Stephanie Van Sant Obituary

VAN SANT STEPHANIE VAN SANT Of Tucson, Arizona died Thursday, June 3, 2010 in St Joseph''s Hospital after heart complications. Stephanie was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She was raised in Middleburg, Virginia and attended Westover School in Middlebury, CT graduating in 1977. She attended the University of Arizona, and she lived the remainder of her life in Tucson, Arizona. Stephanie was a warm and loving daughter, sister and friend and she was a caretaker of many. She was passionate about horseback riding, reading, and animals. In all her endeavors, Stephanie provided a sense of humor and a spice for life. She will be dearly missed by the numerous people she touched. Stephanie is survived by her mother Sheila Ross; father John Franklin Van Sant, Sr.; step-father Richard Carl "Dick" Riemenschneider; her brother John and wife Elizabeth Van Sant; her sister Robin and husband Dickie Burge; her sister Polly and husband Carl Gardiner; her sister Kimberly and husband Scott Cook; and her seven nieces and six nephews: Will, Christopher, Patricia, Ellie, Polly, Cody, Mary Jennings, Ridgely, Julia, Lelia, Sam, Hugh and Auggie. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friend of Animals http:// www.friendsofanimals.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephanie Van Sant

Sponsored by Matthew Jeffus.

13 Entries

Sharon Talbot

January 21, 2017

Dear sister I pray to greet you in heaven someday. You were an original BFF. I am sorry I lost contact after leaving Tucson. We "Great Dames" had some good times!
May your love and legacy continue till we meet
again....blessings always

Roger Walck

July 13, 2015

I recently took a photo of Stephanie's grave marker in the du Pont Family Cemetery as an example of one in a modern style in excellent taste. It is a simple depiction of a flat millstone (it only looks domed in the photo) with the characteristic square center hole. In Delaware, these millstones symbolize the du Pont family. The center hole contains a clear, crystal bowl for flowers. On the stone is attached a simple bronze plaque giving just her name and her vital dates, enough to identify her. Today, nothing more is needed since a Google search will uncover the details.

New Yorker writer Roger Angell wrote about visiting an old cemetery:

"What I noticed mostthe same idea came over me every timewas that time had utterly taken away the histories and attachments and emotions that had once closely wrapped around these dead, leaving nothing but their families and names and dates. It was almost as if they were waiting to be born.

And that is how I came to this site. I did not know her, but she seems very interesting. ("Interesting" is not necessarily a complement.) The heartfelt comments submitted here were from far away, so I posted here the photo of her gravesite that you may never have seen.

Larry Harper

September 21, 2011

WOW! I was very suprised to see that Stephanie is no longer with us. I have many fond memories of her from when I knew her back in the '80's. I had hoped to see her again one day! My condolences to her family and loved ones. With great love and respect....

Larry Harper

Mitch Meyers

July 27, 2011

I was best friends with Steph since her College Days in Tucson, & have always loved that girl.This was back when she had Speckles & Brooke (Dogs). We've had many misadventures, & consequently some of the best stories! I remember many great times, great meals, having Bloody Ceaser's (with Clamato & Old Bay Seasoning) along with Eggs Benidict on Sundays with Stephanie's homemade Hollandaise...I can taste it now.
I just found a belt buckle that Steph made back in her silversmithing class that she had given me years ago, & wanted to look her up...But now it's too late.
She was angel, & I just found out that she's off to the 'Great Tack room in the Sky'. I think her 'Heart Problem' was that it musta been clogged up with Pure Gold! I'm sure she's where the REAL angels belong now, along with Brooke Speckles...Love ya Steph, Always!!! - Your Friend & Partner in Crime
Mitch Meyers

Mary Alyce Wilson-Wicks

September 27, 2010

My memories of Steph were as children growing up in the same class at The Hill School in Middleburg, Virginia. I still remember when Stephanie fell from a horse and broke her collar bone in second grade...we were all very worried and curious at that age for our friend. I have thought of her so many times over the years and will always hold her memory dear to my heart. That beautiful long blond hair she had! Thinking of her and the entire family.

With much love...

Don Sweet

September 20, 2010

I was very sad to hear of Stephanie's passing. I had'nt seen her in a few years but was always on the look-out for her. I have a couple of Aribians that I wanted to share with her, but could'nt find her. The last time I saw her was with her Aribian and she was so proud of him. I kept her guest book for another year so I can visit periodically and remember what a real friend she was to me in the 30 years she concidered me her friend.
I never met Matt, but knowing Steph he was very special to her.
I miss you.

Susan Garber Nevins

June 6, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Stephanie was one of my sister's dearest friends and when we got together, she was always really nice, thoughtful and caring. She will definitely be missed.

Sharon, Sean, Melina and Wyatt

June 6, 2010

Stephanie was the love of my brother's life. Their time together was too short, but I've never seen Matt happier. She brought much joy to his life and their many friends. Stephanie will be truly missed. Our heartfelt condolences to Matt, her friends, and her family.

Jeri and Bob Jeffus

June 6, 2010

Stephanie was a Gift into the life of our son, Matthew. In one brief year together, they shared a depth of love and commitment to each other that many people do not find in an entire lifetime. Living 2000 miles away, we did not have the privilege of "knowing" Stephanie, but we knew her through our son and the love she brought into his life, so loving her was easy, and is easy, for us to do. If that love were an equation it would look like this: Stephanie loves Matthew + Matthew loves Stephanie = we love Stephanie. Thank you Steph, for the Gift of you.

June 6, 2010

No one will ever come close to replacing our Stephanie.She loved all animals,was the most loyal of friends, and had the most delightful sense of humor. She was a gourmet cook, an accomplished horsewoman, and brought great joy to all of her many friends. We will all miss her deeply, but shall carry so many happy memories of her in our hearts.To Matt and her family my sincere condolences.

June 6, 2010

No one will ever replace our wonderful Stephie. She loved all animals, was the most loyal of friends, and had the most delightful sense of humor. She was a gourmet cook,accomplished horsewoman, loved to read, needlepoint, and brought great joy to all of her many friends.We will all miss her deeply,but we can carry so many happy memories of her in our hearts.To Matt and her family my most sincere sympathy. Nancy Harris Work

Lisa Garber & family

June 5, 2010

Steph and I have been friends since we were teenagers and I will miss her terribly. She let my three children feed their first horse and gave my son his very first gameboy. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that we all loved her dearly.

John & Marilyn Baldridge

June 5, 2010

My husband and I were very sad to hear of Stephanie's passing this
morning from Matt. Her smile and caring way along with daffodils will
be greatly missed.

With Our Deepest Sympathy,

Marilyn and John Baldridge
The Laundry on Pantano

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results