Kathy Eileen Stephan

Kathy Eileen Stephan was born on February 14, 1948, in Chicago, IL, and died on June 5, 2025, in Bloomington, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregory M. Stephan, and her parents, Elise Mizell and Orville Warren Quanstrom.

Kathy is survived by her sister, Lynn Q. Vance, and brother-in-law, Robert E. Vance of Austin, TX; her brother, David W. Quanstrom of San Antonio, TX; her daughter, Erika L. Haynes, and son-in-law, Matthew “Thax” Griffith of Austin, TX; her son, Alex D. Stephan of Austin, TX; her daughter, Holly A. McLauchlin, and son-in-law, John “Mac” McLauchlin of Bloomington, IN; her nephew, Warren B. Quanstrom of Austin, TX; her stepson, Eric T. Stephan, and stepdaughter-in-law, Andrea “Skye” Drake-Stephan of Rockdale, TX; her foster son, Richard Alfaro of San Antonio, TX; and her grandchildren, Sadie, Solomon, and Emeleia.

Raised in San Antonio, TX, Kathy earned her master’s degree in education from Incarnate Word College, launching a lifelong artistic career.

As an educator, Kathy inspired countless students through her innovative approach to drama, speech, and literacy. She guided them in crafting and performing plays rooted in folk stories, local legends, and their own imaginations. Her passion for the arts was contagious, empowering students and friends to express themselves and tap into their creative potential.

Kathy's own artistic expression knew no bounds. She wrote, directed, and performed in original plays that reflected her unique perspective on the world. Her visual artistry manifested in paintings, tapestries, and altars that explored themes of alienation, spirituality, and the human experience. Drawing from her own life experiences, including her involvement in the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War era, and the struggles and setbacks for women's rights, Kathy's work was a testament to her resilience and conviction.

Drawn to the richness of other cultures and service to others, Kathy traveled and volunteered in the Philippines, Italy, New Mexico, Scotland, Appalachia, and Montana. Greencastle, Indiana, had been her home base since 1990.

Kathy was deeply devoted to those she loved. She offered steadfast support to others and found joy in her many pursuits with family a d friends: writing, directing, painting, volunteering, traveling. Her beloved pets, Maggie and Mouschi, were among her closest companions.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her work and her boundless love continue to inspire us to stand for what’s right and to create honest art that reflects and reshapes the world.

Kathy and her beloved Greg will have their ashes spread at Enchanted Rock State Park in October. All are welcome to join in celebrating her life; contact the family for details. To honor her legacy, consider buying an extra ticket to a play, donating to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, or supporting a member of the Women’s Caucus for Art. As Kathy said in her PSA on WGRE, “There’s so much you can do. Do it.”