BORN

1964

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Faith DeStefano Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 12, 2012.

With her loving family at her side, Faith DeStefano, 48, went to be with her Lord on Monday Nov.12, 2012 .

Loving wife of Mark, devoted mother of Joey, Nicole and David, daughter of Nell Leffel and Fred Johnson, and sister of Kurt and Jack.

Faith's courage, determination and dedication to her family were an inspiration to all who knew her. A lover of life Faith loved to celebrate with family and friends. She will be remembered as the one who made you laugh and loved to be surrounded by friends. She had a unique way of making you feel like the only person in the room and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of being a part of her life.

Born on June 23, 1964 in Chattanooga, TN and raised in Vineland New Jersey she moved to Sarasota in 1973 and graduated from Sarasota High School and graduated with honors from State College of Florida with a degree in nursing. Faith loved her career as a Registered Nurse on the open heart team at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she warmly cared for her patients for more than 16years. Here she formed life-long relationships with dear friends who supported Faith through her long valiant battle with cancer.

Visitation takes place at Palms-Robarts Funeral Chapel at Honore and Fruitville Road. from 6pm to 9pm on Friday Nov. 16th. The church service will be at 12 noon on Sat. Nov. 17th at First Baptist Church, 1661 Main St. A graveside service will follow at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home.

A memorial fund honouring Faith's life has been established. Donations may be made at any Fifth Third Branch to the Faith de Stefano Children's Educational Fund.

The family would like to thank everyone for kindness and prayers as Faith fought a long and valiant fight against advance stage breast cancer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Faith DeStefano

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Not sure what to say?

December 1, 2012

Jan Ryan

Please accept my sincere condolences and the delay in getting a note to you. I just read the news (sent to me by me friend Julie Mahle) & could not believe what I was reading. Faith was taken from you way too soon and for that I am truly sorry. May we all believe we have yet another angel looking over all of us. The angel's name is FAITH. Sincerely, Jan Ryan

November 27, 2012

Dr. H. Fred Johnson

“Go Down Death”
By James Weldon Johnson
Revisions By Dr. H. Fred Johnson

Weep not, weep not,
She is not dead;
She's resting in the bosom of Jesus
Hart broke husband–weep no more
Grief-stricken sons—weep no more;
Left-lonesome daughter—weep no more;
She only just gone home

Day before yesterday morning.
God was looking down from His great, high heaven,
Looking down on all His children,
And His eye fell on Sister Faith
Tossing on her bed in pain.
And God's big heart was touched with pity,
With the everlasting pity.

And God sat back on His throne,
And He commanded that tall, bright angel standing at His right hand:
Call me Death!
And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice
That broke like a clap of thunder:
Call Death!—Call Death!
And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven
Till it reached away back in that shadowy place,
Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.

And Death heard the summons,
And he leaped on his fastest horse,
Pale as a sheet in the moonlight.
Up the golden street Death galloped,
And the hooves of his horses struck fire from the gold,
But they did make no sound.
Up Death rode to the Great White Throne,
And waited for God's command.

And God said: “Go down Death, go down”,
Go down to Sarasota, Florida,
Down in the beach coast,
And find Sister Faith.
She's borne the burden and the heat of the day.

She's labored long in my vineyard,
And she is tired—
She's weary—
Go down, Death, and bring her to me.

And Death didn't say a word,
But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse,
And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides,
And out and down he rode,
Though heaven's pearly gates,
Past suns and moons and stars;
On Death rode,
Leaving the lighting's flash behind;
Straight down he came.

While we were watching round her bed,
She turned her eyes and looked away,
She saw what we couldn't see;
She saw old Death. She saw old death,
Coming like a falling star.
But Death didn't frighten Sister Faith;
He looked to her like a welcome friend.
And she whispered to us: I'm going home,
And she smiled and closed her eyes.

And Death took her up like a baby,
And she lay in his icy arms,
But she didn't feel no chill.
And Death began to ride again—
Up beyond the evening star,
Into the glittering light of glory,
On to the Great White Throne.
And there he laid Sister Faith
On the loving breast of Jesus.

And jess took His own hand and wiped away her tears,
And He smoothed the furrows from her face,
And the angels sang a little song,
And Jesus rocked her in his arms,
And kept a-saying: “Take your rest, take your rest.

