Lucille Stephan

Lucille Stephan, 91, died June 4, 2011, in her home in Wasilla.

Lucille Agnes Vosacek was born at home on Sept. 24, 1919, in Dixon, S.D., to Fred and Mary Vosacek. She was the fifth of sixth children. Her siblings, Leo, Irene, Gladys, Cecilia and Sylvia all preceded her in death.

Lucille moved to Alaska in 1957 with her husband, John Blissard, and their four young children, Cynthia, Morton, Colleen and Charles.

The Blissard family was very musical. Lucille sang with them and supported her children in their pursuit of music. She loved singing so much that she even sang in her sleep during her last years of life.

Lucille had a great joy of life that was marred at times by the loss of beloved family members. Charles, Lucille’s youngest son, was killed while riding his bike at age 10. Four years later — in 1966 — her husband John died of cancer, and her daughter Cynthia died of cancer in 2009.

Lucille married Harold Stephan in 1970. Lucille’s family grew overnight, as Harold had five married children and many grandchildren. They both worked at and retired from the Experiment Station in Palmer.

Lucille was a member of the United Protestant Church in Palmer for many years. She was also active in Pioneers of Alaska, Emblem Club, Beta Sigma Phi and a pinochle club.

Harold died in 1992 and Lucille moved to her lake house in Wasilla in 1993 with her little dog, Pixie. She lived there until her passing.

Parkinson’s disease showed up in 1994. Her daughter, Colleen (now Delisa Renideo) lived with and cared for her, with help from her husband, Charlie, from 1995 until the end.

A celebration of life is outdoors at 2 p.m., Sept. 4, at Lucille’s home on Wallace Lake, 5010 W. Lakeside Dr. A memorial garden is being planted for her, and those who wish to contribute a perennial flower or shrub may call Delisa at 373-1526, may drop it off early or bring it to the celebration. The Alaska Vegetarian Society will cater the celebration. For more information and photos, visit celebratelucille.weebly.com.

Memorial donations can be made to Rays of Hope, 1160 N. Shoreline Dr., Wasilla, AK 99654.

Survivors include her daughter, Delisa Renideo of Wasilla; son, John Morton Blissard of Michigan; grandchildren, Charles, Mary and Laura Turcott; great-grandchildren, Nauquoia and Azrael Bautista; nephew, Jim Vosacek of California; step-daughters, Jerene Nesbitt and Charlene Baker; step-son, John Stephan; many step-grandchildren; and many dear friends.