Obituary of Ellen F. Stepneski

Ellen Stepneski 1939-2021 Ellen Stepneski, 82, of Vestal, NY, passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Mercy House, Endicott, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Phillip Stepneski, and parents, John and Irene (Leola) Honnick. She is survived by her son, Stephen Stepneski, daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Vince Grassi, son and daughter-in-law, John and Nancy Stepneski, and grandchildren, Josh Garrett and fiancée Angela Ward, Amy Garrett, Kaitlyn Stepneski, and Emily Stepneski. She is also survived by her special sister-in-law, Mary Cahill, brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Jo Honnick, sister, Joan Diaferio, and brother, William Honnick, and several nieces and nephews. Ellen lived her life to the fullest. Always on the go! She loved her gambling trips. She loved the slot machines in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Tioga Downs, and many other casinos. She loved her daily NY and PA scratch-off tickets. She had a lot of fun going to the NYS Fair with family and playing "I Got It." She liked going to craft shows with her family. She enjoyed the Apalachin Firemen Field Days and the games she played there. She celebrated her 80th birthday at the Vestal Arcade, playing games, of course! She had a passion for playing "War," "Go Fish," and tabletop "Corn Hole" with her daughter, Carol. She usually won too! She loved playing Virtual Bingo with family. She cherished her beloved frog collection. She loved Tom Jones and boy did she love her John Travolta movies! Her grandkids meant everything to her! She loved them all the same and never believed in having favorites. As a young widow at 39 years old, she showed extreme strength and independence in raising her three teenage children. She always was there to listen to us share our life's joys and problems. Amazingly, she wasn't a complainer. When asked how she was doing, she would respond, "as best as I can," or "hanging in there." She soldiered on through her illnesses like a true champion. She will be remembered for her famous lines of "whatever," "howdy doody," and "love your kids no matter what." Ellen's family is extremely grateful for the kind and loving care she received at Mercy House. The family will have a private funeral. In her memory, please consider donating to Mercy House, Endicott, NY.