Patricia Duncan Stephanoff

Patricia Duncan Stephanoff, of Haverford PA, died peacefully at home on Saturday July 21st; she was 92. Patricia graduated from the Baldwin School in 1937. While there, she was involved with the French and Debating Clubs, and the school's dramatic arts productions. After Baldwin, Patricia attended Mrs. Upton Favorite's School of Theater and the Dramatic Arts, in Philadelphia, and worked at the Bucks County Playhouse. She acted in Our Town and did scene work for Springtime for Henry, two early Playhouse productions. She was also a member of the Plays and Players of Philadelphia. Theater remained in Patricia's blood, and she always enjoyed going to a new film or play. She was ever the critic of directors' flaws, shallow character and poor acting, even in her later years! Ballet was another passion of Patricia's. Throughout her whole life she was a student of ballet, attending class at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society in Narberth as recently as 2007. It was through her love of ballet that Patricia was drawn to pre-revolutionary Russian culture. In 1938, she met Nicholas N Stephanoff, an migr from czarist Russia, and they married in January 1944. As an only child, Patricia found growing up in a house where adults ruled stifling; Patricia wanted the chaos and complications that children bring to one's life and so she had three: Nika G. Ashey (Brian), Alexander N. Stephanoff (Emily) and Kyra D. Stephanoff (Paul Steen). Four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren also survive her. After Nicholas died in 1978, Patricia traveled, attended ballet classes, and maintained two homes. She also became a Director of the company that Nicholas started. Her financial support and unwavering faith in the company helped Fluid Energy Processing and Equipment Company survive through hard times. In 1994, Patricia was diagnosed with Uveal Melanoma. When metastases were discovered in 2007, Patricia volunteered to be a patient in a research study conducted by Dr. Takami Sato. Under the care of Dr. Sato, Dr. David Eschelman and their staff at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Patricia was able to maintain a high quality life. Patricia's family thanks everyone at the Hospital, and at Jefferson Health System Hospice, for their dedication and care of our mother. Patricia was passionate about life. She was always game to learn or experience something new. She lived graciously and never complained. To celebrate her full life there will be a memorial service at the Chapel of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA on September 10th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: "Thomas Jefferson University," and note that the donation is for the Dr. Sato/Uveal Melanoma Research Fund. Checks should be mailed to: Mika Harding, Associate Director Kimmel Cancer center 233 South 10th St., Suite 310 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Donations may also be made to: The Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society 29 North Narberth Ave. Narberth, PA 19072 Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home www.chadwickmckinney.com