In loving memory of

Ann Marie Stephens
March 25, 1970 - December 29, 2011

ANN M. STEPHENS
Ms. Ann Stephens, of Michigan Street in Port Washington, passed away at her home Thursday morning, December 29, 2011, following a valiant three year battle with cancer. She was 41 years old. Ann was born in Eau Claire on March 25, 1970, daughter of William and Sherry Bartz Stephens. Ann graduated from Eau Claire North High School in 1988, and later Chippewa Valley Technical College in 1997. After her schooling, Ann became a Probation and Parole Agent with the State of Wisconsin. She moved to the Milwaukee area, and later moved to Port Washington in 2008. When Ann wasn't spending time with her treasured daughter, Sadie, she enjoyed jewelry making, antiquing with friends, gardening and collecting angels. Those who knew Ann will forever cherish memories of her smile and laughter. Ms. Stephens is survived by her daughter Sadie, of Port Washington, her parents William and Sherry Stephens of Eau Claire, sister Bobbi (Dale) Edberg-Stephens of South Euclid, OH and brother Robert Stephens of Eau Claire. She is further survived by two nieces: Lexa and Kiara, numerous friends and other relatives. She is preceded in death by four grandparents and three aunts. A Celebration of Ann's Life will be held from 3-6PM on Saturday, January 7th, at Vineyard Community Church, 1597 Highway V, Grafton. Please bring a story to share! All memorials received will be placed in a fund for Sadie's education purposes and can be forwarded to The Ann Stephens Memorial, 123 9th Ave., Antigo, WI 54409. Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .

Ann's family and friends wish to express their appreciation to the Sheboygan Lombardi Cancer Clinic, all of Ann's doctors, friends and neighbors, especially Melinda Knuth, Kelly LeVeque and countless other, for their kindness and care.

Tributes

Bobbi wrote on Jan 8, 2014:

"Jessica thank you for your kind words. I am Ann's sister I wish all the best in your pursuit for your masters. "

Jessica Corroo wrote on Mar 13, 2013:

"Ann was my probation officer. I was released from her supervision in 2008. As I was looking for her contact info online, I came across this terrible discovery. Ann was a role-model for me, a young woman who had taken a wrong turn in life. She encouraged me to return to school to get my Masters degree in counseling and I am now looking forward to a rewarding career helping others with the same problems I once had. I wanted to thank her for helping me become the woman I am today, but instead, I am thanking you for making her the woman she was."

Scott Jackson wrote on Apr 6, 2012:

"Looking at the pictures and tributes of Ann has brought back a flood of memories for me. I only spent three years with Ann in my life which seems like a lifetime ago. I remember one of the first times I met her, a roommate commented he found himself talking much faster to keep up with her which resulted in Ann blushing and talking even faster afterwards. She had a big heart and took in several stray animals where most people would have driven on by. She did indeed enjoy her 80's music and going out dancing as Christy Heidt wrote. I wish the best to Sadie, the Stephens, and the Edbergs. To quote Bob Hope, "Thanks for the memories!" Scott Jackson "

Melissa Edberg Northwood wrote on Jan 12, 2012:

"You're all in my thoughts. I only met Ann a few times, she had a beautiful smile and was wonderful with the kids. She will be remembered fondly, much love."

Glenda Meeks wrote on Jan 10, 2012:

"The Angel finally received her wings. I will always remember her beautiful smile and positive attitude as she battled her illness. She was very strong and courageous and will be greatly missed. On her last day at work she told me, no tears....no pity, I am going to be just fine. My continued thoughts and prayers are with the family. In His Love, Glenda "

Janet Wenner wrote on Jan 9, 2012:

"loosing a sister is very hard. my prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. "

Bobbi Robert Sherrie Bill wrote on Jan 9, 2012:

"Me and my family would like thank all the people who attended the service and told funny stories and good memories of Ann. Ann could always put a smile on your face. We laughed we cried we ate we comforted each other. My family could not thank all of you enough for those that spoke at the service and wrote on this tribute board enough for all of the kind words and prays and thoughts and stories. I subscribe to this board and I get an e-mail when someone post something and I read them all. THANK YOU ALL "

