Remembering Stephanie Rae Lacombe, 1972 to 2026
- Meagan Wood
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Stephanie Rae Lacombe, cofounder and matriarch of Lacombe Crane & Rigging in Houston, Texas, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a battle with breast cancer that lasted more than 15 years. She was 54. Stephanie leaves behind her husband, Justin Lacombe, and their children, Carter, Emma, Noah and Jules, as well as a company, family and community profoundly shaped by her compassion, creativity and willingness to help others.
A Sad Loss for the Crane and Rigging Community
The crane and rigging industry is mourning the death of Stephanie Rae Lacombe, cofounder of Houston based Lacombe Crane & Rigging.
Stephanie died in the company of her family on August 23 after living with breast cancer for more than 15 years. Within Lacombe Crane & Rigging, she was known not only as a founder but as the company’s matriarch, reflecting the personal commitment and care she brought to the family business.
Her influence extended well beyond the company. Family members described a woman whose life was defined by motherhood, generosity, creativity and an instinctive willingness to support people in need.
From Pennsylvania to Texas
Stephanie was born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania. Her family relocated to League City, Texas, southeast of Houston, during the mid 1980s. She later attended The University of Texas at Austin. She married Justin Lacombe and helped establish the crane and rigging company that carries their family name. Together, they built a life centred on family, business and service to others in the Houston area.
Cofounder of Lacombe Crane & Rigging
Stephanie played an important role in building Lacombe Crane & Rigging, which has served customers across the Houston area for more than 25 years. The family operated company provides crane rental, rigging, machinery moving, transport, demolition and equipment storage services.
Its work requires careful planning, trusted relationships and a willingness to respond when customers face difficult lifting or logistical challenges. Those same qualities were reflected in how Stephanie approached her personal life. She was remembered as someone who did not shy away from demanding projects or difficult circumstances.
“There was very little Stephanie wouldn’t take on,”
her family said.
Her creativity and determination helped shape a business built around solving challenging problems while caring for the people involved.
Family Was at the Centre of Her Life
Above every professional accomplishment, Stephanie’s family remembered her devotion as a wife and mother.
“Being a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life,”
her family said.
She welcomed her children’s friends into the family home and offered support to young people who needed additional encouragement, guidance or care.
Stephanie also had a deep affection for animals, with her family recalling the special place she held for every pet that entered her life.
She leaves behind Justin and their four children, Carter, Emma, Noah and Jules.
A Life Defined by Generosity
Stephanie’s family described her as talented, creative, compassionate and deeply committed to the causes she believed in. When someone needed help, she responded through action. Her support went beyond offering kind words, reflecting a willingness to give her time, energy and resources wherever they were needed.
That generosity touched people across her family, company and wider community.
The Lacombe family expressed its gratitude to everyone who provided prayers, kindness, care and practical support during Stephanie’s final weeks.
Every message, visit and act of generosity brought comfort to the family during an extraordinarily difficult period.
Community Celebrates Stephanie’s Life
A visitation celebrating Stephanie’s life was held on Wednesday, August 26, at the Hope Village Community Center in Friendswood, Texas.
Her memorial service followed on Thursday, August 27, at Sagemont Church’s Hughes Road Auditorium in Houston, with a reception at Hope Village Community Center.
The gatherings brought together family members, friends, colleagues and members of the community whose lives Stephanie had influenced.
Donations Support Kidz Harbor
In place of flowers, the Lacombe family requested donations to Kidz Harbor, a children’s home in Liverpool, Texas. Kidz Harbor provides residential care and support for children who cannot safely remain in their family homes.
The chosen organisation reflects Stephanie’s concern for children and her willingness to care for young people who needed additional love and stability.
Donations can be made through the family’s memorial campaign:
Additional information about the organisation is available at www.kidzharbor.org.
About Lacombe Crane & Rigging
Lacombe Crane & Rigging, operating as Lacombe Crane LLC, is a family operated crane, rigging and specialised services company based in south Houston. The company has served the Houston area for more than 25 years, providing equipment and personnel for lifting, machinery moving and industrial projects.
Its services include:
Crane rental
Contract rigging
Machinery moving
Specialised transport
Demolition
Equipment storage
Rigging equipment rental
Three dimensional lift planning
Around the clock project support
The company operates from its facility on Almeda Genoa Road and supports customers throughout Houston and the surrounding region.
Company website: www.lacombecraneandrigging.com
Crane Hub Global Extends Its Condolences
Crane Hub Global extends its deepest condolences to Justin, Carter, Emma, Noah and Jules, as well as Stephanie’s extended family, friends and colleagues at Lacombe Crane & Rigging.
Stephanie’s contribution to her family, company and community will continue through the people she supported, the business she helped build and the values she demonstrated throughout her life.
