Stephanie Welsh Obituary

Stephanie V. Welsh, age 90, of Princeton, IL formerly of Lemont, passed away May 30th, 2011. Loving mother of Patricia (Gwodz) Fitzgerald of Lemont, Bill Gwodz (Barbara) of Downers Grove, Lewette (Brokenbourgh) Fitzgerald (Michael) of Long Beach, CA and Paulette (Brokenbourgh) Arnold (Dr Michael) of Marinette, WI. Stephanie is preceded in death by husbands Frank M. Gwodz, Lewis L. Brokenbourgh and Lawrence R. Welsh. Perhaps because of the loss of her own mother at the age of 5 Stephanie went through life as mother to many. Besides being devoted to her own children and stepchildren she had always taken special joy in her relationships with nieces and nephews, as well as watching over many children who came into her sphere of influence through DCFS and the Princeton Covenant Children's Home. Believing that an attentive nun had helped her flourish as a child, rescuing her from the grief of her mother's death, Stephanie took it as her solemn duty to help others, especially children in need. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 18th, 2 pm at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton, IL. Memorials may be made to the Princeton Prairie Arts Center 24 Park Ave. East, Princeton, IL 61356. Interment is private at the Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL.