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Ann Stepan

1943 - 2015

Ann Stepan obituary, 1943-2015, Beverly Shores, IL

BORN

1943

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street

Oak Lawn, Illinois

Ann Stepan Obituary

Ann Stepan, a Democratic powerhouse in Chicago, died on April 17, 2015 at her home in Beverly Shores, Indiana. Born September 27, 1943, the fourth of six children of Robert Ruppe and Eilleen Bauser Ruppe, she married Paul H. Stepan upon graduation from Barat College in 1965. She was the loving and beloved mother of Shannon (Jonathan) and Paul (Susan), and proud grandmother of Ava, Kathleen, Owen, and Emily. Ann was a passionate activist for social justice. At age 21 she traveled to Selma, Alabama to participate in the historic civil rights march to Montgomery. For the remainder of her years she directed her vivacious spirit and social awareness into determined action to change and improve our world. Ann's desire for change propelled her into politics. Ann was elected as the first woman Democratic Committeeman for Chicago's 43rd Ward in 1984 and then again in 1988. She developed one of the strongest and most effective grassroots ward organizations in the city, supporting and working with Mayors Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, State Senator Dawn Clark Netsch, Illinois Attorney General Neil Hartigan, States Attorney Dick Devine, Senators Bill Bradley, Paul Simon, and Adlai Stevenson III, Vice President Joseph Biden, and President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton among others. She was an advocate for women candidates and opened the doors for many, including her successor Peg Roth, Honorable Maureen Durkin Roy and State Representative Judy Erwin. From 1991-1993 Ann served as 7th District State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly. In this position she was a member of a Special Task Force and co-sponsored the Lead-Poisoning Prevention Act of 1992. Ann Stepan was a board member of Family Focus and the Better Government Association and a major fund-raiser for Democrats across the nation as a prominent member of the Democratic National Committee. Ann was avid about the arts and a devout Catholic. She was a significant collector of modern art and a Trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. As an active member of Saint Clement Parish, Ann pointed her unique 'grassroots' style to spearhead a successful fundraising effort for vital church renovations. Ann's life was grounded in her enduring love for Paul and her family. She described her marriage as "the love affair of the century." Her devotion for Paul was reflected in the splendor of their marital vow renewal in Assisi, Italy and the intimate personal care she gave him daily throughout a long and difficult illness until his passing. Family and friends remember Ann Stepan as a "force of nature with boundless energy." In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her siblings, Joan O'Malley, Dee Dee O'Malley, Robert Ruppe, and Christine Ruppe, and her siblings' in-law, Marilee Wehman, Alfred Stepan, Quinn Stepan, Stratford Stepan, Charlotte Shea, and John Stepan. Services will be held on Monday, April 27 at Old Saint Pat's Church at 700 W Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661. Visitation will be held at 8:30am followed by mass at 9:30AM. Funeral Info: 708-636-1193. blakelamboaklawn.com

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Stepan

Not sure what to say?





Janina Schneider-Bertucci

May 10, 2015

Sorry for your loss to the Stepan Family!!

Sean Brennan

May 2, 2015

I was very sorry to read about Ann Stepan's passing. I was a precinct capt. for her in the 80's & 90's in the 43rd Ward. Ann was a very special lady whose passion for politics & people, sense of humor, and dynamic & magnetic personality endeared her to people like few people could,including me. I am glad for having known her. I would like to express my sincerest sympathies to Ann's family during this difficult time.

Dougherty Family

April 28, 2015

Sending prayers and hugs to all of you. Aunt Ann was always a bundle of positive energy and love. Her warm nature will be something I will never forget. Now she and Paul are up with the angels where there is sunshine everyday!!

April 27, 2015

The Ruppe Family, especially Ann, were part of my growing up years in Chicago. My brother Norman Raidl of Chicago sent this obituary to me. May Ann rest in peace.
Eileen Raidl Gordon, Stillwater MN

Patricia Stephens Stepan

April 27, 2015

My heartfelt memories and condolences to Ann's family and to all the Stepan's. I remember Ann's joy and
laughter from many years ago and feel saddened at both her and Paul's passing.

John Maloney

April 27, 2015

Dear Bob and Sheri,
So sorry to hear about Ann. She and Paul sure had a tough time in their later years. Always remember her as such a cute kid. I hope you two are doing well.
Hope to see you the next time you are in town.
Digger & Judy

Deanna Demuzio

April 26, 2015

Sendung my thoughts and prayers to the Stepan Family

April 26, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to Ann's family, a pioneer of women's place in politics in Chicago.

Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman

Fr. Thomas Nangle, CPD ret

April 24, 2015

Such good,rich memories of the Stepan family at St. Clement's in the 70's and 80's...Ann and Paul and all were bright spots on the Deming landscape. May Ann know God's peace and eternal life now. Prayers for your family.

April 23, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the Stepan and Ruppe families. Ann was one of Barat's brightest stars! May she rest in eternal peace.

Maureen E. Ryan, BC'81
AASH Past President

Uncle Dick the Bauser family

April 23, 2015

Surely, this beautiful vibrant women has earned her place in Heaven with the Lord God almighty. Ann will be sorely missed by friends and family. How well we enjoyed our family reunions at their home on Lake Michigan. .Paul and Ann were the perfect hosts. Our prayers and condolences go out to the Ruppe and Stepan families.

Uncle Dick and The Bauser family

April 23, 2015

Surely, Ann , a beautiful vibrant woman has earned her place in Heaven with God almighty. The Bauser family sends prayers and condolences to the Ruppe and Stepan families. How well we recall the fun times with Annie and Paul when they hosted our family reunions at their home on Lake Michigan. They were always the most gracious and loving hosts. Both Paul and Ann will be missed by their friends and famil

Michael McGann

April 23, 2015

I served as director of the Illinois Democratic Party from '86 through '90. Ann and Paul Stepan were the financial foundation of a rebuilt state Democratic Party. Their efforts and leadership brought a Party from financial ruin to creating victories in the '90s. For me and many other Democrats Ann's death is a very sad passing of an era.

Bill Colson

April 23, 2015

Sympathy to the Stepan family on your loss. Your mom and dad were great people and will be missed. Bill Colson

Susan O'Bryan

April 23, 2015

Annie and Paul's family...a sad good-bye from a high school friend. We totally enjoyed our h.s. and college time together. Annie was always a bundle of energy, and Paul, always the gentleman. Their passing will leave the earth a bit dimmer. Love and best wishes from Susan O'Bryan

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Memorial Events
for Ann Stepan

Apr

27

Visitation

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Old Saint Pat's Church

700 W Adams St., Chicago, IL

Apr

27

Funeral Mass

9:30 a.m.

Old Saint Pat's Church

700 W Adams St., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

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