Stephanie wrote on Jan 9, 2012:

"My thoughts and prayers are with your family while you cope with the loss of Ann. May the wonderful memories of Ann keep you going through the difficult times. "

Christy (Bennett) Heidt wrote on Jan 7, 2012:

"I met Ann in 2000 at ABT. We were friends for years until I moved away and unfortunately, we lost touch. I have so many fond memories of Ann. She was my dancing pal and loved the 80's music! I remember how we would go out on weekends to "Have a Nice Day Cafe" in Milwaukee and she would get so excited when her favorite songs played. She just had to dance to "Dancing Queen" and "Girls Just want to Have Fun!" Ann was the life of the party with so much laughter and smiles. She was a good friend who was always there to help me celebrate times and she helped to plan my bachelorette party. I will forever be grateful for her friendship. Ann was pretty, courageous, so strong, down-to-earth, and she looked out for me as a big sister would. I miss her and wish that we could have reconnected again. I remember she told me how much she wanted a child and I am glad that she was able to have her beautiful Sadie. "

Deb Ansay wrote on Jan 7, 2012:

"The earth has lost a beautiful creature but the heavens have gain an spunky Angel. Ann & Sadie will forever hold a special place in our hearts. "

Debora and Gene wrote on Jan 6, 2012:

"I have known Ann since the 90s, not only as Bobbi's sister but when she worked at the Academy and brought clients in for appts. She was always pleasant, kind, always upbeat and smiling. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.Deb and Gene Edberg(Dale's parents) "

Gail Shermo wrote on Jan 6, 2012:

"Ann has always been an inspiration. From the time she was born, she was cheerful and smiling and bubbly. I will always remember when they were living with us (Bartz family) for a short time when she was little and she would get up with me in the mornings and we would have our special time together. She will always be in our hearts. Rick and Gail Shermo"

Kelly Kincaid wrote on Jan 6, 2012:

"I will miss seeing your smiling face around the office. I will never forget playing with eyelashes in your cube. Your spunk, spirit and smile will be missed. You made me appreciate the small things in life!"

Christin Johnson wrote on Jan 4, 2012:

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart. Ann left LOTS of footprints in my heart during the short time that we have known one another. You couldn't help but fall in love with Ann's friendly nature, her positive outlook on life, her beautiful smile, and her devotion to Sadie. I am devistated that she had to leave us so prematurely, but I thank God for bringing us together as friends. She has truly enriched my life, and I will be forever grateful. "

Ron and Theresa Czubakowski wrote on Jan 4, 2012:

"We remember Ann well. We also remember how very proud you were to have her as your daughter. You were blessed by having her as your daughter and we all will miss her alot. It seems God takes the good ones and takes them from the pain they knew on earth. There must be a huge family of love up there, and hopefully our son Tommy greeted her as she made her journey there. She was a very strong person and was blessed by so many who cared about her."

Ann Gallo wrote on Jan 4, 2012:

"Ann and I also went to ABT together, we were roommates. Her smile and laughter were contagious and her personality could light up a room. I will remember Ann for her passion for life. May her family and friends find strength and courage in the memories of Ann."

Kerrin Tannis Teigen wrote on Jan 3, 2012:

"I had lost touch with Ann, but remember her fondly when our parents were friends back in the 80's. She was just a very sweet and fun person, and I am saddened that I never got to see her after all of these years. Heaven has another angel. God Bless the entire family and God Bless Ann."

Kelley Scheck wrote on Jan 3, 2012:

"I will always remember Ann's upbeat attitude, as a breast cancer surviver myself she never had any complaints of any kind. she will truely be missed my heart goes out to her family and daughter. may knowing that Ann affected so many people with her wonderful attitude give you some comfort during this sad time, I will never forget her. Kelley Scheck from Dr Gauthier's office "

Larry Bartz wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"We haven't seen Ann for quite a few years but remember her as a bright, bubbly girl always seemed to be having fun! Hope all in the families are OK after this unfair event and we'll remember her as always in a good mood having fun! Sandy and Larry Bartz "

Kristy & Christy wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"Ann could always pick you up when you were down with just her smile. Not many people I know can do that. I will miss her but will never forget her light. Some of the happiest moments I ever had were shared with her and that lives forever."

