Stephanie Lauren Templeton, 28, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on October 23, 2024. Born on July 28, 1996, in Crystal River, Florida, Stephanie was a bright, accomplished student who excelled academically at both the College of Central Florida and the University of Central Florida, where she earned a place in the Honor Society, President's List, and Prep Club. Along her journey, she formed lasting friendships, cherishing her time with those she held dear.

Stephanie was a beacon of light, known for her kind and compassionate nature. She had an incredible gift for uplifting others, always offering encouragement and support to anyone in need. Her artistic talents flourished in her love for writing, sketching, cooking, baking and creating crafts. Above all, she loved her family and numerous childhood friends with all her heart and was always there to lend her strength and talents to those she held close.

Her many passions extended beyond her creative endeavors. In college, Stephanie volunteered at a child care center and an animal rescue, embodying her selfless spirit. She also took it upon herself to learn sign language, driven by her desire to communicate with her deaf friends. Her pumpkin pies, made from scratch, were legendary among family and friends, symbolizing her warmth and generosity.

Despite a life marked by chronic medical challenges from a young age, Stephanie's strength and resilience were inspiring. She refused to let her struggles define her, choosing instead to live courageously and focus on what she could do, rather than what she could not. Her life, marked by perseverance, touched countless others along the way. Her legacy is one of unwavering determination and grace, even in the face of adversity.

Stephanie is survived by her loving mother, Mary Theresa Templeton, and stepfather William Joseph Ponko of Fruitland Park, Florida; her beloved sisters Kristen Nicole Templeton (Tyler Ammerman) of Leesburg, FL, Caitlin Rose Templeton, Meagan Hope Templeton of Fruitland Park, FL, and River Canter of Dunnellon, FL; honorary mothers Jody Nanos Gilbert of St. Petersburg, FL; Cindy Canter of Dunellon, FL, and April Melissa Santiago of Denver Pa. Beloved maternal grandmother Gloria Ann Johnson of Galesburg, IL; and paternal grandmother Kathleen M. Dasani of Citrus Springs, FL and step grandparents Debbie S. Ponko,and William Ponko of Warren OH, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind her cherished niece Lauren, nephew Kaiden and her beloved cat Shiloh.

She was preceded in death by her father, Brian Conley Templeton; her grandfathers, Glen Templeton and Robert Lee Gutermuth Sr.; her uncle Erich John Gutermuth; and her first love Collin Goldstein, with whom she shared a deep bond through their shared health struggles.

A Celebration of Stephanie's Life will take place on November 15th, 2024 from 4pm-6pm at Baldwin Brothers – Tavares, 1350 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to help with cremation and memorial expenses through the GoFundMe page set up by April Melissa at https://gofund.me/74d91ba3