Kajia E. Stevens

Kajia E. Stevens, age 23 , of Adams, died suddenly Sunday, December 2, 2018 at her home.

Kajia was born in Pittsfield on January 17, 1995, the daughter of Michael Parise and Jacqueline Stevens, as well as her stepfather Jack Gooley of Lee.

Kajia was educated in the Pittsfield schools, and attended Taconic High School. When she was younger, she loved to run, and her grandparents lovingly referred to her as "Rugrat.” She was in dance classes until she was 16, and in high school, she was on the girls softball team.

As she got older, Kajia embraced her time spent outdoors. She was a terrific gardener, and was especially proud of the pumpkins and vegetables she would grow. She loved helping her grandfather Larry in the yard, and unlike most, found joy in doing yardwork.

Loving the holidays, she was particularly fond of Halloween and Easter. Every year, Kajia would plan an elaborate Easter garden and Easter egg hunt for the little kids in her family.

Five years ago, Kajia met Jesse Jayko. He was her best friend, and the father of their three year old daughter, Layla-Jean Jayko. With Layla, Kajia enjoyed doing arts and crafts, and she was a devoted mom.

Besides Jesse, Layla-Jean, and her parents, Kajia is also survived by her grandparents, Judy and Larry Stevens, Sr. of Pittsfield, her siblings, Justice and Darren MacDowell of Pittsfield, Benjamin Stevens of Pittsfield and Cole Stevens of Adams, Kasandra MacDowell and Kayla Stevens, both of Pittsfield, her aunt and uncle Michelle and Ernie MacDowell of Pittsfield and her uncles, Ben and Larry Stevens of Pittsfield, 3 nephews and 1 niece.

A memorial service for Kajia will be held Friday, December 7th at 10AM at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home. Burial will be private for the family.