On Thursday afternoon, May 16th 2024, on a near perfect beach day, Stephanie Beth Schoen (age 59) life long resident of St Petersburg, Florida, passed gently surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born 4th into a family of 5 girls, she is preceded by her parents Carol Boudreau & John Schoen, as well as her sister Susan Schoen.

Stephanie is survived by her son, Doug Dawson and his fiancé Lizzie Rusch and their sweet daughters Maddison and Marina (all of St Petersburg, Fl.) as well as sisters, Clare Dee (Ocean, NJ), Trish Schoen (Clearwater, Fl.) and Julie Wintermeier (Gary) of Belleair Bluffs, Fl., and numerous nieces and nephews.

There was never a more local beach girl than Stephanie. Toes in the sand and salt air was truly her happy place. Having grown up in the Pink Streets area of St Petersburg, EVERYONE knew Stephanie.

Her infectious smile and laughter, forever fun, always there for someone and yes, at times a bit quirky. She was a force to be reckoned with. But without question, Stephanie's greatest source of pride and accomplishment is her son Doug. He was everything to her. Until Doug made her little family perfect when he made her Nana to her granddaughters, Maddison and Marina.

Her granddaughters were the WORLD to her and she lives on in their laughter and smiles.

She was there for every one of them, having their backs without hesitation.

Of course there was work, and Stephanie was impressive, working early on in land surveying and later joining the hospitality ranks. Her recent illness was intensely challenging, yet she faced it as few might; with grace and optimism. And that really was her trademark; other than striking blue eyes and great hair. I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories and on us.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Stephanie's honor, June 2024 with day, time and location to be announced soon. In lieu of flowers a gift in Stephanie's memory to Parc Center for Disabilities, St. Petersburg, Fl.