Hard to believe it's been a year.  We will soon be starting another school year without you.  I have wonderful memories and will still GREATLY miss working with you.  You will never be forgotten, our dear Steph.

OMG, a year has gone by. I have many wonderful inspiring memories of teaching and coaching with you Steph. I have sat on your benches and observed your picture. "It's all good!!" You will always be in our hearts!
Denise Wolf-Simmons, Mesa, AZ

Although a year has passed I think of sweet Stephanie almost every day.  Just this week I saw one of her students as my dental patient and we talked about "Coach Stephanie" and how much we missed her.  I often see someone who reminds me of her, cute and bouncy, with a blonde ponytail and a smile from ear to ear and it literally takes my breath away for a moment.  We miss Coach Stephanie so much and we will never forget the joy she brought to others.  I'm wearing pink today too Steph!

I can't believe a whole year has passed.  Stephanie is missed by so many.  I think of her often and was awakened at exactly 4:44 this morning for some unknown reason....until I was informed of the meaning of 444 by somebody who loves Stephanie very much. I do believe that Stephanie is an angel looking over those she loved.  I'm wearing pink today in honor of you, Steph.

I think of you every day and see your smiling face.  I found this picture and wanted to share with everyone.  Was on my high school graduation night.  My little Steph with her big beautiful smile.  I love you and miss you lots.

There are people who you meet, in your journey through life, who touch your heart and and the hearts of everyone around them. Stephanie was that person. I had the honor of working with her in the summer and had some of the best laughs knowing the students were enjoying our antics as much as we were. She is an inspiration to all and I will forever be blessed by the times we had together. My love goes out to her family.

My deepest sympathy to the Estfan family.

I was deeply saddened with the news of Stephanie's passing.  My deepest sympathy and many prayers to all of the Estfan family and friends.

I have to say I awoke this morning laughing just about how much laughter and joy Steph had brought to all of us I feel like that I'm a better person meeting her, may we all enjoy life to the fullest and remember you are all in my prayers and thoughts everyday- keep the faith and let's all have a big smile on our face knowing that she is having a ball and Heaven has a one new angel that has brought a new meaning to the after life and to the three that were fortunate enough to carry part of Stephanie with them and that allowed them for a better life you are very fortunate because she truly was one-of-a-kind, may I awake everyday with the thought of her presence then now and forever~~

So sad to say the least. Thank you for the great times Steph!!! Love to all my family xoxox

May your family and friends heal with the light of Christ and the memory of such a vibrant beautiful being!

She was a funny and athletic person she will be deeply missed. All of my prayers will go to her wishing them to still have a great life.

So shocked and sorry for your loss. Steph was an amazing woman that touched so many lives in a positive way. She will be missed.

Our sincerest sympathy to the whole Estfan family.  We're asking Fr. Villanueve to say a Mass for the repose of Stephanie's soul.

Bici and Lou Turiano

My deepest sympathies to the Estfan family and extended family. Steph had an amazing gift for brightening peoples lives with her smile and positive energy. I am grateful for the laughs and memories as her classmate at Bourgade and the arm punches at the occasional football game through the years. Rest in peace Estebana.

My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Stephanie will be greatly missed and I was blessed to have known her.

Stephanie touch many lives. Although we only met her a couple of times, each time was memorable. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Estfan family. You will forever have a angel watching over you.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of your great loss...I didn't learn about Stephanie's Mass until the evening, but I send my deepest, heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Estfan family and friends. The Estfan Family has always been an extension of our family, so this loss hurts deep--may time and loving memories allow you to breathe again, and find your smile. Love and Prayers,
Kevin & Jeanne (Bouley) McCormick & family

We're so sorry for your loss. May remembering Stephanie always bring you comfort. "God is for us a refuge and strength," Psalms 46

We will miss Stephanie. She was a joy to be around and always so full of life. She always was postive and fun to play softball with. It saddens us to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Estfan family. We know that all of you were really close. Going to the ball fields will never be the same. 
We will never forget the seasons of playing softball and the gatherings afterwards. She was always goofing around and having fun. R.I.P. You touched all of hearts and always made us laugh.

