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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Dr. Stephanie A. Battis, Ed.D.

Dr. Stephanie A. Battis, Ed.D., age 61, peacefully passed away on June 21, 2021.

Stephanie was a brilliant woman that was kind and loving, she was always fashionable and loved to accessorize. Stephanie battled MS for over 35 years but her grit and determination never slowed her down. She was an associate professor at Wilmington University for many years and loved her job; she loved the faculty, her students, and she met her loving companion, John, at the University. John treated Stephanie with the love and respect she deserved, they never let her disability slow them down. They enjoyed their beach trips and treasured all the good times together. John was a wonderful caretaker to Stephanie when she needed assistance, a testament to the love they shared.

Stephanie’s pride and joy was her son, Steven. She knew having a child was risky with MS but she wanted a child desperately and risked her health to experience the joy of motherhood. Steven has always been her shining star, she loved him with all her heart. Stephanie has one sister, Marie. They lost their parents at a young age and therefore had a unique bond. Marie’s family welcomed Aunt Steph to all the family gatherings. She was always good for a laugh, sometimes at her own expense but she didn’t mind. The beach trips to Lewes were the best, they will never forget those happy times.

Stephanie is predeceased by her parents Socrates and Cecelia Battis. She is survived by her son Steven Narvell, her partner John Hessey, her sister Marie Ranalli and brother-in-law Tony Ranalli. She loved her sisters children as her own; Nick, Nancy, and Anthony Ranalli. Grandnephews Phillip, Dominic, Vincent, Frances and Paul, and grandniece Sydney.
Rest in peace, your work here is done.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132

Funeral Services

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE from 10-11AM followed by the Funeral Liturgy at 11AM. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Condolences

