Stephanie Leib Migdal

Jan. 22, 1950 – Dec. 5, 2018

Stephanie Leib Migdal, 68, died on Dec. 5, 2018, in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by family and friends. She passed away due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which she battled for the last four years. In November of 2017, Stephanie and her family temporarily left Alaska to be in Seattle while Stephanie was listed for a double lung transplant. Unfortunately, donor lungs that matched Stephanie’s needs were not found in time, and she passed away after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

Stephanie was born Jan. 22, 1950, in Glencoe, Illinois, to Herbert and Lillian Leib.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; son Ryan; daughter, Lauren; son-in-law, Jake; granddaughter, Lilly, and two sisters, Nancy and Missie.

Stephanie was a long-time resident of the Homer area and loved the community and all that nature had to offer in Alaska. She and her husband moved to land north of Anchor Point and built a cabin in 1973, where they lived a subsistence lifestyle. Years later, they relocated to Washington, where their children were born. In 1991, Stephanie, Jerry and the kids moved back to Homer, where they have remained ever since.

Stephanie received her masters degree in social work from the University of Washington. Much of her career was dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She supported many individuals and families in her psycho-therapy private practice. She was a strong advocate for many people and important causes. As a final act of giving, Stephanie donated her corneas to two women, who can now experience the visual beauty of life. She lived life, enjoying adventure and many hobbies. Music brought her so much joy, particularly when she played marimba with the band, Shamwari. She loved creating jewelry, gardening, cooking, skiing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

“Stephanie was an exceptional woman who lived an incredible life. She will be remembered as the strong, courageous, loving, compassionate, and devoted woman that she was,” her family said. “She was the best wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend you could ask for. She will remain loved and will be missed by so many. Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to those who provided love and support during the most difficult time in Stephanie and her family’s life.”

A celebration of her life will be held this coming summer. A date and place will be shared with the community this spring.