Although I did not know Stephanie well, what I did quickly realize about her is described with these words: genuine, the real deal. May it comfort your family and friends to know that her life touched so many others. Beautiful service, Come to Jesus and live. Surely, this new angel lives - in all the lives she embraced. Prayers and peace to all of you. May warm memories comfort you.

As a SSJ graduate, class of 1978, and Bourgade graduate, class of 1982, needless to say, I had Pat in my class with Estfan siblings surrounding me of all ages.  Wonderful family, with now a member in heaven.  God bless you all and may God help you deal with this situation with and extra prayer to the parents, as losing a child is something a parent is never prepared for, so may God bless and peace be with you all.

Steph truly was the best of the best! She was the heart of our staff at Bush Elementary and we will miss her crazy sense of humor, helpfulness and beautiful smile everyday. Sheph made every child and adult she interacted with feel important. My thoughts and prayers are with the Estfan family at this sad time.                   Jackie Davis

Stephanie brought joy to so many people.  She truly was the happiest person I know.  I will miss her sense of humor and daily laughs we shared.  Her life was tragically cut so short, yet she probably experienced more love, laughter, fun and adventures than most people who live to be a hundred!  We are all better people just for being apart of her life.  You have my deepest sympathy and are in my prayers.

~The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:19

To the Estfan family, as a SSJ graduate of 1978 and Bourgade graduate of 1982, it's needless to say, Pat was in my class and all the other members were above and below me.  Wonderful family and my prayers are with all members.  May God help you all deal with this, as she is in heaven now.  God bless you all and especially help heal your parents.

Stephanie 's smile will live in our hearts forever!
Love and prayers,
Sandy and Keith Attar

While I did not know Stephanie personally, I do work in the Mesa Public School District as a teacher's aide for special needs children.  A part of our family has been lost and I give you my sincerest condolences on your loss of such a wonderful spirit that blessed us while she was here.  Many blessings upon Stephanie's family and friends as they go through their grieving and loss of such a beautiful being. Prayers are with you.

- Vicki Grant

We were heartbroken to hear of Stephanie's passing, as everyone through out Barbara Bush was. My girls absolutely adore Miss Estfan not only from P.E. but through working with her on BBS, student council, and the talent show. She was such a huge part of our school and will be so dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out the Estfan family.

Some of my fondest memories of childhood have Stephanie in them.  A LOT of SSJ softball, a TON of laughs.  Can't remember how it got started, but I called her Alfalfa and she called me Spanky.  I can still hear holler at me "Hey Spanky!" in her exuberant voice.  All my love to you, dear Estfan family.  Stephanie has reminded me that every day is precious and to live life with exuberance. - Bridget Holt

Stephanie, you have always been an inspiration in our family and you will live on forever in our hearts and memories. My condolences to the Estfan family we love you all!

Deepest condolences to the Estfan family. You are in our prayers.

A candle has been lit and a prayer request made at the Notre Dame Grotto for the perpetual light to shine upon the soul of Stephanie. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Estfan family and all of those touched by the loss of Stephanie during this time of sorrow.

Our Condolences To stephanIes Family From Ours.

Hard to believe that "our" Coach Stephanie will not be back.  I believe God knew that at the time and helped us win the last Gold Medal for MASD Special Olympics Basketball for the 2013 season. My son Justin was on Coach Stephanie's team from the very beginning. She always watched over him because of his epilepsy when they were playing a game. It won't be the same without her...her beautiful face and spirit will never be replaced. I remember talking with Stephanie about the Catholic Church...Justin and I were confirmed in 2010 a year after my husband passed away.  It was so exciting to share all of this with Stephanie. We would always talk about the church, she had the answers when I asked her questions. Yes, I do believe that her life on earth was short, but after going to the vigil at Bush Elementary and listening to all the adults and children talk about her, I know that she touched the hearts of thousands of people......could we all be so lucky.  She lived her life to the fullest and I am so proud and honored that we could be a minute part of it. Her memory will live on forever.  Our prayers go out to the Estfan family and Darlene. May God console your heavy hearts during this very sad time. Jesus I trust in you.  With love to all, Karen and Justin Wilson

Stephanie was a Great person.  She always made you feel like you belonged and were special.  She will be missed.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.  We are grateful we were able to make it to the Reunion and add to our great Stephanie memories one last time....

