8th January 1948 - 19th November 2024
Stephanie had a very full life with many adventures along the way, the family have highlighted some of these in this eulogy but have not been able to capture every moment. They do hope to share other special memories you may have of Stephanie at the wake.
Stephanie was born on the 8th January 1948 to Arthur and Iris Wales. Stephanie lived in Southampton with her parents and after 17 months she was joined by her little sister Christine.
Stephanie achieved much in her younger years; awards for ballroom dancing which included a gold medal. Swimming for the school team and participation in tournaments. She was very good at needlework and one year made herself a winter coat. She was part of the church choir which she attended again in later life. She enjoyed being in the netball team and a librarian at school. As described by her sister a ‘good girl’ at school.
Her parents were master butchers, and Stephanie became a great cook from an early age.
Stephanie started her venture into floristry when she worked at a florist shop whilst she was at school on Saturdays and in the school holidays. This was a vocation Stephanie continued throughout her life and teaching some of her children this skill.
Stephanie and Christine close in age had many fun times at the sports centre when they were younger. As they got older, they went to the Lido and out with friends, including dancing at the pier and the top rank on a Saturday night.
In January 1963 Stephanie started her hairdressing apprenticeship, a very proud time that she never forgot.
In 1966 she married and had her first child Susan. Then moved to London in 1967, for a year. On returning back to Southampton in 1968 Andrew was born. Stephanie continued to work in the local plastics factory.
She then met Trevor her second husband. Trevor had 5 children making the family large overnight. Stephanie and Trevor then had Trevor Junior in 1971, and Karl followed shortly after in 1973.
Stephanie settled into being a nurturing and loving mother, not only to her born but also the stepchildren.
Stephanie and Trevor loved nights out at the weekend, she would dress in the most beautiful evening gowns and the house would be full of her beautiful perfume.
Stephanie learned to drive and that was it she was off. She had some wonderful friends in her sister and brother in laws, the home was full of laughter always.
In 1984 Rebecca came along, a great surprise and joy to all. Stephanie purchased a grocery shop in the local area, and also made funeral tributes for the locals.
This is also the time when the family moved to Tytherley Road where Stephanie lived for 28 years. Making great friends with the neighbours, sharing many great times with chats over the garden fence.
In 1985 Stephanies youngest daughter Jodi was born. Stephanie focused her energies on her family, so had a break from the world of work, as being a mum was always the priority, and she loved it.
1990 brought her first granddaughter; there were many more grandchildren and great grandchildren to follow.
In 1991 Trevor became seriously ill. Stephanie then became a full-time carer as well as already being a mother. Some would have cracked under the immense pressure; she continued to be the rock that everyone knew her to be. Once things had settled and Trevor was stable after his first long stint in hospital Stephanie volunteered at the local school, helping out with listening to children read, then as a teacher assistant, followed by a school governor and chair of governors at the various schools the younger girls attended. So now she had 3 jobs; Mum, carer and school, and don't forget looking after the grandchildren.
Stephanie converted to Catholicism, and embraced the church fully, a woman of faith always. She enjoyed attending mass, and once again she became a part of the choir.
Stephanie liked to learn new skills and went on to study for her psychology GCSE, and also started cake crafting classes, the Christmas cake that year was very decorative.
Stephanie continued to care for Trevor throughout the 23 years, whereby there were many long stays in hospital; all of which she was by his side until his passing in 2014.
By this time she had given up the volunteering.
Stephanie was a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother over the many years whose warm embrace welcomed each new member into her ever-growing family. Stephanie loved spending time and looking after the grandchildren. She helped out each of her children in some way or another by looking after the grandchildren, taking them to appointments, to watching their school plays and shows.
In the past two decades, she embraced travel exploring the world with friends and family, creating memories that will forever warm our hearts.
Stephanie took great joy in spending time with family and friends throughout her life. From nights out in her younger years to nights in at home and take aways in the later years. Stephanie’s favourite more recent pastimes included going out for a coffee, meals out, shopping trips, trips to the theatre, zoo or theme parks, her joy in these moments was infectious. Another favourite pastime was having her hair done at the local hairdressers.
Stephanie was a woman who loved deeply and gave of herself without reservation. Her ability to care for others was not limited to her family but extended to anyone fortunate enough to know her. Stephanie’s legacy is one of love, care, and unwavering support. She taught us the importance of family, the joy of giving, and the strength found in kindness. Her memory will live on in the stories we share, the meals we cook, and the love we give to one another.
Until her last days Stephanie thought of others, she arranged her whole funeral herself. Looking at the photo and learning about Stephanie’s life, you may start to think she is sending a message of love as she does to all of us.
Laid to rest at Pearson Cemetery, Quob Ln, West End, Southampton SO30 3GJ
