturing spirit. She was the kind of person who made others feel at home, offering kindness without hesitation and strength when it was needed most. Her life was one of devotion—to her children, her family, and the values she held dear. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in those she touched.

Patrick Forde, a husband, stepfather, and steady presence in the family, was admired for his loyalty and character. He stood as a source of support and stability, someone who could be counted on in both joyful and difficult times. His presence brought comfort and reassurance, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

Authorities have charged 30-year-old Jenna Strouble in connection with these tragic deaths, describing the incident as a targeted act. While the legal process now unfolds, it does little to ease the grief carried by those left behind. The pain of losing loved ones in such a sudden and violent manner is something words can scarcely capture.

As the community mourns, attention turns not only to the lives lost but to the two young children now facing a future without their father and grandparents. Their innocence stands in stark contrast to the tragedy that surrounds them, and they will undoubtedly need love, support, and compassion in the days, months, and years ahead.

This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. It also calls for unity—neighbors supporting neighbors, communities standing together in the face of grief, and a shared commitment to healing.

Though Jacob, Stacy, and Patrick are no longer physically present, their memories remain etched in the hearts of those who loved them. Their laughter, their kindness, their shared moments of joy—these are the things that will endure beyond the tragedy.

May their souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength in the memories they carry and the love that will never fade.