Brian, Alison, Allen and Lee Attar

To the entire Estfan family, you are all in our Thoughts n Prayers..We are so sorry for your loss.

Dear Wally, Noreen and Family, our hearts go out to you all with sincere sympathy on the loss of Stephanie. God rest her soul eternally.  Alexander & Teresa Malkoon.

Stephanie was a breath of fresh air every morning when she greeted the children on the east side of Bush. I am a F.I.T. van driver for Mesa Public Schools, she always had a kind word or a friendly wave hello.  She will be missed by me and by all who's lives she touched
Bob Dollahite

Jennifer and all of the Estfan Family...my deepest condolences to each of you on this loss.  You are all held in healing thought and prayer.
Jim Anderson

Stephanie's compassion and positive energy as my mentor teacher several years ago still motivates me to be a better teacher today.  It was a pleasure and an inspiration to know her during our subsequent years as colleagues.  Prayers and deepest condolences to the Estfan family.

Pat,  Our HEARTFELT Sympathies. 
Paul & Sharon Dittmann

A bright, shining star! It's people like Stephanie that make the world a better place. May God Bless Her And Keep Her Forever And Ever, Amen.

Stephanie was the most Amazing, Caring, Fun Person we have ever known! She was Devoted to the people she Loved and that was EVERYONE! To all the Estfan Family We Send Our Love ! Bill and Sandra

Dear Wally, Noreen and Family, our sincere sympathy on the loss of your daughter Stephanie,  Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family

To The Estfan Family, We are so sorry for the pain you are feeling with the loss of Stephanie. She taught our children for many years at Barbara Bush and they so loved her. She inspired them to stay healthy and active. She just seemed to be everywhere in that school- bringing her beautiful smile to all who needed it. She will be dearly missed by so many. Godspeed Miss Estfan!

The "beautiful woman with the golden hair" is how Ms. Estefan is lovingly remembered and spoken about in our home.  Our son loved her from his first grade PE experience on, saying, "She thinks even I can do PE!"  

We loved seeing Ms. Estefan! From the morning drop off curb, to assemblies to spotting her watching the "little guys" playing their MASD basketball games before coaching her own team, her infectious smile, her enthusiasm, her encouraging words and mere presence were uplifting and cause for, "There she is!", a smile and shy wave from a little guy who knew she believed in him.  God bless Ms. Estefan.  Praying for an extra measure of His perfect peace and love on her family and loved ones at this time, and in the days ahead.  She truly is an angel "with the golden hair". . .The Keech Family

Noreen, Wally, and all of the Estfan family, I send my love and prayers to you all. I'm sorry but I won't be able to attend Stephanie's service because of my recent surgery. She sounds like a very talented and caring teacher and friend to many.  She has left a big part of herself with everyone.  
Love,
Carolyn Balady

To know her was to love her. She had an infectious smile & oh so warm & caring. She left so many good memories. May she rest in peace. Our love to the whole family.

Dear family and friends of  Stephanie,Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter, sister, friend with our family and all the children at Barbara Bush. She was one of the most amazing teachers we have ever known-loving, kind, fun, encouraging and generous...Stephanie lit up the room, building, the entire school, and all the kids she worked with over the years.  I had talked with her at times about her family and knew that she loved you all very much.  With great sadness at her passing, but joy in the knowledge that she is with God, we send love and prayers from the Nichols family-Geri, Bill, Matt and Billy

very sorry for the loss. may our LORD bless her soul.

I had the privilege of working with Stephanie in Mesa.  She had an infectious smile and a personality that lit up a room.  The world has lost a shining light. My condolences to all of her family.

Pat & Family,

We are sad to hear of your loss.  
We send our prayers and our love. 

