Sandy Stephens, 62, passed away peacefully in her home on December 19th after a 15-year battle with cancer. The daughter of Oliver and the late June Evertz, she was born on November 6th, 1950 in St. Louis, MO. Sandy graduated from Lindberg High School in 1968, and attended the University of Kansas, where she graduatedContinue Reading
Sandy Stephens, 62, passed away peacefully in her home on December 19th after a 15-year battle with cancer.
The daughter of Oliver and the late June Evertz, she was born on November 6th, 1950 in St. Louis, MO. Sandy graduated from Lindberg High School in 1968, and attended the University of Kansas, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1972.
In 1972, Sandy married Gregory Stephens. While Greg pursued his Doctorate in Physiology, Sandy earned her Masters in Reading in 1975.
In 1978, Greg and Sandy moved to Newark, where Sandy helped thousands of students learn to enjoy reading at Maclary Elementary School, until her retirement in 2009. In 2002, Sandy and Greg moved just over the state line into Landenberg, PA, where together they spent their spare time restoring their centuries-old home. In retirement, Sandy enjoyed tending her garden, reading, and spoiling her new grandson.
Sandy was preceded in death by her mother, June, her sister, Maureen, and her daughter, Amy. She is survived by her father, Ollie of St. Louis, husband, Greg, daughter Laura Bies and husband Brandon of Washington, DC, son Douglas and wife Corinne of Silver Spring, MD, and her grandson, Samuel Bies, as well as her cousin Candice Mayfield and family, of New Orleans, LA.
A celebration of her life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, December 27th, 2012, at R.T. Foard and Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St, Newark, DE 19711. Friends and family may call beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maclary Elementary School Library Book Fund or to Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research c/o the funeral home.
Harriet Ritter (aka Twink)
left a message on August 19, 2013:
I have so many great memories of the time we spent together at KU; the silliness was neverending, especially when Greg and Tigger the cat were involved. While Greg was away serving in the National Guard, Sandy would stay in at the dorm, where our group of 'dateless' friends would behave as goofily as possible. I remember the stomach aches from laughing. Besides her her sense of humor, her kindness and generousity were outstanding characteristics. She was always a friend you could depend on. I only recently learned of Sandy's passing because of my own crises in the past year. Although she and I mostly spoke by phone in the many years since college, there was still a bond, and I will miss knowing she's there.
Kathy Deitrick
left a message on December 23, 2012:
So many memories of Sandy from Maple Valley Swim Team. We had many great times. Deepest Sympathies to the family. Blessings to all.
Brandi McClain
left a message on December 23, 2012:
Mrs. Stephens was an amazing woman. I was a student at Maclary from 1999-2005. She not only was the librarian, but everyone's friend. I was her library aid every single year. I loved her so much. She was always happy,always. Never did I ever see her have a bad day. I used to eat lunch with her everyday and tutor kids with her. She taught me a lot and I will always love her for that. I am happy that I got the chance to meet her and I'm glad she is at peace now. Rest easy Mrs. Stephens. Shine down on all of us, as heaven accepts another angel. My condolences go out to all her family and friends as well.
Susan Rowlands
left a message on December 22, 2012:
Sandy was a wonderful friend and neighbor who taught me so much about facing life, both the good and the bad, with grace and dignity and a positive attitude. Sandy was always great to Ryan, he loves her so much! Whenever we couldn't find Ryan it was a sure thing that he was over with Sandy or Greg passing the time! Sandy, we will miss you terribly but you will always be in our hearts.
Kay
left a message on December 22, 2012:
I will always remember the Christmas party that Sandy and Greg hosted every year. They were always very welcoming, along with Sandy's parents. I will miss Sandy's beautiful smile and her great sense of humor. My prayers are with your family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leslie
left a message on December 22, 2012:
When I was 5 years old or so, my parents were getting rid of a fence that had honeysuckle vines growing all over it. For whatever reason (my age?) I was very upset by this. Mrs. Stephens made a little wreath for me out of the vines, complete with a ribbon, bow and dried flower. That made it all better.
Susan Guckenberger
left a message on December 22, 2012:
Every day when I dropped off my oldest two sons at school, my youngest would go and sit in her lap and they would work on puzzles together and say the pledge together.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Harriet Ritter (aka Twink)
left a message on August 19, 2013:
I have so many great memories of the time we spent together at KU; the silliness was neverending, especially when Greg and Tigger the cat were involved. While Greg was away serving in the National Guard, Sandy would stay in at the dorm, where our group of 'dateless' friends would behave as goofily as possible. I remember the stomach aches from laughing. Besides her her sense of humor, her kindness and generousity were outstanding characteristics. She was always a friend you could depend on. I only recently learned of Sandy's passing because of my own crises in the past year. Although she and I mostly spoke by phone in the many years since college, there was still a bond, and I will miss knowing she's there.
Kathy Deitrick
left a message on December 23, 2012:
So many memories of Sandy from Maple Valley Swim Team. We had many great times. Deepest Sympathies to the family. Blessings to all.
Brandi McClain
left a message on December 23, 2012:
Mrs. Stephens was an amazing woman. I was a student at Maclary from 1999-2005. She not only was the librarian, but everyone's friend. I was her library aid every single year. I loved her so much. She was always happy,always. Never did I ever see her have a bad day. I used to eat lunch with her everyday and tutor kids with her. She taught me a lot and I will always love her for that. I am happy that I got the chance to meet her and I'm glad she is at peace now. Rest easy Mrs. Stephens. Shine down on all of us, as heaven accepts another angel. My condolences go out to all her family and friends as well.
Susan Rowlands
left a message on December 22, 2012:
Sandy was a wonderful friend and neighbor who taught me so much about facing life, both the good and the bad, with grace and dignity and a positive attitude. Sandy was always great to Ryan, he loves her so much! Whenever we couldn't find Ryan it was a sure thing that he was over with Sandy or Greg passing the time! Sandy, we will miss you terribly but you will always be in our hearts.
Kay
left a message on December 22, 2012:
I will always remember the Christmas party that Sandy and Greg hosted every year. They were always very welcoming, along with Sandy's parents. I will miss Sandy's beautiful smile and her great sense of humor. My prayers are with your family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leslie
left a message on December 22, 2012:
When I was 5 years old or so, my parents were getting rid of a fence that had honeysuckle vines growing all over it. For whatever reason (my age?) I was very upset by this. Mrs. Stephens made a little wreath for me out of the vines, complete with a ribbon, bow and dried flower. That made it all better.
Susan Guckenberger
left a message on December 22, 2012:
Every day when I dropped off my oldest two sons at school, my youngest would go and sit in her lap and they would work on puzzles together and say the pledge together.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.