Stephanie A, Stewart

Stephanie Kipikas Stewart, 64, of Lenoxville, died Sunday, Oct. 12, at home surrounded by her family and friends after a long battle with brain cancer. She and her husband, Jeffrey, had celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in July.

Born in Scranton, Pa., daughter of the late John and Antoinette Napoli Kipikas, she was a graduate of Dickson High School, class of 1968. She was a faithful member of Green Ridge Chapter 189 and Juanita Chapter 8, Order of Eastern Star, for more than 40 years combined, where she had served as an officer in the Station of Martha as well as Worthy Matron on two occasions. As a parishioner of Tompkinsville United Methodist Church, she served on the church council. She was also a member of American Legion Post 108 Auxiliary and Quilting Club. She worked for Pennsylvania Hospice, Scranton, for several years, followed by Barbizon Lingerie, and last of all working side by side with her daughter in their floral business for more than 10 years. She enjoyed gardening and living the country life in Lenoxville. Her fondest memories were times spent with family and friends, enjoying such things as skiing, hosting holiday parties and loving her precious grandchildren.

As we live our daily lives in peace and harmony, so will Stephanie. She fought strong and hard for 21 years, but she fought with humor and kindness. She was exceptionally strong-willed with a character that was an inspiration to many. It was her faith that sustained her through treatment after treatment and numerous brain surgeries. She hoped that even if the treatment could not save her perhaps her participation would allow someone else to benefit in the future. Stephanie's legacy to her children and grandchildren is to persevere and continue to live no matter what the obstacle.

Stephanie's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Memorial Sloan Kettering's Department of Neuro Oncology & Surgery, New York City, for taking over her care for a rare cancerous tumor. The treatment she received allowed her to survive 21 years, 16 years longer than expected. Also, sincere thanks to the Traditional Home Health and Hospice, Dunmore, for their kindness and excellent care during her final weeks, to Juanita Chapter 8, OES, for its generosity and constant thoughtfulness and lastly, to her dearest friends and family who kept Stephanie's spirits uplifted throughout her battle.

Also surviving are a son, Jonathan and wife, Angela, Waymart; two daughters, Kelley Stewart, Clarks Summit; and Lizandra DeMacedo and fiancé, Keenan Acar, Spring, Texas; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Olivia and Alexandra Thornton and Cooper Stewart; a sister, Annette and husband, Peter Parchinski, Dickson City; a brother-in-law, James and wife, Jacqueline Stewart; a sister-in-law, Bonnie and husband, Eugene Long; four nieces and seven nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bridget Thornton; a brother, John Kipikas; mother and father-in-law, Mary and John Stewart; godmother, Pearl Kipikas; and great-aunt, Mary Kipikas.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. from Clarks Green United Methodist Church, 119 Glenburn Road, Clarks Green. Interment will follow in Dunmore Cemetery.

Friends may call today from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. An Eastern Star memorial service will take place at 7:15.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tompkinsville UMC, 551 Washington Ave., Jermyn, or Juanita Chapter 8, c/o Pamela Ziesemer, Secy., 1403 Fairview Road,Scott Twp., PA 18411.