May GOD Bless, 

The Kukowski Family

Stephanie 's smile will live in our hearts forever! Love,Sandy and  Keith

hiEstfan family

she was my basketball teacher for lot of
manys. I will miss her. Me amd my husdand
Andrew payer for her. 
 from Elizabth and Andrew turk

From the softball fields to the lake, from the dunes to the get-togethers - I've been around Stephanie for a lot of years.  A huge smile and lots of laughter was always guaranteed from her….  Her hugs packed the punch of 10 people!  You will be missed tremendously…  My thoughts and prayers are with the Estfan family.

Stephanie was our son's Special Olympics basketball coach for over a decade now and she was so incredibly loved by her players.  Her dedication to her team was clearly evident in the compassion and love she showed them.  Her radiant smile was contagious and could light up a room, and her spunk brought laughter to all those around her.  We adored her from the day we met her and her loss leaves us with heavy hearts and sadness.  Our hearts go out to you all and we wish you peace and courage to face the days and months ahead.  We will forever hold loving memories of Stephanie in our hearts.  May you all find comfort in knowing that in her all too short time here that she spread such goodness to all those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her.  Thank you for sharing her with us. Our deepest sympathy to the Estfan family and Darlene.  ~Tina and Ryan Larcey and Mark Acre

My thoughts and prayers are with the Estfan family and friends. I did not know Stephanie personally, but I've worked with Wally Estfan and the Serra Club that we both belonged to during my time living in Arizona. What a great family and such a tragic loss of this beautiful young girl. I pray that God gives you much strength during this very difficult time and know that your angel, Stephanie, is watching over all of you with God's grace. God bless all of you!

As with many, many, many others, I am heartbroken over the loss of Stephanie.  My condolences to the Estfan family.  She was a gem who will be truly missed, and never forgotten.  I had the pleasure of working with her for 8 years, and she was always such a happy, helpful, kind friend.  Thank you, Stephanie, for the honor of knowing you.

Stephanie we will miss your wonderful smile that you blessed all of Barbara Bush students with every morning dropping our children off at school.  You will forever be in our hearts.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Estfans,

My deepest sympathies to you all.  She was taken to soon.

Robert and the Estfan family, I am glad I had the chance to spend some time with Steph...What a warm and funny person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To all the Estfan Family,our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of hurt.May god be with all of you and give you strength together. Know that many friends will be adding prayers for all of you..

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. -Micah & Janaina Pappas

May the Lord give the entire Estfan family and friends comfort at this most difficult time. May God Bless you all.

Steph,  there are no words to express the pain in my heart at your loss.   I will miss you dearly and it will be a very difficult season next year without your smiling face, contagious energy,  and,  you next to me on the courts.   My  sincere condolences to the Estfan  family.  Love  and prayers.

The Estfan Family and Dar - Our family can't begin to tell you how sorry we are for the loss of Stephanie (Comanche). She was a one of a kind person. From that bright pink outfit she would wear for Turkey Bowl and being the all-time center, to when she use to talk about the “Beak” to her beautiful smile that lit up a room when she walked into it. Just know that Steph is looking down on us today with that bright pink outfit and her bright pink wings with that wonderful smile of hers. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.   Rest in Peace Steph.We Love You,

Such a loss. She was just the best!. My deep, heartfelt condolences to Stephanie's family and friends. We will all miss her.

Unbelievable. Our prayers are with all those who love Stephanie. We will all miss her dearly. With all our love Katy and Kim...

Stephanie was an excellent role model for all the children she came in contact with.  Her bright smile and pleasant personality will surely be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

One of my favorite 3rd graders...beautiful then and so beautiful now! Rest in peace, Stephanie. Love and prayers to the family and friends you leave behind.....Betty Moreno

To the Estfan Family, may God hold you in his loving care and give you strength to guide you through this difficult time. Sending love, light and healing....

My deepest condolences to the entire Estfan family.