Kimberly Hickey wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"Ann was a bundle of energy and optimism. She always lifted me up, no matter how I was feeling. She brightened any room she was in, and I will miss her very much. We reconnected after 20 years just last October, and it means the world to me that I had that time with her. That time will always be precious to me. "

Dave wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"Ann, your positive, fun, and friendly demeanor was always so greatly valued. I will forever recall the many pranks and jokes you would pull on me; thank you for the numerous years worth of memories. Life seems so unfair sometimes, and despite your premature departure, Sadie is so incredibly blessed to have you as her mother, she will have much to be proud of as she grows and will be fortunate to deveop into the wonder woman I know you to have been. Dave Kossman"

Mayumi Ishii wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Sadie and her family. Ann will be greatly missed by everyone, but never forgotten."

The McCue Family wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"We will miss everything about Ann, her smile, her love of life and her devotion to Sadie..."

Dana wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"Ann marched through her illness with strength, courage, and poise as if she wasn't ill at all. Such a big beautiful smile no matter the circumstance. You know, I don't think I've ever seen her sweet Sadie without a princess crown, seriously...Ann's crown was built in, seriously. More than the crown, she had angel wings...you'll still be with us tonight at my place, this New Years Eve, to be with just a few of the girls who watched so closely over you (Kerry, Debbie, Terrie, Elisa) ... and to answer your question on what to bring? Just your presence darlin. Fly..........with a stinging heart, love and admiration ~ dana and jeff"

Kostas Korias wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"I met Ann in ABT on Oct 16th 2000....We were coworkers for over 11 years. She was the type of person that when she entered a room you noticed her , honest smile, clear confident gaze and dynamism...I weep for your family and for your loss...prayers for all who grieve may you all live long to witness Ann passage!!!"

Corinne Moore wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"My husband and I both worked with Ann at the EC Academy back in the late 80's/early 90's. Our condolences to her family and friends. "

Elisa Pionek wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"I've been friends with Ann only for 1 year, but I wasn't ready to let her go. Ann was as kind and welcoming as she was audacious, sassy, fun and funny. She was a loving and tender mother to Sadie but insisted she be polite and have good values. Despite some difficult circumstances in her life, she was not selfish, self-pitying or self-absorbed. I feel lucky to have had Ann in my life, even if it wasn't for as long as I'd like."

Teri (Curry) Carey wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Ann and I were friends way back in the 80s having lived less than a block apart on Vine St. We lost touch a few years after high school and 2 1/2 yrs ago I found Bobbi on facebook and that put me back in contact with Ann. I enjoyed having her friendship again after all those years. Last summer I had the privilege to come to Port Washington to visit her & meet Sadie. Even battling cancer, she was the same upbeat, positive, smiling Ann I remember. Grateful that I got to enjoy her for her last few years and wish Id never lost the 20 in between.-Teri (Curry) Carey"

Troy S. wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"I remember Ann from high school and used to hang out with her at a friend's house on Vine Street. I haven't seen her since then, but have memories of her smile and cheerful personality."

Bill and Sherrie Stephens (Parent) wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"We are the parent of Ann and we deeply appreciate everything everyone has done for Ann we are deeply sadden be her death. We loved her very much and she will missed greatly.We deeply loved her. We are glad she is not suffering and that she is home with jesus "

Lexa(7) Kiara(4) Edberg wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"I asked Lexa and Kiara what made auntie Ann special and what they like about her and this is what they had to say. "She is cute, she is your sister, she nice to us and you, and she is fun, she is funny, and pretty." These are their words no editting was done"

Bobbi Jo Edberg wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"What made Ann special ? It hard to put in words . The way she loved life, Sadie, her friends, family that includes her work family. Her strength, her compassion,her love, her giving nature all of these made Ann Ann "