Shanda Lee Stephenson of Westhampton Beach died on May 4 in Southampton, surrounded by her loving family. She was 78.
Born December 29, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she spent her formative years in Stuart, Florida. She graduated from the Rosarian Academy in 1955 and attended the University of Maryland in College Park, earning a Bachelor of Arts. She joined the U.S. Department of the Navy and worked with the Blue Angels. Ms. Stephenson relocated to Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, and Westhampton Beach.
Ms. Stephenson was a past president of the Freeport Garden Club where she earned awards for floral design and hybridization of local hibiscus. She was recognized and awarded the John Harvard Fellows medal for her contributions to Harvard University. Finally, she was the former president and longtime board member of the Westhampton Mallet Club.
Ms. Stephenson was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Stephenson Rand. She is survived by two daughters, Diana T. Benincase of Centerport and Catherine A. Pennekamp and husband John Michael of Florida; three grandchildren, Christopher, Chelsea and Bella; as well as Jerry L. Dupper and wife Susan, Paul V. Stankiewicz and Jamie J. Correia II.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church in Westhampton Beach on Saturday, June 18, at 5 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, doctorswithoutborders.org.