| Location | Firestone, Colorado |
| Age | 62 years |
| Cause of Death | Aneurysm |
| Date of Birth | 17/01/1947 |
| Date of Death | 17/08/2009 |
| Visitors | 1,306 since 18/08/2009 |
| Creator |
In Memory of Stephanie M. Schwartz
January 17, 1947 - August 17, 2009
It is with a sad heart that I bring this news to you today, our dear friend and sister Stephanie Schwartz has left for her journey to the spirit world. Steph suffered from a brain aneurism late Sunday night, she was immediately admitted to the hospital and remained in a coma and unresponsive until she passed away, Monday August 17th just before 11:00 pm (mtn time).
Steph was 62 years of age and resided in Firestone, Colorado. Stephanie is survived by her only daughter Caitlin Schwartz and fiance Matthew Rumery, a sister Renee Bolton, four nieces and nephews: Jenifer Mitchell, Kathy Naumann, William Sutfin and William Borton in addition to many, many beloved friends.
Steph was a member of NAJA and a well known journalist in Indian Country. She was the webmaster and editor for Wambli-Ho news publication. Her work and research has been published in Native publications for over a decade. She tirelessly dedicated her life working to help the elders and the Lakota people on the South Dakota Reservations. Her outstanding and renown publication written in October 2006, Arrogance of Ignorance about the reality of life and hardships on the SD Reservations, was published and referenced in journals across the country. Read more of Steph’s writings at http://silvrdrach.homestead.com/Index.html
Steph volunteered for Link Center Foundation, a non profit organization, providing heating assistance to the elderly and disabled on the South Dakota Reservations since 2002. Steph became the Director of the foundation in 2008 after founder Audrey Link passed away.
Many of you may recall the devastating blizzards we had in South Dakota this past winter, along with severe life threatening temperatures. Steph literally worked 15+ hours a day, flooded with calls and applications for people in need this winter. She refused to rest until funding was secured and it was all taken care of, which ultimately of course, ended up not being until winter was finally over. I remember talking with her at all hours of the night and early morning, asking her if she ever even went to sleep, many times her response was well for a couple hours maybe. Steph was a warrior woman, she always put the people and their needs before her own.
Steph volunteered with so many issues over the years, including building the website and helping to bring awareness to “Miracle,” the sacred white buffalo calf, born on August 20, 1994. She also volunteered for Wolakota for many years.
She was very dedicated and faithful to her work, the people and most of all, to her spirituality and this way of life.
Steph, you will truly be missed by many, your legacy and footprints will always remain. It was an honor to know you my dear friend and sister, we laughed, cried and walked thru many challenges together over the years, your guidance and wisdom will never be forgotten.
I know you will be welcomed with open arms by many elders, that have gone before us.
We will celebrate your life and the path you walked, and wish you a safe journey home.
Much respect,
Your little sis
Tamra Brennan
My Dearest Friend...
It has been 5 very long months since you were taken away from us and the pain is still there, as are your Email address, phone number in my cell phone, and the tears for a loved friend. I do know that with time, the memories we shared and made when our girls were little, the "Monopoly Money" discussions, the trips and sharing over cups of coffee will always be some of the most cherrished in my life. You were definately a wonderful one of a kind!! I pray that your journey has been peaceful and know that there was a beautiful home waiting for you made by The Father's hands especially and only for you!!
I miss you daily and want you to know that you had a piece of my heart with you as you crossed over and someday my heart will be whole again when I see your smiling "little" face!!!
Love you Forever and Always,
Dar
Thank you Steph. Thank you for being the wonderful Spirit that you are. Thank you for listening, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the advice. Thank you for the wisdom. Thank you for helping me on my Spiritual journey. Thank you for the love you gave to us all. And thank you....thank you so much for being my friend!! I know you are on the other side to help us through the transition, watching, listening and laughing. I can see your smile. Till we meet again.
With love and tears,
Mihchaiel
Stephanie and I met online one day, I guess about the year 2000, while I was researching Hopi prophecy. Her first response to me was, "Hello, Mike, what a refreshing Spirit." I was in the midst of a personal awakening and the Creator led me to a most delightful guide, Steph. We spent a lot of time discussing the Earth changes, following the developments on cyberspaceorbit, prophecy and Pine Ridge. I never got to meet her in person but that really doesn't matter, our Spirits connected. I hadn't spoken to her in months and another friend posted an article on Facebook today about the situation on Pine Ridge. I thought about Steph and called, the number was disconnected. I emailed, the email returned. I knew. I searched and I found the truth. It makes my heart heavy. There is a hole in my world today, but Steph says it's OK. Thanks again Steph.
Caitlin, Renee and all of you who loved her, I wish you much peace and blessings!
From Chuck and Soni VERMONT
Caitlin and Matt--
We only learned of your Mother's passing via Facebook today. Both Soni and I are personally devastated and share your grief.
We met her via the old dialup AOL some 12 or so years ago and spent many hours on the phone with her several times a year since.
Soni says we have a new spirit guide in Heaven, and I agree.
We loved Stephanie very much....and we remain....
at your Service.