Weep not—weep not,
She is not dead;
She's resting in the bosom of Jesus.

November 27, 2012

Dr. H. Fred Johnson

You are always in my heart
even though you're far away
I can hear the music of
The song of love
I sang with you
You are always in my heart
And when skies above are grey
I remember that you care
And then and there
The sun breaks through

Just before I go to sleep
there's a rendezvous I keep
And a dream I always meet
Helps me forget were far apart
I don't know exactly when, dear,
But Im sure well meet again, dear,
And my darling, till we do
You are always in my
"Dad"

November 24, 2012

June Murley

Nell, Thinking of you and the family of Faith, and know you all have a Special Angel watching over you, June & Princess

November 24, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

November 18, 2012

Jan Hurst-Lichter

My dear Faith, I still cannot believe you are no longer here in the flesh, your spirit will be with all of us who love you so much, and we will gain the strength and courage that you exhibited through out your life. Miss you

November 18, 2012

Becky LaSpada

My Darling,Precious Niece:
I love you so much that, when you went to your Heavenly Home, you took my heart with you.I couldn't make the trip to say my final goodbye's to you. I know you understand.
I will miss our phone calls and our texting.I know you are finally "pain free" and that is my only consolation for you loss.
I hope to continue to be a part in the lives of your amazing children.
I hope your reunion with your lost loved ones especially, your baby boy, Nicholas,your BFF Jackie and Grandmom, was amazing.
I know I will see you again with that beautiful smile and those beautiful eyes.
I'll forever love you, my Faithers. And hold on to that heart until I come to you and claim it
Aunt Becky

November 18, 2012

Maria Macaul

My dearest friend, she would walk 100 miles just to be with you. She wanted nothing from you accept time with you to build incredible memories. She raised her children to be kind, engaging and invovled in life. Thanks to God I can enjoy Faith still through the wonderfullness of her children.

November 18, 2012

I was so blessed to have such a friend in Faith, a smart, funny shining light..... Her stories were the best and were true stories of her life experiences. What a battle you fought, I'm happy you're suffering is over. We will all miss you so much. Until we meet again. LOOOVVE!!!
Janae Bell

November 17, 2012

Ed Bongart

Faith will live forever in the hearts of all those she has touch. Her courage was an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. My thoughts and prayers are with her entire family and I extend to them my sincere sympathy.

November 17, 2012

The Stroud Family

Mark and All of the Destefano
We are sorry for your loss, faith was a loving and caring person, and mother. She is in a better place. she is forever missed
-The Stroud Family

November 17, 2012

Mark and Nell

We are so sorry for your loss. Faith was a dynamic woman and is gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Pat/Terri Delaney

November 17, 2012

Mark and Nell

We are so sorry for your loss....Faith was a dynamic woman and is gone too soon. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and family. Pat/Terri Delaney

November 16, 2012

Shana Ljungberg

May you find comfort in her soul is at peace. Your in our thoughts and memories. Love you Faith

November 16, 2012

Tony Garrabrant

Taking Faith proves live isn't always fair!I meet Faith in 1973/4 when Nell asked me to watch her & Kurt, And will never forgot hear as long as I live. See ya again one day Loved you always as you well know, LOVE TONY G.

November 16, 2012

Dear,Nell My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family so sorry to hear about your loss.
your cousin,Eileen Foristell,Missouri

November 16, 2012

DEAR NELL,MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY.MAY GOD BLESS.YOUR COUSIN GERI;

November 16, 2012

Joselle Culp

Dearest Nell, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for God's comfort in this trying time. My heart cries for you and your family. With sincere sympathy.
Joselle

November 16, 2012

Kelly, Mark, Michael and Brian Brewer

Our deepest condolences to the DeStefano family. Lifting her name in prayer.

November 15, 2012

Lorna Vickers

I met Faith while working in Sarasota and we always had great time celebrating birthdays at the beach. I have thought of the DeStefano family over the years and enjoyed watching the kids grow through Facebook. She was so proud of you all. She will always be with you. Love and Condolences

November 15, 2012

marty rial

i l o v e and m i s s you so dear friend..