    Sherry Kirkland writes,
    Dear loved ones of Stephanie, Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I was so sad to hear of Stephanie’s death. She was one of the first people I met when I began working at Wilmington University (Wilmington College at that time). My desk was right outside her office in the Business Division, and I just loved her. She was such a fun person to work with and had a unique gift in making everyone feel like a close friend that she had known forever. Her students just loved her. I remember candles burning in her office and she was always smiling and making others smile. It’s so sad that she was taken so young. She will be missed. God’s comfort be with you all. Sincerely, Sherry Kirkland
    06/24/2021 08:33 pm
    Chrissy Sobieski writes,
    Steph has been one of my dearest friends since our sons became friends in second grade at Carrcroft school. So many years she would come over on Christmas Eve to celebrate Holy supper with us. I remember taking Steph to peddlers village and telling her that there are cobblestone paths there. Being the fashionista that Steph is, she wore high heeled boots! I always admired Steph for her strength in dealing with MS. We are so happy she had John in her life. They were so good together. Steve was her heart and soul and so very proud of him. My heart just aches to not hear her say “ oh Chrissy” when she thought something I said was funny. You are always in my heart Steph and I miss you
    06/25/2021 07:14 am
    Renee Tyre writes,
    I worked with Stephanie for six years during my time with the College of Business. Hearing her laugh and singing in her office always gave me the biggest smile. I am proud to say I participated in Bike to the Bay, an MS fundraiser, for many years on her behalf. The 2019 race, when she joined us at the finish line, is a memory I will hold dear for many years to come. To Steven and John, and Stephanie's extended family, you have my most sincere condolences. The halls of Wilmington University will not be the same without her.
    06/25/2021 12:51 pm
    Stacey Brandt
    06/25/2021 01:41 pm
    Stacey Brandt writes,
    I had the pleasure of doing Stephanie's hair. Wow did she have great hair. She is one of my favorite clients. She always came through the door with a smile on her face no matter how she felt. We had great talks and laughed a lot. She talked about her son that she was so proud of, and how John used to take her down the beach and about their new house, and all of that made her so happy. John really took good care of her. I would see her more than I would see some of my family members and I'm always going to miss her warm smile coming through them doors. Rest in peace Stephanie.
    06/25/2021 01:51 pm
    Lynda fuller writes,
    I have lost a best friend of 27 years. Her courage was an inspiration and her candidness always made me laugh. We shared a lot of fun times. I will miss her very much. My kids grew up with Steven. I know she is now without pain and in peace. Lynda Fuller
    06/25/2021 03:54 pm
    Yvonne Chapdelaine writes,
    I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie, when my sister (Chrissy) introduced me to her, many years ago. It was a day when I drove from NJ to DE, to have my hair done at Fusions. I returned to my sister’s house, where Stephanie was visiting. Steph commented on my highlights and made me feel comfortable…right from the start. From there, a friendship was formed! I also had the honor of accompanying Chrissy & Steph on one of those Peddlers Village trips and had to help Steph walk the cobblestone pathways, in her heeled boots. She was a true fashionista! I am very saddened by the loss of Stephanie and my heart aches for Steven and John! She will be missed by all! Rest In Peace, Stephanie!
    06/25/2021 04:44 pm
    D Jane Bruton writes,
    My deepest condolences to Stephanie’s family and dear friends. I was fortunate to have worked with her over many years during my time at Wilmington University. Stephanie was always so cheery despite facing physical limitations and issues. You could count on her to make you smile or laugh over some silly situation. No matter the event, Stephanie always was a stylish dresser with particular attention to her hair and accessories. She made the world a brighter place. RIP Stephanie
    06/26/2021 12:17 pm
    Monica Barney lit a candle and writes,
    Stephanie, or Dr. Steph as I liked to call her, was one of the kindest, most inspiring people I've ever met. I did her hair many years ago and then she ended up being my neighbor later in life. I knew the struggles she had but she never complained and was always quick with a compliment or kind word. My husband and I thought the world of her. Our sincere condolences to her friends, family, son Steven and companion, John. The world lost a wonderful woman.
    06/26/2021 02:46 pm
    Libby Greenberg lit a candle and writes,
    The world lost a light when Stephanie left us. What a wonderful, warm, kind, outgoing woman. She made my brother, John's world a brighter place. Steven, my heart is breaking for you! Marie and family, words cannot express how deeply sad I am. Rest in Peace, Steph! Libby Greenberg (John's oldest sister)
    06/27/2021 01:24 am
    Kate Cowperthwait writes,
    I remember Stephanie from her time on the board of the local chapter of the National MS Society. She was a wonderful woman and a strong testament to perseverance in spite of physical challenges. She will be missed.
    06/27/2021 12:18 pm
    Stacey Pazar Huth writes,
    I was so saddened to hear of Stephanie's passing. My condolences to Marie, Tony and the entire support system that helped Steph live her best life. Some fond memories include Salisbury beach days with the green and white striped umbrella, sitting on the front steps at yiayia's on warm summer nights, and playing records circa 1972 on Stephs portable record player. We did have lovely and memorable times with so many who are no longer here. I can imagine all of them dancing and laughing together. From the other messages, Steph is clearly a big part of Wilmington, and will be missed. Rest in Peace, dear cousin.
    06/27/2021 07:51 pm
    Ewa Okla lit a candle and writes,
    My sincerest condolences to a great mentor and leader. I’m so glad to have worked for such a great professor! You believed in me, when others looked away to my wheelchair. Thanks for allowing me to show you my true love and passion to teaching, all thanks to you. You will be truly missed.
    06/27/2021 08:53 pm
    Cheryl Heiks writes,
    I served with Stephanie on the Board of the Delaware National MS Society. Her personal input and contributions to the work of non-profit was essential. My condolences to her family and friends.
    06/27/2021 10:42 pm
    Rita M Rhock lit a candle and writes,