Best wishes--
Chuck and Soni
802-223-1391
First, my thanks to Gina who yesterday gave me the sad news of Stephanie's passing and then today directing me to this site. We all experiance losses and they all have some effect on us, but I truly wasn't ready to learn of this loss. We must share the joy of knowing a true angel has graduated to the other side with the sadness of us having to live in a world without her. Being non native, my knowing Stephanie first thru Wambli Ho and then thru the hundreds of conversations online we shared sometimes past midnight will always be considered a blessing. She rarely ever initiated a conversation with me, but somehow absorbed each as if it was her choice and then ended with a thank you as if I helped her. She was the sounding board that I could bounce off any questions regarding native issues, ethics and procedures regarding my visits to Pine Ridge every summer. I picture her once again sitting with her friend Selo Black Crow and laughing at life. I will end with a poem that came to me a while back in a dream and I altered no words, but just wrote it down upon waking. I hope it reaches those it should.
My spirit soars, I've been set free
No earthly bonds to tangle me
Except our love that we still share
Please live our dreams knowing I am near
A million thanks I could send you hon
And still fall short for all you've done
Remember days not long ago
When illness didn't run the show
Those are the days again we'll share
Till you get here I will always be there
John Selvaggio
A dear friend
I first met Stephanie through her writings online--mainly her "The Arrogance of Ignorance; Hidden Away, Out of Sight and Out of Mind"
I was ignorant about conditions on the reservation and Stephanie more then anyone opened my eyes.
I became a supporter of the Link Center Foundation, and happily contributed to the heating fund.
Last summer in July, my wife Joanne and I vacationed in Colorado. We had the opportunity to meet Stephanie and an added bonus Audrey was there as well.
We chatted as if we knew them all our life---my spiritual connection to Stephanie and Audrey was instantaneous.
After spending most of the day with them we parted company, but never were separated from them.
Stephanie became my spiritual advisor from that day forward.
I just found out yesterday that she passed on to the better side when I called and got someone on the phone at her home.
I knew there was something wrong because she wasn't logging onto her gmail account and she didn't reply to my emails or calls.
It never crossed my mind to check her Facebook page.
I never felt separated from her though she had passed on--she will remain with me always.
When I told her about my experiences of hearing voices from rocks and trees she knew what I was talking about, and she and Audrey encouraged me to speak back to them.
She taught me to listen to the rocks ,trees,and waters, and that's all they need---is to be heard and acknowledged as living spirits.
Thank you Stephanie and Audrey---my heart aches because your not as close as a phone call or a chat online---but you are and will always remain my friends and spirit guides.
Thank you Stephanie from the bottom of my heart.
I'm a much better person with you in my life,and the physical world is a poorer place without you here.
Jim Theisen (from Michigan)
Eagle Feather has Fallen
Today an Eagle feather fell to
Earth.
Today our sister Stephanie,
dropped her earthly robe and made her
final journey into the West.
Wrapped in her star quilt she picked up her shawl
to dance among the stars with her elders.
Through the light of the breaking summer
morning her spirit
walked alone, and unafraid into a clear blue sky. Free at last of the pain and
suffering of this world, she walked straight and tall.
This kind, gentle woman who was known to
many, and loved by all made her decision to end her suffering and made her final journey home.
Stephanie was a warrior, and a protector, her
strength was felt by those who were unable to help
themselves. She was a
person who understood the meaning of forgiveness and love, she also knew the pain sickness and of death.
Creator has a bigger plan for us than we will ever know. We must
have courage and faith that our time here is well used for the people.
We human mortal beings may never know
the answers to this woman’s
pain; but we can honor her life and her courage. . The way she lived her life
left a lasting impression for those who will come after her
seeking answers to the suffering of in this world.
The kindness in her eyes and the sorrow
that she also had suffered was
reflected in the way she cared for others.
Always the helping hand and smiling
person with the wonderful laugh she
blessed many with her kindness.
I know that Creator will accept her into
the lodge of her people and
that she will find eternal rest and peace at last. May her
spirit be welcomed by
her brother warriors, who gave their lives, and danced for the
people.
Stephanie my sister my heart will forever
walk with you, and my
love goes with you, my spirit sister.
The prayers of our people all over the
Earth are with you, may
your journey take you home to the land of your people.
The greatest gift we can give to Stephanie in her memory is to continue the vision and support the work she has started. LINK organization for the people was her vision and she worked so hard to make it all happen.
The book Grandmothers Quilt will soon be in print and will be in memory of Stephanie my dear and sweet sister.
In loving memory: Maka Nupa L.Cota
My Mentor,My Friend
From the time I first heard from you in the days of Wambli-HO you became a good friend. We shared stories online,pictures,health discussions and comparisons. When I began my web site and later on all the blogs I ran I featured your articles but you wer so much more than a journalist.You gave your heart and soul to the Lakota people.I will miss you like a dear sister.You always answered my questions and you taught me so much.May Grandfather welcome you with open arms and bless your journey. Be at Peace.
maske lila waste'
Maske lila waste'
Little did I know when I saw you at Sundance that you would soar with the eagles so soon after. I know you travel in a good way, with speed and joy. I will miss you so much and your work here will need to be taken up by many others. I know you are with us always and I send smoke for you. Please, watch out for us from the sky world until we meet again. Toksa ake.
Maka Unkan Mani Winyan
My Sister
our hearts are heavy..you are so missed and so loved..through the years we have shared news and whats going on in indian country i am so gonna miss your kindness and wisdom..the Ancients have a great warrior with them now..one we will miss so much..
blessed be your walk until the day we once again walk together
all my love and hopes for your family
Red Tree Woman
i am so sorry to hear of her passing! She was a wonderful person who did a lot for the betterment of the people!
I never got to meet her in person, which is my great loss! I did send toys and clothes for the children to her and Christine.
We need more folks like Stephanie in this world!
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