Stephanie Morris (June 7, 1976 – December 9, 2019)

Stephanie Ann Morris (nee Giljum), age 43, died with her family beside her at her home in Kirkwood, Mo., on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. With characteristic strength, she battled cancer for nearly two years, but now she has to fight no more. She is at rest.

Stephanie devoted her entire adult life to children with autism as a special education teacher at three schools and centers around St. Louis, including 18 years at Wildhorse Creek Elementary School. She was known for making time and space every single day to take care of people — students, parents, and colleagues alike. Tireless and creative in her expertise and approach to teaching, she devoted countless evenings and weekends to planning and problem-solving for her students. But she also knew the value of following her kids’ lead. And her students led her to quite interesting places! In her classroom and life, Stephanie ALWAYS knew when to step back and just have a good laugh.

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Dan, and their spirited and beautiful two-year-old daughter, Genevieve, for whom she leaves a legacy to be fierce but kind; her devoted parents, Don and Colleen Giljum (nee Connelly); her proud sister, Lisa Giljum-Jansky (Dominik); and her adoring niece and nephew Evelina and Foster. Whether she was painting the kids’ nails in patterns or personalizing cards and books, Aunt Sneffy mustered the energy to make us all feel special to the very end. A village of loved ones: aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends are forever touched by her generous spirit.

Stephanie had an open and grateful heart that held every one of us close. To know Stephanie was to know fierce love, stubborn resolve, and genuine care. To love and be loved by Stephanie was a blessing beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The December 5th Fund, Annie’s Hope, Edgewood Children’s Center in Webster Groves, or any cause that honors the Stephanie you know.

Services: Visitation: Fri., Dec. 20, 2019, 4-8 p.m. at the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur. Funeral: Sat. Dec. 21, 2019, 11am at Immaculate Conception Church, 2934 Marshall Avenue, Maplewood MO, 63143. Luncheon: Immediately following funeral in the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 12-4pm