Search by Name

Search by Name

Gretchen Stephan Obituary

Stephan, Gretchen A.
Atlanta, GA/Irondequoit: Thursday, October 18, 2007. Beloved daughter of Dr. William and Joanne Stephan; loving sister of Dr. William (Renee) Stephan, Mary Beth (Timothy) Sullivan, Barbara (Mark) Sysak, Ann Marie Stephan; devoted friend, Rob O'Malley; nieces & nephews, many dear friends.
A memorial mass to celebrate her life will be held SATURDAY 11:00 AM at CHRIST THE KING CHURCH, 445 Kings Hwy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bishop Kearney Scholarship Fund, 125 Kings Hwy. South, Rochester, NY 14617.

PAUL W. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME
544-2041

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Stephan

Not sure what to say?





Mary Roy

November 17, 2007

Dr & Mrs Stephan, Barb & family,
I had the chance to reconnect with Gretchen at Rogers Middle School she the teacher & myself the student teacher. On my first day there it was if we were still 7 years old again. Gretchen was a warm & giving individual and as I became her friend all over again, I knew how special she was. I often think of Barb & Gretchen and the fun we had in your basement playing as children.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Stephan family!

Jennifer and Richard Honeyman

November 15, 2007

Dear Stephan Family,

Our sympathies go out to you for your great loss. We are thinking of you and hope that fond memories of Gretchen will bring you peace.

Maureen O'Mara

November 1, 2007

Dear Stephans,
I went to St. Mike's with Gretchen and spent a part of a summer as roommates at school. She really knew how to make me laugh. She will truly be missed. Please know you are all in my thoughts.

Fran and Bob O'Loughlin

October 30, 2007

Bill and Joanne
Fran and I were sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jackie Inzinga

October 29, 2007

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Stephan & family, What a beautiful tribute to Gretchen on Saturday. Standing room only for an amazing person! I will miss Gretchen so much - her humor, her generosity and most of all her friendship. Thank you for sharing this wonderful person with us. My life has been blessed for having known her. Fondly,
Jackie (Gisel) Inzinga

Beth Lenehan Moreira

October 29, 2007

Dear Stephan Family,

I'm so sorry to hear about Gretchen.We were friends at St. Mike's learning to be teachers. She was a beautiful person and made me laugh daily.I will miss her.

Dana Dee Leccese

October 29, 2007

Dear family Stephan, and, of course, Rob,
The Memorial Service was wonderful. Gretchen surely was impressed. I felt the gaping hole in the room, Gretchen's wit noticeably absent. Despite being such a petite woman, she left a big footprint. So many cared for her. I'm sure you filled with pride in seeing and hearing how many people she touched. I sang my heart out; I hope she heard me. I can hear her now: "Not exactly Barbara Streisand, Dana, but hey, at least you try." God knows she tried . . . A mighty spirit who will be fondly remembered by the Leccese family forever.
Love,
Dana Dee
P.S. Hugs to her dog, who must be forlorn without her companionship.

Sam Soprano

October 29, 2007

Dr. and Mrs. Stephan, Mary Beth & Family,

I just learned today of Gretchen's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

TJ Leccese

October 29, 2007

Dear Stephan Family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you all at this time. I was so saddened to hear of your loss. She will be missed and remembered.

Pam (Bready) Nichols

October 29, 2007

Dear Stephan family,

I just found out about Gretchan's passing and I'm truly sorry for your loss. My brother Keith passed away in September, so I know how hard it is. Find strength in each other and take it day by day. You're all in my thoughts and prayers,

Sandy (Monaco) Rotolo

October 28, 2007

Dear Dr.and Mrs.Stephan, MaryBeth and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

The Knebel Family

October 28, 2007

To the Stephan Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Cheryl Vogt (Nastasi)

October 27, 2007

I just heard today of Gretchen's passing. I lost my sister at the young age of 38 and it is never easy. I was a classmate of Gretchen's throughout Bishop Kearney. I remember her big smile, class spirit and enthusiasm. Heaven has gained another angel.

Anne Hoenig

October 27, 2007

To all of the Stephan family,
I fondly remember Gretchen and all of the girls from nursery school. It saddens me to learn of your loss and consider it a personal loss as well. Gretchen was well known to me as an excellent teacher in our district and a consumate professional. My heart-felt condolences on your loss.

Deborah Latimer

October 26, 2007

To Gretchen's cherished parents sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, and other family we offer our deepest sympathy for your loss. No words can express or comfort your grief, but please know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. Ann Marie, my arms are around you always. Love, Deborah, David, Qin, & Cason.

Barbara and George Clark

October 26, 2007

To
Dr. Stephan and Joanne,

We were so saddened to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Wilfried Kunze, MD

October 26, 2007

To The Stepahn Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be watching over you all from heaven.

Dr.& Mrs. Wilfried Kunze
and Staff

Jennifer Nardone

October 26, 2007

To
Miss Stephan's Friends and Family,
I was extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Miss Stephan. She was my third grade teacher and honestly one of my favorites! She was such a wonderful person, really loved children and teaching. It brings me deep sadness to hear of your loss. She was one of the greatest, influential teachers I've ever had.
My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Jen Nardone

Mary Motyka Kenney

October 25, 2007

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Stephan and Family,

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Gretchen's death. I saw Barbie at our 20th class reunion in 2004. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Mary Motyka Kenney
Ray & Joan Keefe's daughter

Trish Hilbert

October 25, 2007

It was such a joy to be Gretchen's friend. She was a remarkable teacher, a generous friend, and a brilliant woman. I wanted to be more like her. She made me laugh and showed how much she cared about others. I am sad that she is no longer with us, but I find comfort knowing that she will be looking out for us in heaven.

Sharon Tucker

October 25, 2007

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Stephan,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your daughter. I shall keep all of you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon Williams Tucker
(Sgt. Don's daughter)

Polly Meyers

October 25, 2007

Joann and family:
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. If we can help in any way, please let us know.
God bless you all.
Polly, MOW

Katy Gullo Plough

October 25, 2007

To the Stephan Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved having her in Atlanta and renewing our childhood friendship. She was a truly loyal wonderful person and I treasured our time together. On behalf of myself, my husband Bill and the whole Gullo family in Atlanta, we send our prayers to you all in this time of need.

Dawn Gula

October 25, 2007

To Ann Marie and the Stephan family,

We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of Gretchen. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family.

Love,
Dawn, Todd, Ryan and Emily Gula

Larry and Carol Perrin

October 25, 2007

Gretchen was a fabulous teacher who touched many children's and parents' lives during her years in West Irondequoit. She was also a sensitive and caring friend. Our sympathies go out to her devoted family and also to her loyal buddy, Rob.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Gretchen Stephan's name

Memorial Events
for Gretchen Stephan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gretchen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gretchen Stephan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more