Stephanie Ramunni

KINGSTON — Stephanie Ramunni, age 38, of Kingston, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, after a long and courageous battle from complications of juvenile diabetes that she acquired at the age of 13.

She was born in Kingston, the only child of the late Robert and Nancy (Hofbauer) Phillips. She was a member of the graduating class of 2003, of Bishop O'Reilly High School, Kingston, Pa. She went on to further her education, and attended the Fortis Institute, Forty Fort, Pa., where she achieved her medical assistant certification.

She was a member of St. Ignatius Church, Kingston, Pa. Stephanie was an active member and often described as a "Power House" supporter of the Gift of Life Donor Program. She was also a mentor and counselor for those persons going through the procedure of amputation, which she had confronted in the course of her illness.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Bob and Nancy Phillips; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Surviving at home is her loving and most devoted husband, Erick, who had been at her side every minute since the year 2011, to share together her health journey. Stephanie would have wanted it known that Erick was more than her spouse and caretaker; he also was a firm advocate, who supported her through her health issues. He graciously went to the extent of donating his own kidney on Feb. 4, 2014, to give Stephanie the precious gift of life. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

A blessing service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. from the George A Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley, Pa., with the Rev. Vincent Dang officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township, Pa.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Erick would like to extend his deep gratitude to Dr. Bruce Saidman and the entire staff of Medical Oncology Associates of Kingston, Pa., and to Dr. Serban Constantinescu and the entire staff of the Temple University Kidney Transplant Team, Philadelphia, Pa., for their excellent care and compassion given to Stephanie in her time of need.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123.