Stephanie Cabaniss was our incredible mom, Nana, and best friend. On December 10th she left us peacefully after a brief illness.
Born in Austin, Texas December 13th, 1946, Stephanie moved to Ventura in 1954 which became her lifetime home. She loved growing up at the beach in the 60's surfing, singing, painting, and playing music with friends. Her heart was drawn to wherever there was art, music, creativity, and love.
After becoming a mom to her two daughters, she began working at Ventura County Medical Center in the late 70's. While working at this hospital she met many of her closest friends as she embraced her true calling- loving, caring for, and supporting others. Hired by her longtime friend and mentor Dr. David C. Fainer, she worked in the Medical Education Program for over 20 years.
Her desire to give back to her community and advocate for the less fortunate, was the most beautiful part of her soul. She spent 30 years volunteering at numerous organizations including the Immunology Clinic, the annual Walk for Life, Ventura's first AIDS hospice The Christopher House, the One Stop Resource Center for the Homeless, Many Meals food program, the Cancer Survivors celebrations, The Rubicon Theater, and as a volunteer artist for the Ventura County Medical Center.
In 2011 she was honored with the David C. Fainer M.D. award as Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation's Volunteer of the Year. This recognition was an amazing gift to her for all of the love and service she provided to others for so many years. Stephanie lived her life filled with an unwavering passion and commitment to helping people, leaving our community with lasting contributions.
She is survived by her lifetime partner, sweetheart, and best friend Jerry Martin, her 2 daughters Lisa Isbell and Corye Frame, stepchildren Chris Martin and Kimberly Drury. According to Stephanie, becoming a "Nana" was the best day of her life. Her grandchildren Lucy, Odin, Milo, Annemarie, and Haley will miss her dearly, carrying on her light and love always.
Our family would like to invite all of the many lives that she touched for mass at San Buenaventura Mission on Friday December 18th at 1:00pm to celebrate the incredible woman that she was. In lieu of flowers you may donate contributions in Stephanie's name to the Many Meals program at Our Lady of Assumption Church, or to Diversity Collective of Ventura.
Arrangements are under the care of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura.