Stephanie M. Unger

Stephanie M. Unger
May 24, 1942 -- September 21, 2022
Stephanie Marie Unger, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 21, 2022, surrounded by her family at Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart. She was the daughter of Thomas and Esther Ridolfo of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Stephanie was the beloved wife of Jules Unger for 52 years until his passing in 2019.
She is survived by daughters Catherine Tolton (Frank) of Stuart, Lori McLaughlin (Todd) of Alpharetta, Georgia and Elizabeth Schmidt (David) of Boca Raton; and grandchildren, Samantha Grace, Madalyn, Chloe, William, Ashlyn, Caitlyn, and Hayden Jules. She will be missed by her sister Josette Kievit (John) of Nutley, NJ and sister-in-law Anna Gabriel of Swansea, Illinois, plus many nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Born in Manhattan, NY, on May 24, 1942, Stephanie attended Fair Lawn High School and graduated in 1964 from Paterson State College (now William Paterson of New Jersey) with a Bachelor's degree of General Elementary Education. She met husband Jules, a dashing reserve member of the Coast Guard, when he was tending bar and after a six-month courtship married in April of 1967.
Stephanie dedicated her life to helping others and cared deeply about those in need, teaching elementary education at various schools throughout New Jersey and Palm Beach County Florida. She mentored many teachers throughout her almost 28-year career in Palm Beach County giving of her time and talents and loved watching them develop their successful teaching styles. Stephanie was "old school" and a stickler for the teaching profession. She opened many schools throughout her tenure and made a difference in the lives of elementary and middle school students beginning in 1986 at S.D. Spady Elementary (gr5). Stephanie went on to teach at Caloosa Elementary (gr5), Lantana Middle (Gifted 6, 7) Woodlands Middle (ESE/Gifted 6,7) Heritage Elementary (gr5), Freedom Shores (gr2, Gifted gr4), and L.C. Swain Middle School (Social Studies gr6,7,8). In 2011 she was called back from retirement to work at Belvedere Elementary, Seminole Trails Elementary (gr4), and Heritage Elementary in various roles.
Stephanie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her relationships with her grandchildren were especially meaningful-they were the light of her world. She loved attending their performances and cheering them on. She even made weekend trips to Costco with them fun! Upon retirement besides doting on her grandchildren, Stephanie began a small embroidery business. She made monthly trips to JFK Hospital's Maternity Unit to donate bibs she designed which brought her immense happiness.
Stephanie was a devotee of puzzles, a life-long Jeopardy watcher and football fan especially rooting for the NY Jets and Florida State Seminoles, crafter extraordinaire, enjoyed Broadway musicals and was a fierce Italian cook! She always savored her time creating delectable feasts for her family and friends no matter the occasion. Stephanie and Jules enjoyed traveling the world from Alaska to China and even took a group of middle school students on an EF tour of Europe to explore the world beyond Florida.
After living in West Palm Beach for 34 years, Stephanie moved to The Sheridan at Hobe Sound. Though her time there was brief, she made long lasting friendships. Hardly one to stay in her apartment, she had a daily standing card and bingo game, would participate in art activities and excursions around town, knit baby hats to donate to the local hospital and was named Movie Chairman for keeping track of the nightly selections. One of her last day trips was to Seminole Hard Rock Casino and, though reminded that gambling money has no home, was beaming about this adventure with friends! Her family is grateful to the staff at The Sheridan for their care of Stephanie for the past three years.
A service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 10:30 am at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Hobe Sound. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Stephanie's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Treasure Coast Hospice.
Stephanie was a force who lived life on her own terms. She is no doubt already in heaven giving her unapologetic opinion. We will all miss her spirit.
Those who knew her well appreciated her complexity, determination, passion for excellence, and kindness.
Thank you, Mom, for your inspiration and legacy.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Stephanie M. Unger, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.