Stephanie V Schank

Stephanie Schank, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away at the age of 76 on September 20, 2023, after a long illness. Stephanie was born and raised in southern New Jersey. She attended St. Joseph’s High School in Camden, New Jersey, where she met her friends Delores Gift and Peggy Dolan--friends who would continue to be by her side through her final days on earth. After beginning her college career at Drexel, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Masters in Biology at George Mason University (GMU). She eagerly shared her lifelong love of science with others and instilled the same love of learning in her own children. Her T-shirt quilt tells the story of a well-lived life: from volunteering at local schools and with 4-H, to playing soccer into her 60’s and substitute teaching at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Stephanie was a force in the community. She connected with friends, family, and colleagues often, and showed us all how to celebrate and enjoy time with others. In addition to her love of learning and volunteering, Stephanie will be remembered for her delicious cut-out cookies, her abiding love of animals, her passion for travel, and her deep, sustained connection to people and places. She was a fiercely proud mother and grandmother, a storyteller, and a connoisseur of Polish delicacies (especially pickles). She is survived by her beloved husband John, and was able to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary; her four children, Johno, Janine, Jesse, and Cody; their partners; and six grandchildren, whom she adored. She is also survived by her mother, Norma Rosinski, brother Joseph Rosinski, and dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund (https://dolanfund.org/) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) in Stephanie’s memory. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.