Stephanie Vaccaro

Stephanie Vaccaro - Was reunited with her loved ones on April 23, 2009. Stephanie was born in Belfast, Ireland on January 10, 1950 to Mary Cecilia (Cunningham) and Gerard Gaffikin. She graduated from Caledonia in NY and received her Bachelorâ??s of Science in Nursing from CW Post in NY. She was a RN, BSN, CCRN. Stephanie is survived by sisters Tria Ruess Long Beach, NY, Sr. Margaret Gaffikin Fairlawn, NJ, and brother Gerard Gaffikin (Nancy) Elmont, NY; nephews Richard Ruess (Kelly) NY, Gerard Gaffikin Jr., and Christopher Gaffikin Elmont, NY., Great-nephew Kelson Ruess. Her adopted family Arthur Fortier, Berlin, NH, Ken and Sally Glass, niece Courtney, nephews Brigham and God-son Marek, Wichita, KS. Predeceased by her parents, husband Clifford Vacarro, brother-in-law Frederick Ruess and nephew Logan Glass, Louise Fortier and Jane Montminy. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 4 :00 pm until 8:00 pm at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA, 763-4131. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 1:00 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma, CA. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1451 Guerneville Rd., Suite 220, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Stephanie has been part of the American Association of Critical-Care nurses on local and national levels since 1991. She is listed as a lifetime member of Empire Whoâ??s Who Empowering Executives and Professionals. Stephanie was a recipient of the award for nursing excellence in 1991 at California Pacific Medical Center. She was an advocate and member of the Charles E. Holman Morgellons Foundation panel of nurses for nearly three years. Her love and compassion, her sense of humor and strong will and dedication to the nursing profession will live on in our hearts. She enjoyed camping, had a love for music and was a Eucharistic Minister.