November 15, 2012

marty rial

i l o v e and m i s s you so d e a r friend..

November 15, 2012

Donna Ledbetter

It is my honor to have known Faith both at the hospital and socially. May the strength of her spirit comfort your heart.

November 15, 2012

Ray and Le Ann Burnett

With Heartfelt Sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with your loving family. Ray and LeAnn Burnett

November 15, 2012

Liz Bonnett

Oh Nell, I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter has been in my prayers for years, and although I didn't know her, it's obvious that she has touched the lives of so many with her courageous battle. I pray that you, her husband, and children, are surrounded with peace and comfort - and share joyful memories until the day you all meet again.
With love,
Liz Bonnett

November 15, 2012

Lloyd Keith

my prayer s are with your Mark.

November 15, 2012

Rhonda Graper

Faith, Thank you for being a great friend all these years. You are one of a kind and I will miss you terribly.
I am glad that your suffering is over.
Don't worry about your children. We will all "lean in" and help them through and yes I will make sure David gets his broccoli!
I love you girl. Rest in peace, Rhonda

November 15, 2012

Leslie Thacker

Hey Faithers! Thank you for coming into my life so many years ago. It's a blessing to have so many wonderful memories. Love you girl.

November 15, 2012

Linda DeFrancisco

May the love of those around you,
Help you through the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family!

November 15, 2012

Douglas Whitney

Mark, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. From the CSI Suncoast Chapter.

November 15, 2012

Laurie Shaw

Dear Mark,Nell,Joey,Nicole and David....Your Mom was an inspiration to all her friends that knew her. When my family was facing a difficult time Faith was my first friend to step up and offer her support. She knew battling cancer was tough. She knew that our family would need support and she was right there to help. Your Mom always faced lifes challenges with a smile on her face. She always knew how to make others smile. Her suffering has ended and just as those who passed away before her, she will find her place in heaven. I will never forget my beautiful friend.

November 15, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to your family. We will always remember Faith running through the neighborhood when you lived in the Paddocks. Our thoughts are with you.
Denise & Tim Litchet

November 15, 2012

Michael & Carol Orwasky

Our prayers are with you all as you say goodbye- for now to your wife/ mother. She definitely was an inspiration to us all. She will be missed and may God comfort your hearts and remember the blessing that God gave you even if just for a short time.

Posted by Michael & Carol Orwasky

November 14, 2012

Anne & David Campbell

Mark, Joey, Nicole, David, Nell and extended family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I know that you know we loved Faith dearly and we are so sorry for your loss. Our love to you all.

November 14, 2012

Tami Fox

A Loving Mother no matter how she felt she would come out to watch her son Joey play golf.She was a tremendous example to all of us. She raised a true gentleman. You will be missed Faith, your legacy will live on in your beautiful children.I feel blessed for the opportunity of knowing you. You are a shining star.

November 14, 2012

Tracy Coles

Out thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are so sorry for your loss.

November 13, 2012

Scott Shea

When I first met Faith 6 years ago she was the light of the room. A True Genuine Kind Soul.I am truly sorry for your loss. God has blessed you and your children with the opportunity to be part of a Beautiful family, and given you all memories that will never be forgotten.

God Bless

November 13, 2012

Ken & Sandy Green

Mark: The Green family offers our condolences and prayers to you and your children. We first met Faith at your benefit a couple of years ago. Sandy had a very touching moment with your wife that was shared and is well remembered. God Bless.

November 13, 2012

When I met Faith 10 years ago we shared the bond of breast cancer. I will always remember comparing our scars after a fun night out with Linda and Nell. Although I have not seen her for several years, she has always been on my mind and in my prayers. Mark I know you probably don't remember me but I just want to send my condolences to you and your family.

Deb Kimmel
Kansas City, MO

November 13, 2012

Sherry Verse

Dear "Face", our friendship goes back many years. We were study buddies all thru Nursing school. What times we shared! You were the very best friend and so much fun too. I have always felt close to you in my heart, regardless of the years and miles between us. You are one of a kind; a very very special human being, God's gift to all of us. Rest in blessed peace. So many of us will miss you terribly. I've been praying for David, Nicole and Joey daily for years and I will keep doing this. Love, Sherry Verse

Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232

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