Stephanie A. Palenick

Stephanie A. Palenick, 34, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Stephanie was born in Elkhart on August 1, 1988, to David A. and Nancy (Minelli) Palenick.  She was preceded in death by her father.

How can one even properly encapsulate all that Stephanie was?  She was an avid reader, lover of music, enjoyer of cooking, flowers, and gardening, and was a fiercely loyal and trustworthy friend.  But even more than that, Stephanie had the ability to unite people and make connections all across the world—which is testament to her transcendent, unique, and vibrant soul. Stephanie was an ultimate source of joy, goodness in this world and touched the lives of so many people.

She was the voice of reason, the supporter, the person who could untangle your thoughts for you with ease and uncanny wisdom. The person who could turn a dark and serious moment light again. She was truly a blazing firecracker force of a human and will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her. She fought so hard the entire time and should be remembered as the perseverant, tenacious, hilarious, kind, creative, and loving person that she was.

Surviving Stephanie is her mother, Nancy Minelli Palenick, with whom she lived, and her sister, Elizabeth Palenick of White Salmon, Washington.  Also surviving are many cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Nancy's home, 50829 Heather Lane in Elkhart from 4 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, which would have been her 35th birthday.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Stephanie may be made to the Elkhart County Humane Society or Cancer Resources of Elkhart County.

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