Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Dec 17, 1951 – Jan 5, 2019 (Age 67)
ALLEN, TX- At 5:15 CT Saturday morning, January 5, 2019, Stephanie Anne Kensil, after staring down several cruel and punishing illnesses, courageously returned to the universe from whence she came 67 years ago. “Steve” as she is known to siblings Dan Kensil and Pat Kensil Rowe, arrived on this orb on December 17, 1951 to the pleasure of Eileen and Bill Kensil of Philadelphia PA, trailing her sister by nearly a decade. Stevie, as a large circle of intimates call her, left this life reluctantly but with the love of friends accumulated and critters rescued during the course of a maddeningly brief existence.
Forever single, strong willed, and independent, Steve found joy in her family, her buddies, her pet rescues, and her pottery. To many, her direct nature and solid convictions were often enjoyed as debates in the making. And as an engaging conversationalist, she rarely left you wondering where you or she stood on a variety of topics. During early segments of her life she took pleasure in sports, particularly basketball, and was often seen as the best dancer on the dance floor. In addition, her caregiving and support for those facing end of life provided a source of strength and acceptance. Her eighteen months as the in-home caretaker for her mother set a standard to be greatly admired.
Stevie is survived by her siblings; her sister-in-law Margie Hathaway Kensil; her cousins Pat Good, Betsy Kulesa, Vince Kensil, Joe Kensil; and her lifetime friend, Paddy Porter Troupe. She was fortified in her illness by the love and succor provided by her sister-in-law and her cousin Pat. Additionally, close friends Pat Carrillo, Sherry Green, and Connie Schoonmaker gave much of themselves, their time, and tenderness to help Stevie face her life’s crisis.
As Stephanie wished, her cremated remains will be removed to Virginia for interment next to her parents in All Saints Catholic Cemetery. NO MEMORIAL SERVICE is planned AT THIS TIME. For those contemplating flowers, a donation in Stephanie’s name to a no-kill animal shelter would be welcome. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
Read MoreMy deepest sympathy to Dan and Pat at the loss of their dear sister.
May she rest in peace and be remembered for her kindness.
Bernie KIrsch
June 10, 2019 | Virginia Beach, VA | Friend
I worked with Stevie for many years. We always joked about her being my long lost mother. She always told everyone when she introduced me, that I was basically her child. I loved everything about her. She always had something for me, whether it be a life lesson or a smack on the head. She wanted to color her hair a crazy color when she left work, and I wish I could have seen that. May you finally find peace
Cadie Calvert
February 26, 2019 | Fort Worth, TX | Coworker
Stevie was just a little twerp when I knew her. Always running around behind Danny and Pat. St. Pauls was just another of her stomping grounds. She was a delight to be around then. I'm sure she turned about to be a great friend to all she came in contact with in her later years.
My prayers go out to Danny and Pat.
Bobby Martin
February 05, 2019 | Supply, NC | Acquaintance
Marshall Taylor
January 20, 2019 | Nebo, NC
stevie was always one of the nicest people i ever knew from portsmouth catholic. the world has lost a good soul way too young!
betty ann wilson
January 20, 2019 | PORTSMOUTH, VA, VA
My prayers and thoughts are with Dan and Pat at this time. She was always a shining light.
Rose Mary K Rakowski
January 13, 2019 | Chesapeake, VA
What a lovely description of Steve. i wish I had had the opportunity to get to know her. I'm blessed to have had the chance to serve her, even if it was in a small way.
Susan Barnett
January 11, 2019 | Frisco, TX | Acquaintance