Stephanie Nelson
Springfield, VT – Stephanie (Hoover) Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning August 15, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center of Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH. Stephanie was born on July 8, 1943 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, the daughter of Jane (Little) Hoover and Stephen W. Hoover.
Stephanie graduated from the Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights and attended both Miami University and Cleveland State University. Stephanie married William E Nelson on July 10, 1970. With the exception of a brief hiatus in Nashville, TN; metropolitan Cleveland remained Stephanie’s home until 1997 when she and her husband moved to Vermont’s Upper Valley. Vermont was a state she had come to love during childhood vacations; so she was delighted when Bill’s work brought them to the Upper Valley and then Springfield.
Steph and Bill shared a joyous, rich life together and had eight “four-legged children” (five cats and three greyhounds) whom they adored and who adored them. In addition to their pets, Stephanie and Bill shared many interests. Together they explored various metropolises and natural regions within the US and Canada and, on occasion, ventured to Europe. Often, her brother, Charles, joined them on these travels. Art, live music and theater were also passions of theirs. In addition to frequenting local venues, they regularly ventured to New York City and Boston to pursue these interests.
Stephanie’s professional roles melded two of her strong affinities – people and numbers. These positions included Director of Offerings at the United Church of Christ’s headquarters in Cleveland, Departmental Assistant for Dartmouth’s Department of Religion and Philosophy and Office Administrator for the then firm of Ellis, Boxer and Blake in Springfield, VT. Additionally and throughout several decades, she fulfilled her role as a minister’s wife with competence and grace.
Stephanie’s eventual retirement allowed her to pursue other interests, including two of her great loves – puzzles and quilting. In recent years, it was not uncommon to find her awake past midnight, piecing together her most recent puzzle in her quest for placing the final piece. Always, she succeeded. Stephanie’s quilts were stunning, often featuring complex geometric patterns in a mix of bold colors. Additionally, Steph took great joy in spending time with her lively circle of friends. Together, they would meet regularly for book group, take in a movie or just enjoy a luncheon or dinner out.
Steph will be warmly remembered for her sharp and engaging wit as well as for her loyalty and caring towards those whom she loved.
Stephanie is survived by her brother, Charles S. L. Hoover; nieces and nephews, Deb, Mark and Jeff Levesque, Bill’s sister Jean and his nieces and nephews, Trish Iacarrino, Kris Hupp, Vickie Smithingell, Darren Nelson and John Peterson and several grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Jane and Stephen Hoover; her husband, William Nelson; and her older sister, Nan Levesque.
A service of remembrance and celebration of Stephanie’s life will be held at a later date.
Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont is assisting with arrangements.
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