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Anne Edelman Stephansky
July 21st, 1926 - May 8th, 2020
July 21st, 1926 - May 8th, 2020
Anne Edelman Stephansky, of Washington D.C, died on Friday, May 8, 2020 in Olney, Maryland. She was 93 years old.
Anne was born in Reading, PA on July 21,1926. Her Parents were John W. Edelman, a lobbyist for the Textile Workers Union, and her mother, Kate Van Eaton Edelman was a social worker for the U.S. Housing Authority.
Anne graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, in Bronxville, NY in 1947. Shortly afterward, she married Ben Soloman Stephansky, her college Labor Economics professor! Shortly after that, Anne earned a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Chicago while Ben taught there. After discovering that they both had infertility problems, they adopted three children.
Anne and Ben traveled extensively for pleasure and lived overseas. Ben was appointed Labor Attache at the US Embassy in Mexico City (1952-1956), and as President Kennedy's Ambassador to Bolivia from 1961-1963. When they returned from Bolivia, Anne earned her Masters degree in Social Work from Howard University in 1968.
Personally, she is best known for her intellectual curiosity, political passions, love of the arts, her deep capacity for generosity, commitment to diverse friendships, and cooking meals for her friends and family.
Professionally, Anne was a veteran social worker, initially in public mental health and later in private practice in Washington D.C. She is recognized for contributions to the field. In 2013, she was honored by the Washington School of Psychiatry for founding both a supervision program (1992) and a program in intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (1996).
Anne was predeceased by her husband Ben (1999) and her eldest son, Evan (2008).
She is survived by her deeply loved older brother, John Arnold Edelman and her adored sister-in-law, Margaret Monteith Edelman of Alexandria, VA.
Other surviving family members include her treasured son, Eric Thomas Stephansky, of Denver, CO, her precious daughter, Kate Stephansky, of Olney, MD, and John Neal, her son-in-law. Additionally, she leaves behind her cherished granddaughter, Megan Mcdonald Neal (and her partner J. Sebastian) of Brooklyn, NY and her beloved grandson, Benjamin Van Eaton Neal (and his partner Laily Sheybani) of Philadelphia, PA.
Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/anne-stephansky-a-dc-area-therapist-with-an-appetite-for-life-dies-of-covid-19/2020/06/09/5453a414-a518-11ea-bb20-ebf0921f3bbd_story.html
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Tributes
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Nicole
As a social worker, Anne was very helpful to me when I arrived in Washington some 20+ years ago. I am very sorry to learn today of her passing. She made a real difference in my life.
Tom And Charlotte Carroll
I have been friends with both Anne and Ben for years, so it is with a special sentiment that I, now nearly 101 years old, send my heartfelt condolences to you children. I was a great admirer of Anne, for her vitality, taste and skill as social work professional, hostess and cook. I still remember her delicious meatloaf! We shared the hobby of collecting Andean artifacts and folk art. A display in my house mirrors the one Anne arranged on the landing at Bancroft Place. During the 70-80s, we both lived in townhouses near Dupont Circle, and now our Chevy Chase home is just blocks away from your former place on Cummings Lane. The Post obituary was full of affectionate details of your remarkable mother. We shared many Latin-American interests with both parents, and think of them frequently, with much affection. Tom and Charlotte Carroll
Karen Fleischman Foreit
Seeing this only today (June 11). What a lovely tribute in the Washington Post. I remember when the Stephansky's moved into Chevy Chase, across the street from us. What fun! We took in their dog, Brinca, when they moved to Bolivia, and my mother kept in touch after they returned. I last saw Anne at Ben's memorial service - hard to believe it was 20 years ago. My heart goes out to Kate and Tom and their families.
Dr. Michael Stephans
It was only a few minutes ago, 15 days into the new year that I found out about Anne’s passing. Growing up, I was always in awe of both Anne and Ben. Their wisdom, wit, and generosity helped me to open up to a much bigger and more diverse world than I ever imagined. Ben helped me write my NEA Composition and Performance grant proposal and merely sitting and listening to their conversations about art and culture inspired me to hone my own aesthetic sensitivities. The first exposure I had to Mozart’s famous flute quartets was on a Sunday morning having brunch at their home on on Cummings Lane in Cherry Chase. What wonderful memories I have of both of them. them. Anne was one of a kind as was Ben. She was one classy woman and someone I was proud to have as a second cousin.Rest in peace, Dear One. My deepest condolences to Kate and Tom and their families. Namasté !
Linda Canino
Kate and Tom, it was so great having you as neighbors right across the street! I remember that your house smelled like wicker because of all the baskets your mom had. To this day I collect baskets, large and small, and have them all around my home. She was ever an influence, even on more subtle levels. Sending love, Linda Fleischman Canino
Megan Neal
Have a look at the Washington Post profile published 6/10/20: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/anne-stephansky-a-dc-area-therapist-with-an-appetite-for-life-dies-of-covid-19/2020/06/09/5453a414-a518-11ea-bb20-ebf0921f3bbd_story.html
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