Stephanie Hawke

Stephanie Hawke, 1987 Delaware Mother of the Year

SMYRNA - Stephanie Hawke, 1987 Delaware Mother of the Year, loving wife, beloved mother of five daughters, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was received into God's arms on March 21, 2009. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her loving family. Her parents, Frank and Hedwig Gomola, preceded her in death. Stephanie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Francis A. Hawke; her five daughters and spouses;, Patricia Andrews, Cynthia Truax, and husband John, Sheila Holleger and husband Brian, Dr. Wendy Hawke Lenz and husband Richard, Valarie Hawke-Brown and husband Dennis; her son-in-law, Fred Englert; her grandchildren, Lt. Col. Frank Andrews and wife Elaine, Dr. Michelle Andrews Thompson and husband Greg, Eddie Andrews, Valarie Truax, Blake Brown, Shannon Holleger Santos, Eric Englert, Laura Rae Holleger, Kristen Englert, Austin Brown, Erin Brown, Claire Lenz, and Laura Lenz; her great-grandchildren, Gregory, Jessica, Melissa, Michael, Kimberly, Jose, Giovany, Kendall, Kara; and her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and special friends. Born in Clarence, Pa., on Dec. 26, 1926, Stephanie Hawke and her husband, Francis, established a successful agricultural enterprise on Oval Lawn Farms near Smyrna. Stephanie's life centered on family and her extensive involvement in civic activities. A member of St. Joseph's and St. Polycarp's churches, and their respective sodalities, Stephanie was a founding member of St. Polycarp's and president of Church Women United of Dover. Her leadership accomplishments included: President, Delaware State Homemaker's Extension Council; President, GFWC Twentieth Century Club; President, Women's Auxiliary of Stockley Center; President, Town & Country Homemakers' Club; and Vice-president, Toastmasters International Club. Stephanie immersed herself in her five daughters' activities, becoming a Girl Scout troop leader, PTA president, and parent leader of the Smyrna Blue Jays 4-H Club. Devoted to her country, Stephanie volunteered in USO programs during World War II; coordinated air raid drills in New York City, and organized USO dances and respite activities for returning soldiers. After her move to Delaware, she initiated supply and "goodie" drives for soldiers serving in Vietnam, and provided many a home-cooked meal for servicemen stationed at Dover Air Force Base. These activities laid the foundation for her future involvement in politics. Stephanie was president of Kent County Republican Women's Club. She was appointed to the Governor's Council on Mental Retardation. Mrs. Hawke was a hostess at Woodburn, the Delaware Governor's Mansion. She worked on national, state, and local campaigns for Governor, Lt. Governor, Senator, and Representative for the State of Delaware. Organizing and chairing community and state programs such as County Night, Estate Law and Planning, State Day, State Citizenship and Community Outreach, and Conservation Essay programs for youth groups and schools, she also led the Action Summit II for single mothers and chaired the community involvement GFWC Round Table Club of Wyoming. Stephanie sponsored benefits for the funding of the Delmarva Migrant Program, Rural Ministries Health Center, and Special Olympics. While Stephanie's activities are too numerous to mention, her devotion to the community can best be summarized with a quote from former Delaware Governor Michael Castle's letter of recommendation for Mrs. Hawke's selection for Delaware Mother of the Year. "It is not an exaggeration to say that there is not an aspect of the political process that Mrs. Hawke has not been involved in, and that there are dozens of men and women-including this governor – whose success has depended to some degree on her efforts. And, somehow she has also managed to raise a fine family, be active in church activities and make a significant contribution to both education in Delaware and charitable activities." Beyond her dedication to community, Stephanie is remembered for her charisma, energy, and devotion to her family. An avid reader and writer, Mrs. Hawke imparted the importance of higher education to her children and grandchildren, herself attaining multiple certifications and degrees in field ranging from gemology to National Parliamentarian. She loved to collect, explore, and travel, all of these experiences shared with her beloved husband, Francis. The essence of Stephanie's life was love. Her family extended well beyond the four walls of her home, embracing those with whom her creativity, laughter, and "mothering" touched. Many hold fond memories of her involvement in chaperoning school functions, leading Girl Scout troops and 4-H clubs, hosting ice skating parties and bonfires, extolling her pearls of wisdom, and making each person she met feel special and loved. She will be sorely missed. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Hawke's personal physician, Dr. Michael Sweeney, whom she respected as a doctor and loved as a son. Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Dr. Manveen Duggal, and the many physicians and staff at Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, provided excellent care and compassion through her long illness. Visitation will be held at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce Street, Smyrna, on Saturday March 28th from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Polycarp's Catholic Church, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna. Memorial contributions may be made in Stephanie Hawke's name to The Francis and Stephanie Hawke Educational Scholarship, Smyrna School District, c/o Debbie Wicks, Superintendent, 101 Locust Street, Smyrna, DE, 19977. Given annually in Stephanie and Francis' honor, this scholarship is awarded to a Smyrna High School senior girl intending to study medicine or education. To send a condolence letter, visit www.delmarvaobits.com.