Carol Stephan

Carol Anne Stephan, 66, died peacefully Dec. 15, 2010, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

In honor of her life, a gathering will be held for all who can attend at 3 p.m. Sunday at 4600 Sydney Park Circle.

She was born May 4, 1944, in New Castle, Pa., to Bertram Rick and Ann Sams. They eventually moved to Alaska, where she spent the majority of her life.

From the 1970s through 1987, she worked downtown at the Stamp and Coin Cache and B. Dalton Bookseller. She then became the trade book buyer for the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she remained for 23 years until retiring May 31 of this year. She took several courses throughout those years with the sole purpose of having a passion for learning new things.

"She was an extremely unselfish person who was always willing to help not only family but others as well," her family said. "She was a loving and charitable person. She supported several organizations such as Heifer, SPCA and the Humane Society. She believed strongly in democracy, equality and protecting the planet. She enjoyed family gatherings, reading, baking and eating specialty foods. One of her greatest passions was the welfare of animals and throughout her life has rescued and loved many. She enjoyed learning to play the piano, working acrostic puzzles and dancing and singing while listening to music. She was deeply spiritual, particularly drawn to the Buddhism/ Tao way of thinking. Our family is thankful to have her at peace; however, she leaves a void and will be missed dearly."

Carol is survived by her sister, Roberta Mae Trent; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick "Gabe" and Carla Stephan; daughter and son-in-law, Joanna "Rachel" and Roland "Chet" Price; grandchildren, Sarah and Nathan Kracker, Ashley and Emma Price, and Ellie, Roman, Jacob and Zachary Stephan; and great-grandchild, James Kracker. She also leaves behind her nephew and wife, Jeff and Kelly Trent, and their children Tim, Whey, Aaron, Kelsey, Cheyanne and Chase; and many cousins and several great friends, most notably Dave Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bertram Rick; mother, Ann Rick; sister, Elaine Rick; and nephew, Brian Trent.

The family suggestions that donations be sent to the SPCA.