Roxanne Stipe Celebration of Life fund
Donation protected
My Auntie Roxanne grew up in White Bear Lake, MN with her 9 siblings. She was 62 when she left us unexpectedly on 12-02-2020 at her home in Osceola, WI. She had a heart of gold and was willing to help those around her in any way she could. She was active in the Osceola Community Church. This is a church that believes in second chances and so did Rox, whether it was to give a second chance to homeless animals throughout her life or lend an ear to a friend in need. Over the years I would talk to her about my life, and the way she described how she saw me made me believe in myself even when I didn't. I know I'm not alone in this experience with her.
Roxanne loved nature and was drawn to the beauty and wonder of being outside. You could find her at Osceola Landing in WI getting her kayak into the river, on a walking path of a state park with her dogs or in the winter, snow shoeing with friends. She was especially connected to horses. When she rode, she sat up straight, felt the sun on her face and moved as one. One time, when I was a little girl, I watched her ride. She looked at peace, and I could feel her energy. She was joyful and powerful. I loved seeing her be completely her.
Rox's home was filled with the healing elements of nature. She had many jars of agates, plants, driftwood, sun catchers and dream catchers. Multiple wind chimes were inside and outside of her home constantly producing sound in the background.
My aunt thrived in the company of others. She knew the value of volunteering, and she was a hard worker. She had many public service jobs over the years where she greeted her customers with her beautiful smile. Her first job was on her family's carnival, Stipe Shows, which traveled throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin in the summer. When I was older, I got to spend my summers with her too. During the week we spent time searching for agates along gravel roads and driftwood on the beaches of Lake Superior.
I was lucky enough to have my Auntie Rox live in a small house in the back yard of my childhood home when I was young. It also was her daughter April's first home. It is such a wonderful memory having a baby cousin live so close to me. It was also when I saw her love of animals. At that time, one of her cats was Cayuga. Sometimes it would follow me into my home, I felt lucky to get to cuddle my Auntie's cat. Over the years she rescued and cared for many animals. Her animals Kaiser, Abby, Mick, Sonny and Reina are missing their person and so are so many of us.
The last time I saw Rox was at my work on Main St in Stillwater, MN this fall. Rox, Ron and Kaiser stopped in after walking along the river. I heard, "Carly, Carly." I turned and saw that wonderful smile of hers. We got to catch up on the happenings of each other. She asked about my kids and I asked about hers. I could hear in her voice how much she loved her daughters and how proud she was of them.
I have set up this GoFundMe to help with End of Life Expenses, Memorials and her Celebration of Life that will be planned for the Spring of 2021 in Osceola, WI.
My Father, Bruce Stipe, Roxanne's Brother, has been making pottery votives as a thank you for your generosity and kindness to his sister. This remembrance of her will be given out at her Celebration of Life.
Roxanne was collecting pennies in a 5 gallon bucket for the last 2 years with the goal to donate them to St. Jude’s. I would like to make this happen for her. She was wondering how many pennies it would take to fill it up. Let's find out. Bring them with you to her Celebration of Life!
Our Mother, Sister, Auntie, Grandmother and friend will be greatly missed. Her kind heart will be felt when we continue to remember her with love.
This beautiful tree was one of her favorites. Dani and her would often take photos here. I visited it last week with my Aunt Beth. When we took this photo, we noticed a bald eagle was flying along the river. Fly high Auntie Rox and keep watch over us.
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Roxanne loved nature and was drawn to the beauty and wonder of being outside. You could find her at Osceola Landing in WI getting her kayak into the river, on a walking path of a state park with her dogs or in the winter, snow shoeing with friends. She was especially connected to horses. When she rode, she sat up straight, felt the sun on her face and moved as one. One time, when I was a little girl, I watched her ride. She looked at peace, and I could feel her energy. She was joyful and powerful. I loved seeing her be completely her.
Rox's home was filled with the healing elements of nature. She had many jars of agates, plants, driftwood, sun catchers and dream catchers. Multiple wind chimes were inside and outside of her home constantly producing sound in the background.
My aunt thrived in the company of others. She knew the value of volunteering, and she was a hard worker. She had many public service jobs over the years where she greeted her customers with her beautiful smile. Her first job was on her family's carnival, Stipe Shows, which traveled throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin in the summer. When I was older, I got to spend my summers with her too. During the week we spent time searching for agates along gravel roads and driftwood on the beaches of Lake Superior.
I was lucky enough to have my Auntie Rox live in a small house in the back yard of my childhood home when I was young. It also was her daughter April's first home. It is such a wonderful memory having a baby cousin live so close to me. It was also when I saw her love of animals. At that time, one of her cats was Cayuga. Sometimes it would follow me into my home, I felt lucky to get to cuddle my Auntie's cat. Over the years she rescued and cared for many animals. Her animals Kaiser, Abby, Mick, Sonny and Reina are missing their person and so are so many of us.
The last time I saw Rox was at my work on Main St in Stillwater, MN this fall. Rox, Ron and Kaiser stopped in after walking along the river. I heard, "Carly, Carly." I turned and saw that wonderful smile of hers. We got to catch up on the happenings of each other. She asked about my kids and I asked about hers. I could hear in her voice how much she loved her daughters and how proud she was of them.
I have set up this GoFundMe to help with End of Life Expenses, Memorials and her Celebration of Life that will be planned for the Spring of 2021 in Osceola, WI.
My Father, Bruce Stipe, Roxanne's Brother, has been making pottery votives as a thank you for your generosity and kindness to his sister. This remembrance of her will be given out at her Celebration of Life.
Roxanne was collecting pennies in a 5 gallon bucket for the last 2 years with the goal to donate them to St. Jude’s. I would like to make this happen for her. She was wondering how many pennies it would take to fill it up. Let's find out. Bring them with you to her Celebration of Life!
Our Mother, Sister, Auntie, Grandmother and friend will be greatly missed. Her kind heart will be felt when we continue to remember her with love.
This beautiful tree was one of her favorites. Dani and her would often take photos here. I visited it last week with my Aunt Beth. When we took this photo, we noticed a bald eagle was flying along the river. Fly high Auntie Rox and keep watch over us.
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carly Stipe
Organizer
White Bear Township, MN
April O’Brien
Beneficiary
