Klein, Stephanie Louise, nee Halerz, nickname "Stevie" 92 yrs. Darien resident since 1953 and of late Wheaton, IL

Born June 23 ^rd 1924 Chicago, IL– December 16 ^th 2016 Wheaton IL

Her Mantra "don't judge anyone until you've walked in their shoes". Supporter of LGBQT rights, racial equality, freedom to worship for all religions and secular humanists.  Generous to family & friends, opening her heart & home to those in need. Loved "her girls" unconditionally and led by example.

She grew up in a family of nine during the depression in Chicago's Polish neighborhood. It was the best of times and the worst of times. Her Parents the late Ludwig and the late Walerya "Valerie" Halerz immigrated from Poland and raised seven children. Times were tough, not affording electricity and sleeping several in a bed.  However, her family made the best of it and her childhood was full of good times.

She always paid her way….

Stephanie and her siblings attended a Catholic grammar school and often the tuition was late, due to the hardships of the depression.  She suffered continuous humiliation by a nun, who made her stand-up in class and taunted her about the late tuition in front of her classmates.  Then, she found a way to pay the tuition.  Stephanie saved a portion of her lunch money each day by walking to a nearby public where lunches were less expensive.  By doing this she saved enough money for her tuition.  She then went on to pay her way all the way through her graduation from St Columbkille, Chicago IL in 1943.

Her first job at the age of 13 was as a nanny and then she took work as a switchboard operator. After graduation, she began working as the Executive Secretary to the President of Monsanto in the Tribune Tower on Michigan Ave in 1940's-50's. Later she worked 20+ years at The Country Kitchen in Hinsdale. In retirement Stephanie volunteered at Gower School, as a Grandma reader to young children for 16 years.

During World War ll she and her sisters did their part by sitting at the kitchen table and writings letters to the servicemen overseas.  She was introduced to her future husband during this time and married in 1947.

Her heart broke when her adored brother Joseph Halerz was killed while serving in the US NAVY and lost at sea. It was a devastating loss for her family.

Stephanie was diagnosed with progressive Congestive Heart Failure six years ago, she was blessed to have been in the hands of a dedicated and caring Home Care physician, Dr. Thomas Cornwell CEO of Home Care Center Institute. The attentive and loving care she received from Dr. Cornwell improved her quality of life and allowed her to live longer.

Stephanie's' husband Earl J. Klein died 6-10-2004. She is survived by children, Pamela Klein, Susan (Jeff) Weiner, Nancy (Kurt) Love, Carol (Wayne) Brooks. Grandma of Stephanie & Julia Brooks. Stephanie also became a loving mother to Candiss Esposito & Cynthia Spychalski and an adoring godmother to Jan Sapach-Butek.

Sister of the late Joseph Halerz, late Helen (Stanley) Owczarski, late Emily (Carl) Johanesen, late Genevieve Ratachie, late Wanda Mikos and late John (Marylou) Halerz. Sister-in-law of the late Charles (Marge) Klein and late Delores (Joe) Brucato.  Surviving sister-in-laws, Claire Ann Ravens and good buddy Mary Lou Halerz.

Among her many good friends were Leona Bates, Roger Rouse, Louise Guethle, Joe Vojacek the late Betty Piotrowski, the late Jimmy Farmer "Mister Hinsdale" and the entire Suma family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: "Metropolitan Family Services In-Home Senior Respite" program, write checks-to "Metropolitan Family Services IHSR" and mail to Metropolitan Family Services DuPage at 222 E Willow Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 (attention Jody K.)

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22, from 8:30 a.m. - 11:45am at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL followed by a funeral service at 11:45am. Private Internment will be held on December 23rd.