    I am honored and blessed to have known you. You were undoubtedly a blessing in my life. Thank you for giving me the platform to express my passion of being an educator thought to teach, and I will miss you Stephanie. Rest with the angels, my dear
    06/27/2021 10:49 pm
    Sonia Mangla writes,
    I am shocked to hear about Prof. Stephanie. I am reminiscing about her being the the first person I met when I joined WU and was touched by her warmth and smiling face. Thank you so much for giving me the platform to teach. She was a wonderful person and I am going to miss you a lot Prof. My condolences to her family and friends.
    06/28/2021 08:06 am
    Sonia lit a candle
    06/28/2021 08:07 am
    Carole Aloi Cummings writes,
    I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie when I first started teaching at Wilmington. I admired her positive attitude and her smile which could light up a room. She will be missed.
    06/28/2021 08:17 am
    Janet Waugaman lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere condolences. Stephanie was a fun, kind soul, who was a good friend of mine through grade school and high school. She will be greatly missed ♥️
    06/28/2021 09:58 am
    Judy Marquis lit a candle and writes,
    Stephanie.....Your never failing optimism, love of students & encouragement was an inspiration. You never failed to ask about my son & his family, showing a testament to caring about your students. He had taken only one class with you, but you both shared that common bond of laughter and he too was touched when you remembered him. May your family know that my family offers our prayers & condolences at his difficult time. Judy Marquis
    06/28/2021 10:49 am
    Judy Marquis writes,
    Stephanie was one of the first people I met almost 20 years ago. Her never failing optimism, love of students & encouraging attitude was an inspiration. Always a smile, a laugh and always impeccably dressed was her trademark. She was a champion of living her life to the fullest and I will miss seeing her. My sincere condolences to Steven and the entire family.
    06/28/2021 11:07 am
    Brenda Soto lit a candle and writes,
    Stephanie: It was a pleasure to working with you closely in the Academic Advisor role for the Graduate College of Business during the past months. I will miss your words of encouragement when I was stressed out, your kindness, and your questions to learn new things to give your best. Rest in peace, my friend. Love!!!
    06/28/2021 04:14 pm
    Maribeth Dockety lit a candle and writes,
    My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie's family. I met Stephanie in my early days of teaching as an adjunct instructor for Wilmington College (now University), and also in our work together through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). I will always remember her upbeat personality and beautiful smile and the special glow that came over her, when she talked about her son, Stephen. She was a special colleague and a wonderful inspiration to anyone lucky enough to know her. Maribeth Dockety
    06/28/2021 05:14 pm
    Chris Ganoudis lit a candle and writes,
    I am so heartbroken to hear about cousin Stephanie. She was always such a positive person full of energy and fight. I know she has had a health challenge for so long but her attitude wouldn’t show it. I have some very fun memories of our youth when I used to visit Stephanie and Marie. I pray God gives the family strength and the ability to remember all that made Stephanie special. God bless you all as she is in His care now. Love Chris Ganoudis
    06/28/2021 07:07 pm
    Barbara Beard lit a candle and writes,
    I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Stephanie. She was so full of life and never let adversity slow her down. May her family find comfort in the many fond memories they have of Stephanie.
    06/29/2021 09:33 am
    Peggy A Maher-Daniels lit a candle and writes,
    I am very sorry to hear this sad new about Dr. Battis. She was so kind to me when I started working as an adjunct faculty member at Wilmington University. She will be missed by so many people.
    06/29/2021 12:52 pm
    Jim Bennett lit a candle and writes,
    My heart breaks for Steven, John family and friends. My soul rejoices in that she is home with others that we love and that she suffers no longer. But, Steph was a true trooper. As many have a tested, smile on her face, positive outlook and dresser extraordinary. She was close to my family through my sister, Carolyn, since their 2nd grade year, and Steven whom my mom provided child care in his early years. She loved him as a grandson. How could you not love them both?! My dad and mom both welcome her beyond whole will miss her undescribably. Remembering you Dear Steph for you strength, an inspiration, and your beautiful smile. Longing to see you again some day. My prayers to you Steven, John and family. Steven, Audrey is sending you hugs and love..🙏💕👅
    06/29/2021 08:59 pm
    Kylie Panchisin writes,
    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Battis was a joy to work with at Wilmington University. She always had a smile on her face and was always trying to lighten the mood and cheer others up. It was a pleasure to know Dr. Battis in my time at the University. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
    07/01/2021 10:47 am
    Carolyn writes,
    I was so blessed to have Stephanie as a friend for over 40 years. She was a light to so many and showed strength and courage through many challenges always remaining positive and keeping her sense of humor. She became family to my parents who loved her like a daughter and thought of Steven as a grandson. I know they welcomed her home when she transitioned. I will miss her greatly yet know she’s at peace and her Spirit will remain eternal. Much love to Marie, Steven, John and her family sending prayers of peace during this time. 🙏💖
    07/11/2021 02:05 pm
    Karen Wagner-Clarke writes,
    It was with great sadness to learn about the passing of Dr. Stephanie Battis. Steph hired me to teach at WilmU and, over the years, served as mentor, coach, and friend. She was a positive force that never let adversity hamper her spirit or decrease her motivation. Your gentle soul will always be in my heart, and I will miss you dearly! I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family. May Stephanie's soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father.
    07/13/2021 03:25 am
    Steve Powers lit a candle and writes,
    In everyone’s life, there is that someone who’s the ethereal “what if?” The day you played “My Song” on the piano during one of your summer visits comes rushing back whenever I hear it on the radio. You made such a wonderful difference in so many lives, what we all aspire to do with our time here. Thank you Stephanie; you’ll always be remembered.
    06/28/2022 03:24 am

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