Dr. Stephanie Tucker, 80, passed away on December 7, 2025, in Sacramento, California, after an injury and brief illness. A brilliant and compassionate woman, Stephanie was deeply loved and respected by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Her legacy as an educator, theater enthusiast, and advocate for human rights and social causes will be remembered with admiration and gratitude.
Born on August 16, 1945, in New York City to Carll Tucker and Emily Fowler, Stephanie spent most of her childhood in Westchester County just outside New York City where her grandparents lived. Her early life was shaped by a love of the arts and intellectual curiosity. Her father, a newspaperman, introduced her to the world of theater at a young age—taking her to plays both on and off Broadway. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the stage. Though she preferred the audience to the spotlight, theater remained a central joy throughout her life.
When Stephanie was 17, she and a friend travelled by train from the east coast to California—where she immediately realized she’d found a home. After a brief stint in college, Stephanie dropped out of school and drove to California in 1967, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Stephanie pursued higher education with determination and distinction. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. Her academic journey led to a fulfilling career in education where she found immense joy in teaching. She cherished her time in the classroom at CSUS, surrounded by bright and talented students who inspired her daily. Stephanie often said she learned as much from them as they did from her—and she remained forever grateful for those shared experiences.
After retiring from CSUS, Stephanie returned to one of her earliest loves: the theater. She accepted a position as Literary Manager and Dramaturg for Capital Stage in Sacramento—a role that allowed her to engage deeply with dramatic literature while working behind the scenes in an environment she adored.
Above all else, Stephanie drew her greatest joy from her family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Tony Cale and his wife Becky Cale; her daughter Cate Cale-Thompson and husband John-Reed Thompson; and her cherished grandchildren Gwendolyn Thompson and Lucas Thompson. Her devotion to them was unwavering, and their lives were enriched by her wisdom, humor, and boundless love.
Stephanie’s wit was sharp; her generosity profound; her commitment to others unwavering. Whether mentoring students or supporting local causes close to her heart, she lived with purpose and compassion. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.
In honor of Stephanie’s memory, donations may be made to Capital Stage or Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA.
Born on August 16, 1945, in New York City to Carll Tucker and Emily Fowler, Stephanie spent most of her childhood in Westchester County just outside New York City where her grandparents lived. Her early life was shaped by a love of the arts and intellectual curiosity. Her father, a newspaperman, introduced her to the world of theater at a young age—taking her to plays both on and off Broadway. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the stage. Though she preferred the audience to the spotlight, theater remained a central joy throughout her life.
When Stephanie was 17, she and a friend travelled by train from the east coast to California—where she immediately realized she’d found a home. After a brief stint in college, Stephanie dropped out of school and drove to California in 1967, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Stephanie pursued higher education with determination and distinction. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. Her academic journey led to a fulfilling career in education where she found immense joy in teaching. She cherished her time in the classroom at CSUS, surrounded by bright and talented students who inspired her daily. Stephanie often said she learned as much from them as they did from her—and she remained forever grateful for those shared experiences.
After retiring from CSUS, Stephanie returned to one of her earliest loves: the theater. She accepted a position as Literary Manager and Dramaturg for Capital Stage in Sacramento—a role that allowed her to engage deeply with dramatic literature while working behind the scenes in an environment she adored.
Above all else, Stephanie drew her greatest joy from her family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Tony Cale and his wife Becky Cale; her daughter Cate Cale-Thompson and husband John-Reed Thompson; and her cherished grandchildren Gwendolyn Thompson and Lucas Thompson. Her devotion to them was unwavering, and their lives were enriched by her wisdom, humor, and boundless love.
Stephanie’s wit was sharp; her generosity profound; her commitment to others unwavering. Whether mentoring students or supporting local causes close to her heart, she lived with purpose and compassion. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.
In honor of Stephanie’s memory, donations may be made to Capital Stage or Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephanie Tucker, please visit our flower store.
Stephanie Tucker's Guestbook
Visits: 82
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors