Stephanie “Steph” Ann (Brooks) Goldizen “went home to her beloved Jesus, father and brother” on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
She passed away from complications of type 1 diabetes, which she fought from the age of 7.
Stephanie was born on Saturday, June 1, 1959, in El Paso, Texas. She attended primary school in El Paso then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, upon her father’s retirement. There she graduated from Palmer High School in 1977, after which she moved to San Diego, where she matriculated to Point Loma College of the Nazarene in 1978.
Upon returning to Colorado Springs, she worked as a dental assistant, an occupation which she loved. Eventually her parents relocated to Kalispell, and she spent some time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she enjoyed working with animals at a veterinary clinic. No one knows for sure, but this is likely where her inner cat-lady blossomed — at least when she wasn’t enjoying her time hot-air ballooning around Albuquerque.
In 1985, Stephanie moved to Kalispell to be near her family. Three years later, in 1988, she met her life partner, Bryan. They entered matrimony on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1988, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Kalispell. Soon after marriage, Stephanie began a long and fulfilling career as an accounts representative at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. After 24 years, she retired from the hospital to pursue a change in life. She worked at Norco supply for one year until her illness forced her into full retirement.
Stephanie was always ready for anything fun. She was thrilled to dress up for any event, but especially enjoyed the costume planning for her favorite holiday, Halloween. She loved rock and roll music and concerts. Her favorite outdoor activities include boat rides with friends, especially on Flathead Lake, and “glamping” (not camping). Her biggest enjoyment in life came from her four beloved and spoiled cats — Marshall, Twister, Niko and Bijou. They were her babies and the light of her life, and the reason she was known as the “cat-lady” by everyone.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her father Robert Brooks, and brother Bobbie Brooks.
She is survived by her husband, Bryan; two stepsons, Cirby and Kris Goldizen; mother, Delsie Brooks; sisters, Lynda and her husband Gaylen Huffman, and Jennifer and her husband Dana Edwards; brother, Randy, and his wife, Lupita, Brooks; along with her nephews Kyle and Ryan Huffman, nieces Erin and Megan Huffman, and many beloved in-laws and outlaws, especially “the girls.”
“Stephanie, we have always loved you and now we will always miss you.”
Memorial services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Kalispell, with graveside service following at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will continue afterward at the First Church of the Nazarene