Obituary of STEPHANIE MICHELLE TREGARTHEN PENTZ

Our “Sweet Steph” gained her wings on November 27th, 2020 surrounded by family at her home in Clearwater, Florida. Her positivity shone brightly on all those who met her, and our lives are a little less bright this holiday season. She inspired those around her with her strength, tenacity, bravery and selflessness. Fearless in her fight against cancer, she spent more time worrying about everyone else even in her final days. That’s just who she was. An alumna of The University of South Carolina, Stephanie loved learning about world history as much as she loved cheering “Go Cocks” on gameday. An avid cook, Stephanie said the key to a perfect meal was simply to add more spice… and sear the meat. While she wished she traveled more, Steph saw more than most people dream of. The Philippines, Boston, DC, Colorado, St. Maarten, Asheville, Sarasota, and New Orleans are just a few of the places she visited near and far. She loved exploring this world, and her traveling companions more. That’s just who she was. Stephanie found a way to find joy in the everyday. Just give her a cocktail and a body of water, and she was in her happy place. It didn’t matter if it was her mother’s backyard pool, the sunny shores of Clearwater Beach, the family lake house, or the sandy beaches of St. Maarten, Stephanie celebrated life! Add a sunset, and perfection! That’s just who she was. An executive assistant at Catalina Marketing, Stephanie absolutely loved her job and always liked to “rub it in” how lucky she was to work with such an amazing and supportive team. Throughout her illness, the house was filled with surprises from her co-workers: flowers, gift baskets, and even a weekend at a Clearwater Beach resort when COVID-19 wouldn’t allow any other travel. Even co-workers who left the company years ago remained in touch, which is a true testament of the impact she had on all those who knew her. That’s just who she was. Stephanie loved her kitties, Coco and Gigi, and never wanted to be away from them long. We are pretty sure she owned stock in Cats of Instagram and joked about the insane amount of cat memes and photos she received from loved ones throughout her illness. She feared becoming known as the crazy cat lady. But that’s NOT who she was. Sweet Steph loved her friends unconditionally and always had time to lift their spirits, celebrate their victories, and help them out, if that was needed. She collected a lot of friends along the way — from all walks of life and all generations, never judging, only loving. That’s just who she was. Stephanie is survived by her mother, Sally Chubb, her step-dad, David Chubb, her step-mother, Liz Pentz, and her Papa Fergy and Grandma Millie Ferguson. She also leaves behind her younger sister, Azriel Rish, as well as her niece, Emmory Swanson, both of whom she loved so much. Steph was extremely grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye to so many close friends and extended family during her final days and wished she could have seen everyone, but there just wasn’t enough time. While she has left us here on earth, she is listening to some music with her father, Kerry Pentz, and dancing with her older sister, Katrina Rish, in heaven. What a party they must be having without us. As hard as it is for her friends and family who remain, Steph always loved and lived life to the fullest and would ask that we all do the same! When you see those twinkling lights this holiday season, remember the light she radiated and the joy she sparked in our lives. Pay it forward and share that light with others. We hope you will join us for a Celebration of Life at a later date to share your own personal stories on the impact she had on this world. SHE LIVED, SHE LAUGHED, SHE LOVED….THAT’S JUST WHO SHE WAS…