We are so sorry for your loss of such a special person.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and please do not hesitate to let us know if there is some way that we can help!  
all our love, Allen, Gayle, Jeff and Andrew Pike

Dear Wally and Noreen:  I was shocked to hear of Stephanie's passing... Our thoughts and prayers are all of you. . . Dan and Dawn Vadnais-Phoenix, AZ

Dear Stephanie's family and Darlene,
Words can't express the loss we all feel.  Stephanie was a wonderful friend who will be deeply missed.  I'll never forget her smile and positive attitude.  Keep everyone active in heaven my friend.

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of your lovely daughter, Stephanie. Our prayers go out to you and your family and especially to her as she enjoys the Beatific Vision. 
Norm and Carol Miller

Love and prayers with the family! 
Ada Ann Chavez-Taylor

May God bless all of the Estfan family and friends to this wonderful and loving and caring beautiful young Lady, she was always the life of the party, had the greatest out-look on life, for those that were fortunate enough to have been touched by her grace will be able to walk forward with a better out look on life, Stephanie you will surly be missed but never ever forgotten and I know that you are looking down on all of us saying "Seriously" what's all the fuss about chill out and as always enjoy the moment and to you Commache- "Thanks" for the memories-- Love ya John Shultz

My prayer is for strength for the family during this difficult time. Stephanie was taken too soon.

Dear Estfan family,
My deepest sympathy to you all for your loss. May God bless Stephanie & may she rest in Peace. 
Nejla Herro Franco

Dear Dar and The Estfan Family, My sincere sympathy to all of you.  I have wonderful memories of our "Ladies Trips" to San Francisco and Vegas. What fun we had!  I can't imagine our social gatherings at Deb's without you Stephanie and your contagious smile and funny stories. Your presence will be forever missed.  Rest in eternal peace my dear friend.   Love, Toni

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

What a wonderful person! I am so fortunate to have met her during summer school. My prayers go out to the family.

Dearest Estfans, 
Our hearts break for all of you. Each member of our family has their own connection with your wonderful family, you have been a part of our lives for so many years. We grieve with you all over this tragic loss. We will so desperately miss Stephanie's electric personality and beautiful smile. May the Lord give you strength and peace. 
All our love and prayers.

Stephanie was a bright light in our P.E. family.  Her smile and contagious laughter will never fade from my memory.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the Estfan family.

She was a ray of sunshine for our kids on the playground in the morning with her smile and her high fives.  There are two heartbroken little ones in our home.  We can't mention Miss Estfan without their eyes filling with tears.  Her absence is felt by so many, and her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those she made better for knowing her.  Godspeed Miss Estfan.

Ms. Estfan was without a doubt the greatest teacher I've ever had and such an inspiration to me. She always made me feel like a winner no mater what and I always looked forward to coming back to BBush and seeing her. I will miss her very much as I know everyone will. And I know that we'll all see her again in heaven.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!  I will always remember Stephanie's great smile!  I'm sure heaven is a brighter place with her there!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  I still remember the Bourgade state softball championship we were blessed to share and be a part of......

Dear Estfan Family, 
Please accept my sincere condolences.  Stephanie was a joy to be around and had a positive energy that brought happiness to everyone she encountered. There will be a void at Barbara Bush Elementary, but Stephanie's spirit will live on through the students and teachers whose lives she touched.

Words are not enough to express how sorry I am for your loss. I have prayed to provide you the strength and courage you need in order to handle this difficult time. Your Bourgade family will never forget Stephanie because she was and is a special beautiful light that live in our hearts until we meet her again...

Although I never had the chance to know you, my heart and prayers go out to the entire Estafan family.  God Bless.

Our thoughts, prayers, and hugs are with the entire Estfan family.  Stephanie truly was one in a million and touched so many lives.

Such a bright light...so saddened by Stephanie's passing. Wishing her mother and father, her family and friends, the embrace of Christ at this time.......peace.

Dear Robert and JoJo Iam so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayer go out to you both and the Estfan family. Love you both always. your cousin Jenny from California.

OBITUARY

Stephanie Lee Estfan

July 14, 1968 – July 17, 2013

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services