In Memory of Stephanie

[Susan Hubbard]

I was fortunate to have known Stephanie through our families' friendship in Little Falls. We lived just down the road from the Marshiks in good ole Zebulon Shores. Stephanie's sister Ann was my best friend in high school. I always looked forward to Thanksgiving as we had a tradition of sharing the holiday with the Marshiks. I remember Stephanie's contagious laugh and love of sweets - especially Pat's Pumpkin Cheesecake, which was the highlight every year. Stephanie and I had the sport of tennis in common. Since there was quite the age span between us, I was older, I was long gone when she rocked the Little Falls Flyer tennis team. However, my summer job during college was as one of the instructors of the Park and Rec tennis program. I remember starting that job with Mary Jo Filippi. She adored Stephanie, as did I, and I remember her athleticism on the court and the good friend that she was to Carla, Betsy, David, and the many others. She had the best attitude, worked hard but always had fun. Stephanie never had a mean bone in her body. If you were her friend, you were oh so lucky. She was a classy lady back then and only got better with age. I don't know Sam very well, however when I was at Stephanie's wake and funeral I was taken back by how much he reminded me of her. His bright eyes, kind face, and smile shine like Stephanie's and from what I've learned, his heart does too. My mom died 4 years ago of cancer and Stephanie was so good to her. She sent her many cards of encouragement and a gift that she sent my mom still resides on her dresser. Stephanie was a kind and caring person. Her life on Earth was way too short. I will always have a big smile on my face as I remember Stephanie, she was a special lady and we'll miss her so much.