Stephanie Marie Nausbaum got her angel wings on Oct. 26. Stephanie was born on Dec. 21, 1987, at the point of viability at 1 pound, 6 ounces. Steph was supposed to be born Easter 1988. Blind due to retinopathy with cerebral palsy, seizures, Dandy Walker Syndrome and electively non-verbal, Stephanie was a joy to be around. When Stephanie chose to talk, she chose her words carefully and had perfect diction and uncanny timing.
Her adoptive Mom, Lynetta, obtained “full custody with the intent to adopt” when Steph was just two months short of her 6th birthday, weighing 15 pounds and 27 inches long. Stephanie learned social skills and how to eat at Small Strides and then attended Burroughs Molette Elementary, both in Brunswick, before entering David L. Rainer and Sugarmill elementary schools, spending the last 10 years of her education at Camden County High School. Becoming disabled, Lynetta retired and became Steph’s full-time mom .
Stephanie survived a few life-threatening illnesses. The surgery she had in 2011 was thought to be useless. It gave Steph 10 more years with her BFF Lynetta. That the 2011 surgery lasted 10 years was indeed a miracle. Steph had a month of 24-hour nursing care at the Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick pain free and happy before getting her angel wings Tuesday morning, Oct. 26.
There will be a Celebration of Life Mass with Communion at 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at Christ Episcopal Church in St Marys. Please touch base with Lynetta at msnausbaum@yahoo.com if you plan to attend. Per church guidelines you must be fully vaccinated or wear a mask. Most seating will be reserved for Stephanie and Lynetta’s family, church family and Hospice of the Golden Isles family.
Lynetta is a Hospice volunteer and asks those who are able to consider becoming a volunteer (sitting with patients, crocheting hats and lap blankets, gardening, delivering meals and more). Please bring a new with tags “old school” stuffed animal or crochet hat, lap blanket to the service to be given out for Christmas. Please also consider becoming a CASA volunteer and ask them what they need for the foster children they advocate for.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.