Obituary of Stephanie K. Blender

Stephanie Katherine Blender, née Doe, passed peacefully at Saint Barnabas Medical Center on December 8, 2019, with her family by her side.  Stephanie was 70 years young.  She was born on March 2, 1949 in Passaic, New Jersey and attended Dwight-Englewood School.  She went on to obtain her B.A. in Education and M.A. in Psychology at Long Island University.

Stephanie selflessly dedicated many years to raising her children in a loving home.  She was a fantastic cook and absolutely loved to feed others.  Stephanie had the gift of gab and a unique ability to connect with all people.  Along with a great sense of humor and compassionate heart, Stephanie made everyone feel important and loved. These traits helped launch her successful second new career in banking at age 58.  The last position she held was Relationship Banker (a most fitting title) at M&T Bank in Denville.

Stephanie was never defined by her illness.  She was the ultimate fighter, a characteristic which amazed all who knew her story.  Stephanie received a cadaver kidney transplant 24 years ago, exceeding the average life expectancy by 10-15 years. A gift from God and a true testament to her strength.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Mark, and children, Allison (Samay) and her husband Christian; and son Stephen. She leaves behind the three loves of her life in grandchildren, Christian, Ava, and Emily. Stephanie is also survived by her brother, Allen Doe and his wife Joyce, and many loving nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Ava Doe.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 12^th from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville. Funeral Service will take place Friday at 10:00 am at Norman Dean. Stephanie will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson.

Our dearest wife and mother was given an extra 24 years of life because of a donor’s selfless act.  Please consider becoming an organ donor in memory of our most beautiful Stephanie. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Transplant Fund In Memory of Stephanie K. Blender.  Checks can be made payable to St. Barnabas Medical Center and sent to 95 Old Short Hills Rd., West Orange, NJ 07052.  Donations can also be made by phone at 973-322-4330 or online at www.SBMCGiving.org.  All gifts will be acknowledged to the family. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Stephanie here for her family to cherish.