Stephanie Michelle (Brander) Copenhaver

Stephanie Michelle (Brander) Copenhaver, age 46, of Santa Clarita, California passed away at home with her husband and children by her side on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Stephanie was born January 2nd, 1975 in Covina, California, to her parents Marvin and Michelle.

Stephanie leaves behind her husband Mike, her son Michael and daughter Sarah, her mother Michelle and mother-in-law Sandy, as well as her brother Jeremy. She will also be missed by her cousins Tammy and Charlene, niece Svea and nephew Blake, along with friends Heather and Kathleen. The amount of people that have had Stephanie bring light into their lives is many. Her love and memories will be cherished by many.

Stephanie grew up in the San Gabriel valley where she attended several schools. She earned her High School equivalency diploma from Chino Adult school. Later, she furthered her education at Santa Barbara City College.

Stephanie wanted to do one thing in life and that was to be a mother. She accomplished this goal and devoted her life to raising her family. She was always there for them, leading the children through play, projects, or games. She always strove to give the kids fun and rewarding learning experiences, so much so that other children from the neighborhood would often come by to participate in the fun Stephanie had set up. Stephanie was also the “cool mom” driving in her lifted truck while listening to rap music or talking about the latest Nintendo release. She also supported her husband, first by allowing him to pursue his education, and then in his career as a teacher and as a negotiator. Stephanie’s influence on him came through her ability to stay calm and to use reason in order to help and comfort those in need. Her joyous spirit, innocent charm, as well as her strength and courage will be missed by each of us.

Stephanie enjoyed making things better. Whether it was rearranging the furniture in a room, or working outside in the yard, or helping someone work through their problems she was always helping to improve things. Stephanie had a way about her that made people realize that everything would be alright. Even when discussing the topic of her own health she was informative, optimistic, and never felt sorry for herself. Her ability to talk with someone who was troubled, anxious, or sad and bring them back to a place of calm and peace is something that we will all miss dearly.

Stephanie was compassionate, selfless, fearless, loving, caring, giving, devoted, witty, strong, smart, independent (but placed her family first), funny (in a straight man sort of way), and was truly a guiding light She cared about people. She had the gift of being able to truly listen to someone and say just the right thing. She was not only a beautiful person on the outside but had an inner beauty that left an impression on everyone she met. She will be missed greatly by all who loved her.

A burial for Stephanie will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM. Following the burial will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalvalleymortuary.com for the Copenhaver family.