Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Stephanie has been my neighbor and dear friend for 10 years. During that time, we both learned from each other and grew in our knowledge and understanding of our backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We had a wonderful relationship that challenged each of us to think, dream and solve problems. We never knew what we would face next. Sometimes, we would laugh it off and at other times, we would try to figure out what was really going on. Whether we were discussing politics, HGTV home rehabs, cooking shows, Hallmark movies, or the ACP budget and bylaws. Sometimes, I would run a challenging situation by Stephanie because she knew how to how to handle the situation. I remember one time when I was going to a celebration and knew that I would be facing two people who were in serious trouble. She told me how to handle myself when I encountered the two of them. We would also talk about the home decorating ideas that people came up with on HGTV shows. Our tastes did not always match theirs. Stephanie knew a lot about decorating because she was well read along those lines. She received many magazines relating to home décor and would shop for all kinds of items that would enhance her own home décor. I think our favorite discussion was about cooking. Stephanie knew the techniques that elevated a dish and how to improve a recipe. I remember speaking with her about my cooking problems. She gave me her wise and experienced advice, such as “Make sure that you have enough juice”, “use broth instead of water”, “be sure to add lemon”. Stephanie could look at a recipe and tell if it was going to turn out just right. She read and shared many recipes with me from her own collection as well as recipes from books and magazines. There is one special memory that touched me and that I will never forget. Her sister, Sandy came to visit. I would watch the two of them in the kitchen as they were preparing food for the next meal. They both really knew how to cook. But what really stood out was their relationship as sisters and best friends, who loved, respected, and admired each other. Two sisters could not have been closer than they were. They always thought about each other and worried about each other. I cherished each time that I had the opportunity to watch them in the kitchen! It was as good, if not better than the Hallmark movies! There were also the holiday celebrations when her son, Emanuel and daughter-in-law, Kathleen would visit. Stephanie was so much into their visits that she would cook up a feast for them. She also shared her excitement with me when her granddaughter, Alyssa would be visiting. One final thought that had an impact on me. I was directly across the street from Stephanie so I could see cars in front of her home. There were days when it was impossible to visit her because so many people were stopping by for one reason or another. I remember calling her and she listened for a few moments and then asked me if she could call me back because she had someone in her home. The memories are returning each day and I miss my friend very much! I believe that she touched each of our lives and knew how to relate to each of us in her own way. She was blessed with so many friends and family who loved her. She will be sorely missed.
May Stephanie’s memory always be for a blessing and may she rest in peace.
Richard Miller, a neighbor and friend
