Stephanie W. Zitomer, 87, of Windsor, Connecticut, died on January 20, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Fred Zitomer. Stephanie and her husband were former residents of Livingston.
Stephanie was born in Oak Park, Illinois on July 23, 1935 to William C. Fowler and Harriet M. Stahmer. Her stepfather was Paul J. Webster, Sr. She graduated from Park College in Missouri in 1957, where she had been selected homecoming queen earlier in the year. Stephanie and Fred became college sweethearts at Park and were married in the campus chapel after graduation.
The newlyweds set off for Kansas State University, both intending to earn a Ph.D. in the sciences. However, Stephanie’s plans were put on hold for a few decades with the births of sons Ben and Michael. The family of four lived in student housing for several years while Fred earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry.A series of long-distance, job-related moves quickly ensued: a year in New Jersey, where Fred took his first job at Celanese Research Corporation; a few years in Midland, Michigan, while Fred worked for Dow Chemical; and a return to New Jersey in 1966, when Fred was lured back by another offer from Celanese. They put down roots in the town of Livingston, and Stephanie soon gave birth to her third son, William.
Stephanie had a lifelong passion for art and music, particularly painting and sculpting. Her artworks were frequently exhibited at local galleries, and she continued to win awards throughout her life. She also did freelance work and taught art classes. Stephanie and Fred both played guitar and enjoyed singing and playing folk songs together.
All of these endeavors would help her cope with the tragic loss of their son Michael in 1975.
Stephanie eventually returned to her academic goals. She enrolled at Rutgers University, and in 1989 at the age of 54 earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology. She then accepted a position as a Patent Examiner at the Patent Office in Alexandria, Virginia. The couple relocated to Virginia, and Fred soon took a position as a Patent Examiner, as well. They commuted to work together every day until retiring in 2003.
In 2004 Fred and Stephanie made one last move, relocating to Windsor, Connecticut to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Their retirement years were filled with family gatherings. Stephanie continued to paint, while Fred never missed a Yankees game on television. They were devoted in love and remained married for sixty years, until Fred’s death in 2017.
When Stephanie was in her early sixties, a joyous event occurred in her life: after more than fifty years, she found the children of her father’s second marriage, Richard Fowler and Susan (Fowler) Jackson. They were completely unaware of Stephanie’s existence, and Stephanie had no information about them, other than their names. In 1997 Richard and Susan were finally located, and the three half-siblings arranged to meet for the first time in Livingston, Montana, where their father had grown up. They were also joined by a first cousin who had known their father and was able to fill them in on their Fowler family history. The journey culminated in a trip to Yellowstone National Park, where they visited the RooseveltArch stone entrance that their grandfather,Amasa Fowler, had helped build in 1903.
Stephanie is preceded in death by her husband, Fred, and their son, Michael; her sister, Penelope Thompson; and her half-brother Paul J. Webster, Jr. She is survived by her son Benjamin, his wife Jenny, and their son, Michael; her son William, his wife Rebecca, and their daughter, Alexis; her half-brother, Richard Fowler (Lori); and her half-sister Susan Jackson (Robert).
Stephanie and Fred will rest forever, devoted in love, at Palisado Cemetery in Windsor, Connecticut.
A private service will be held. To leave online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome. com.
