Stephanie Elisabeth Wurst, a remarkable woman of strength, determination, and unwavering spirit, died peacefully on September 1, 2023, at the age of 51 at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ.
Born on July 19, 1972, in Germany, Stephanie’s journey brought her first to Hackettstown, NJ, then to the Poconos in Pennsylvania where she attended high school, then to Bedminster, NJ, and finally to Clinton, NJ, where she has resided since 2004.
Stephanie’s vivacious personality and honest nature made her a beloved and cherished presence in the lives of those who knew her. She had an infectious passion for various pursuits, including her admiration for the legendary #23, Michael Jordan, and the Chicago Bulls. A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, and the Dallas Cowboys, Stephanie reveled in their triumphs and celebrated their victories. She could be considered a sports fanatic in that she loved to both play and watch many various sporting endeavors.
With a zest for adventure and an insatiable curiosity, Stephanie explored new horizons through her extensive travels. She particularly cherished the memories she made in Hawaii, Jamaica, and Aruba, which were among her favorite destinations.
Her love for water knew no bounds, as she cherished every moment spent swimming, whether it was in the ocean or a pool. Watersports, particularly jet skiing and kayaking, brought her immense joy and exhilaration. Stephanie possessed a deep fascination for sharks, especially the mesmerizing great white shark, and had an unparalleled ability to quote lines from the iconic movie ‘Jaws’ as effortlessly as she could spell her own name.
For the time she was not in the water and on land, Stephanie’s collection of sneakers rivaled that of the entire Chicago Bulls basketball team, as she amassed an impressive assortment of Air Jordans and various Nike editions. She took great pleasure in coordinating her outfits and sneakers, from sporting brands like Fila, Champion, and Timberland. Her vibrant and stylish presence was a testament to her unique sense of fashion.
Within her professional life, Stephanie served as a manager in the fuel service/retail industry, skillfully overseeing several gas stations and convenience stores. Her strong work ethic and exceptional leadership qualities were admired by colleagues and cherished by the community.
Above everything though, Stephanie was deeply dedicated to her family. She had an unwavering affection for her nieces and nephews, cherishing every moment shared with them. Her compassionate nature extended to her love for animals, demonstrating a tender heart that sought to provide care and love to all creatures.
One could not say Stephanie’s name without saying the name of her wife, Beata, as well, as the two came as a packaged deal. Sharing a profound connection since their paths crossed in high school, from friends to soulmates, with their love story culminating in a joyous marriage ceremony, their bond was a testament to the power of genuine love, understanding, and unwavering support, one for the other.
Despite being diagnosed with cervical cancer twenty years ago, as with all things she engaged in, Stephanie emerged triumphant. In 2014, she faced another formidable challenge in the form of melanoma, displaying remarkable courage and fighting until the very end. Her unwavering strength, determination, and tenacity were truly astounding.
Stephanie’s life was marked by her resilience, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and friends. While her journey in this realm has come to an end, her legacy will continue to inspire and guide those she leaves behind. She will forever be remembered for her radiant spirit and her authentic, caring nature. Stephanie, rest in the sweetest peace you so justly deserve.
Surviving are her wife, Beata Zarzycki Wurst; her mother, Sieglinde Wurst; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maria and Marian Zarzycki; her siblings and their spouses, Patricia Findley and Hector Avila, Diana Haag, Sabine and Norman Roehm, Ulrike “Dulli” Haag, and Stephen Wurst; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Yvonne and John Marcato and Ann and Erik Siuda; her feline companion, Minka; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members; and many dear friends.
Life celebration services and interment are private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
You are encouraged to visit Stephanie’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.
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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
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