Rosanne Stephens

Rosanne Stephens, age 86, was born in 1938, in Oconto, Wisconsin, and passed away on February 11th, 2025, in Frederick, Maryland, surrounded by her children. She was a deeply spiritual person and lived a life of dedication, kindness, and service to her family and her community.

She graduated from Oconto High School in 1956 and, soon after, was recruited by the federal government to work as a secretary for the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. She and a classmate traveled to D.C. together, escaping small town life and beginning the adventure of a lifetime. On July 30, 1960, she married her former husband Irving Stephens, and together they raised a loving family of six children and a variety of pets in Monrovia, Maryland.

A life-long lover of books and learning, in 1977, with the kids in school and developing their independence, she began her long career with the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries, working at various branches as a Librarian's Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and Supervisor. She retired in 2002 but continued her passion for books and community service by working part-time at the Walkersville Branch of the C. Burr Artz Public Library until 2008. After retirement, she started the Crestwood Village Book Club, promoting reading for pleasure and knowledge in her neighborhood.

Rosanne loved giving back to her community and to those around her. Her volunteer efforts included working with the Maryland Food Bank and Partners In Care. Her strong spiritual beliefs - that divine order and a greater good are always at work in the world - gave her a strength that lifted her up together with those around her. She did not see life ending, she saw a transition and a new beginning.

Rosanne was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Stephens, her grandson Christopher Deckman, her brothers Donald and Dean, her sisters Pat and Eileen, and her parents. She is survived by her brother Wayne, and her remaining children, Tim Stephens (Debbie), Brenda Deckman (Doug), Diane Railing (James), Michael Stephens (Paige), and Pamela Gentel. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren Derrick Deckman (Cassie), Dan Deckman, Cynthia Richey (Josh), Paul David Shumaker Jr., Austin Gentel, Grayson Rule, Milo Gardner-Stephens, and Harrison Gardner-Stephens. Rosanne took pride in being the great-grandmother of Alia, Deacon, and Arie Deckman, Ryder Shumaker, Brianna Jensen, and Delilah, Bella, and Gabby Richey. She cherished each of them and felt so fortunate to get to see the bright promise they each bring to this world.

Rosanne will also be profoundly missed by so many friends and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory and the love, light, and humor she shared with everyone.

Her legacy of warmth, dedication, and community service will live on in all those who were fortunate to know her. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, Rosanne requests that donations be made in her memory to your local library or book club, your local food bank, or to the American Library Association.