Stephane Lynn Fylpaa Asher

Stephane Lynn Fylpaa Asher, 79 of Woodstock died of natural causes at Northwestern University Medical Center in Huntley on October 21st, 2022. Her beloved children were at her side.

Stephane was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on May 18th, 1943. She lived as a small child in Long Beach, California, before moving to Portland, Oregon, and eventually Des Plaines where she attended Prospect High School before matriculating to Elmhurst College. She lived in California and raised her children primarily as a single mom in Buffalo Grove before moving to her beloved Woodstock in 1985.

She was preceded in death by her sister Constance Lee Corrales Fylpaa, her mother Grace M. Fylpaa (Sadek), and her father John William "Jack" Fylpaa.

She is survived by children, Hilary Asher of Los Angeles and Erik Asher of Shakopee, Minnesota, brother John Fylpaa and sister-in-law Caroline Fylpaa of Bemidji, Minnesota. Grandchildren Sammy Asher, Anthony Asher, and Eden Asher of the Minneapolis area, and Pilot Edmeades of Los Angeles. Niece Constance Ashley Day (Corrales), nephews Austin Corrales, Croix Fylpaa, and Cove Fylpaa.

The Stephane you knew was a passionate progressive political activist, avid reader, enthusiastic church choir member, expert gardener, loving dachshund mom, excellent mother, and all around knower of things. She was an artist in everything she did: knitting, decorating, sewing, painting, pottery or sculpture. She was involved in many outreach programs including being a Stephen Minister. She was fun and unpredictable with wide ranging interests. In her career, Stephane worked with distinction in the personnel industry. She wore so many hats. She was a private detective, mortgage broker, and credit advisor. Later, in semi-retirement, she drove a limousine and was a school bus driver. Around Woodstock she always had the inside track and would often have an interesting fact or perspective to share. Her sense of humor was legendary. Like a good Norwegian, she loved her Ole and Lena jokes. Her favorite words were quixotic and whimsical which pretty much summed up her personality.

She suffered the curse of being a diehard Bears fan. Football season won't be the same without her.

Though she was taken from us too soon, her final days were spent in the home she cherished, the town she loved. Her garden was in autumn colors, a batch of cookies ready to go, dog Gus by her side. She knew she was loved and loved the world she created around herself.

This is not a sad story. It is an obituary and written for those of us still living and learning to go on without our mom, our sister, our friend, our family member, our neighbour, our fellow activist or that person we always wished we'd gotten to know better. Nothing written here could ever capture the wit, whimsy, humor, and passion of such a wonderful person. Since she didn't write it, it doesn't contain the usual embellishments. Just a series of facts and snippets.

For those wishing to remember her, a donation to the charity of your choice with her in mind would be greatly appreciated.