Stephanie Doody

ALTON – Stephanie Ann (DeGrand) Doody, 66, died Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO after a brief and fearless battle with Peritoneal Cancer. She was born on February 12, 1951 in Alton, IL, the second of nine children born to the late Robert and Nancy (Hellrung) DeGrand and was a 1969 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Westminster, Maryland where she met and soon married Richard Doody in October of 1971 and together they were blessed with four children. While living in Maryland she was actively involved with the civic organization, “Jaycee’s” and was co-owner of “Just Sew Sew”, a fabric and alternation shop. After 17 years, the family settled back in Alton where she made her home for many years before relocating to Jerseyville in 2006, and most recently had moved back to Alton in 2015. She lived a life of true devotion. Devotion to her Faith, volunteering countless hours to her Parish and Schools in Maryland as well as St.’s Peter & Paul Catholic Church and School in Alton where her children attended, and began each and every morning sitting at her kitchen table praying her Rosary while sipping on her morning coffee. She was devoted to her career as a self-taught seamstress. Locally, her career began at JCPenney as well as the former Barleff’s Menswear, both in Alton. In 2011, she made her dream a reality and opened up her very own Alteration Shop, “Stephanie’s Alterations” in Jerseyville and it was there that she let her creativity shine through, not only making the routine alterations and hems, but also designing many custom children and doll clothes. In addition to running her own store, she managed the Alteration’s Department at Frew’s Bridal in Alton from 2014 until the summer of 2016, when she returned to focus solely on her own business. Lastly, and most notable, was her devotion to her family. The love she had for her children was indescribable and the title of “Mom” was one she wore proudly and was by far her greatest achievement. She was active in all aspects of her children’s lives and boasted on their accomplishments any chance she could. Her door was always open, and was a common gathering place for her children and their friends, even to this day. She was rare and special kind of woman, one with a heart full of love and compassion for everyone she knew. It only took meeting Stephanie one time for her to draw you in and make you feel special. She was so many things to so many people, whether you knew her as “Shomz”, “Puth”, “Teffy”, “Noot” or simply “Stephanie the Alterations Lady” she left her mark on you, and rest assured, you left yours on her as well. This world was a better place because Stephanie was a part of it and she will greatly missed by all who loved and knew her. Surviving are four children, Jenny Doody of Boulder City, NV; Kris Doody of Alton; Bobby Doody of Jerseyville and Maggie Doody of Alton; a granddaughter, Kearston; five brothers and their spouses, Robert “Bud” DeGrand of Sigel; Al & Karen DeGrand of Alton; Pete & Vali DeGrand of Rogers, AR; Thom DeGrand of Alton and Luke & Karen DeGrand of Evanston; three sisters and their spouses, Mary Lou DeGrand  Watson; Yoland and Mark Plunkett and Stacey & Gary Phelps, all of Alton; 25 nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family members. In addition to her parents, Bob and Nancy, she was preceded in death by a son in infancy and the father of her children, Richard “Dick” Doody on April 24, 2015. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville where Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday with the Rev. Brent Meyer officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Alton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Family, for a memorial to be designated at a later date, in care of the funeral home.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home