Obituary of Stephanie Elizabeth Jackson

Stephanie Elizabeth Jackson

February 9, 1983 - February 7, 2023

Chapel Hill, N.C.

Stephanie Elizabeth Jackson left our world peacefully on February 7th, 2023 surrounded by immense love, near & afar.

Throughout her 3 year fight against brain cancer, she showed incredible grace, strength and determination. She managed to comfort those around her with her remarkable spirit and shed light on anyone lucky enough to know her.

Born in Toledo, Ohio on February 9th, 1983 to Carolyn McIntyre; she was enveloped in love by her mother & grandparents Diane & Kenneth Rowe. Through them her Catholic faith was nourished and she remained an active member of the church. Her relationship with God provided the serenity needed to face the unfathomable.

The most loving mother, she leaves behind her three children Eliot McIntyre, Camille Diane and Leon William. A devoted wife to Dan Jackson of nearly 9 years, they shared a life filled with an immeasurable amount of joyful memories. 

An extraordinary sister, she’ll be remembered always by her five younger siblings, Jessica (Alex) Scher, Alison (Justin) Jacobs, Olivia Sodd, Zachary Bernhoft, Bennett Bernhoft & sister-in-law Sarah Jackson. She listened, loved unconditionally and encompassed the meaning of true appreciation. Beloved by her in-laws George & Ronnie Jackson, the adoration was mutual. She was a wonderful Aunt to her three nieces and the most special Godmother, a title she cherished dearly.

Along with her Father in heaven, Stephanie had many father figures and male role models in various stages of her life including Dan Spaulding, Jeff Sodd, Bob Bernhoft, Danny Meyer, Andy Stern, John Rigos and George Jackson. She was profoundly grateful for their emotional impact.

A 2001 graduate of St. Ursula Academy, she held a degree from Miami University and a second from the Culinary Institute of America. She spent a semester abroad in Europe, conquered New York City and most recently resided in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Her life’s passion was hospitality, and through her incredible 20 year career she touched the lives of many. As Chief People Officer of Aurify Brands, she defined comfort and warmth in the workplace. Previously holding similar roles at Tiffany & Co., Union Square Hospitality Group & the world renowned Eleven Madison Park; her charisma & compassion led to lifelong admiration.

She ran the 2018 NYC Marathon & joined countless 5k teams in support of Glioblastoma research. Volunteering at soup kitchens on holidays, hurricane relief organizations and contributing to charities close to her heart, she sacrificed her time any way she could to those in need. Her greatest gift was donating her brain to Harvard Medical Research, with great appreciation for the brilliant teams at Duke University and Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center, where her group of doctors miraculously prolonged her life.

Stephanie embodied the word selfless and there won’t be a single moment where she won’t be immensely missed. Our hearts were touched by an angel while she was here with us and we know she will continue displaying her love from beyond. She was profoundly grateful for her life, family, friends & the outpour of love bestowed. Defying all odds, she is and will always remain Above Average.

A Funeral Mass for our beloved Stephanie will be held on Monday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, N.C. Reception lunch at the church to follow. Live streaming of the service is available at shorturl.at/BCQX6

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Stephanie’s legacy with a gift to her children’s 529 Education Funds. Contributions may be sent directly to the NY 529 Education Fund at https://www.ugift529.com (use Ugift codes N15-B2M, or Z59-65X, or 53G-F4S). Or, you can make a contribution through GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/20de23b0. All funds received through the GoFundMe will be directed to the 529 Education Funds.