Stephanie Ann Parker

Stephanie “Steph” Ann Parker (Kempton), a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.

Steph was lucky enough to have two loves over her lifetime: Stuart Parker and Eve Hady, both of whom she leaves behind. She is also survived by her two daughters, Amy Parker Seifert (Bob) and Katy Cicholski (Frank), plus her five grandsons, whom she adored--Robbie, Josh, Zach, Jacob, and Nicholas. She is predeceased by her parents, Phyllis and Willard, and a sister, Rebecca Diskerud. She is survived by a sister, Connie Gross, and a brother, Brian Kempton.

Steph was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 30, 1946. A few years after she was born, her family relocated to Shenandoah, Iowa, and then to Des Plaines, Illinois, where she graduated from Maine West High School. A lifelong learner, Steph received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earned master’s degrees from the University of Arizona and Midwestern State University, and returned to the University of Illinois, where she graduated with her PhD.

Steph had many careers, including mental health and school-based counseling and teaching at university levels, but she discovered her passion when she established the Aurora Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving girls and young women with disabilities in the Tucson area. Steph’s creativity, writing abilities, and networking skills drove the foundation, which sponsored several fashion shows that highlighted the Aurora participants and initiated special mentoring relationships. Her quick wit, energy, and sense of fun endeared her to many.

She is and forever will be deeply loved and missed. A celebration of life will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson at a later date to be announced. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to RISE Services, Inc., for individuals with disabilities in Tucson.