Stephanie J. Di Francesco

Hamilton:
HAMILTON - Stephanie J. Di Francesco, 45 of Hamilton passed away Sunday April 26, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born December 31, 1963 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and moved to Hamilton during elementary school. She graduated from Hamilton High School. In 1982. She worked for 10 years on Maui in cosmetology, then traveled for 2 years to Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand with several close friends.
- Stephanie later moved to Spokane, Washington and attended college while working full time. During this time she was an active member of the Spokane Mountaineers, an outdoor club. In 2006 she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders, and in 2008 a masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Eastern Washington University. During her graduate program she received one of only two graduate teaching scholarships and taught college level courses in communication.
She returned to the Bitterroot in 2008 and began her first job as a speech and language pathologist with the Bitterroot Valley Education Cooperative. Stephanie was passionate about working with children and was able to work this year at Grantsdale and Daly Elementary Schools.
Her easy going demeanor allowed a special friendship with many people, especially children. Her endearing wit and ever-present sense of humor have always been her trademark. She had a great sense of fun and adventure, enjoyed hiking and especially loved the beauty of the Bitterroot Valley.
- Stephanie is survived by her large family; parents Vince and Donna DiFrancesco of Palm Springs, CA; mother Jacqueline of Lansdale, PA; sister Jeanette of Lansdale, PA; sister Jennifer (Alan Ott) of Eugene, Oregon; sister Cynthia (Joe Nangle) of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother Paul (Anita) of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; brother Joseph of Bozeman, MT; brother Vince (Nikki) of Charlotte, NC; 4 nieces and nephews, many cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends.
- - Stephanie requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Guardian Angels (http://www.guardianangelsmt.org/) which is a program created to help support the needs of people with cancer in Montana. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.