A woman of passion, compassion, elegance, and a heck of a lot of style, Stephanie Willy will always be known for her endless enthusiasm and love of coffee creamer. Stephanie Maryse Willy went to live in eternity with her creator and savior after a five year battle with Ocular Melanoma on February 12, 2021. Stephanie was born on February 19, 1957 in Gary, Indiana and grew up in nearby Merrillville with two loving parents and her older brother. She often spoke of treasured childhood summers when her parents, both being teachers, would pack up the family and travel across the country. Her own passion for public education grew, and she went on to have a 37-year career as an elementary educator, serving the entirety of her career at Frontier Elementary School. She was passionate about educating young children, the Al-Anon program, community service, and aiding children with disabilities. Her husband and children often fondly called her the "laundry fairy," which was a title she wore proudly because no matter which venture a child was coming home from – a daughter from college, a son from the military, or a muddy grandchild fresh from a tractor ride – Stephanie loved to do laundry for her family. While the rest of the family would gather around coffee and snacks upstairs, you would find Stephanie sorting and folding laundry to make life a little easier for those she loved. Her heart was with her beloved husband and best friend of 19 years, her Douglas. Her children are her legacy, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy and reason for laughing each day. She is preceded in death by her parents Herman Eugene Shelby and Clarkie Bernice Shelby. She leaves behind her brother Michael Shelby; husband Douglas Willy; children Timothy Brummett, Tara Welches, son-in-law Matthew Welches, stepson Chad Willy, stepdaughter Portia Santistevan, daughter-in-law Beth Santistevan; and grandchildren Luke and Levi Welches. Stephanie will be remembered most for her dedication to her family, servitude to those around her, love of the outdoors, and impeccable sense of fashion! A private memorial service will be held and announced at a later date. Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi, is assisting the family with arrangements. www.abbottfuneralhome.com