Stephanie Lynne Orr
December 23, 1973 – March 10, 2025
Stephanie Lynne Orr passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2025, at her home in Wilmington, Delaware, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. Her passing was unexpected, yet she left this world surrounded by the warmth of her home and the love she so effortlessly gave to others. She was 51.
A devoted wife, mother, and compassionate therapist, Stephanie touched countless lives with her generosity, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Born on December 23, 1973, in Norwich, NY, Stephanie was the youngest of three siblings and the beloved daughter of Jeanette and Daniel Crandall. While attending Norwich High School, she formed lifelong friendships and was involved in many extracurricular activities, including art, ballet, and gymnastics. She graduated in 1992 and continued her education at the State University of New York at Binghamton, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a Master of Social Work at Marywood University, after which she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Stephanie’s career was dedicated to the well-being of children and adolescents. She found her calling at the Rosenblum Adolescent Center at Christiana Care, where she provided support to countless young lives. She later joined Broudy and Associates before taking the bold step of opening her own private practice, where she specialized in individual and family therapy. Stephanie had an extraordinary ability to connect with her clients, employing a variety of therapeutic techniques to meet their unique needs. Once a connection was made, her clients became part of her extended therapy family. She was a confidante, mentor, guide, and advocate, helping many navigate their darkest moments toward brighter futures. Her compassion, caring and ability to discern the right path was reflected in her heavy schedule and long-term relationships with many clients.
Stephanie met her husband, Chris, through family friends, and they married in 2001. Their 23 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. One of her greatest joys was surprising Chris with the news of her pregnancy on April 1st, 2007 (not an April Fool’s joke!). Together, they raised two wonderful boys, Myles and Owen, who meant the world to Stephanie. She loved them equally and uniquely, a sentiment beautifully reflected in one of her favorite books, I Love You the Purplest.
Stephanie was determined to ensure Myles and Owen experienced all the joys life had to offer and were well-prepared for success. She was incredibly proud of Chris and all he had accomplished in his medical research career, and together, they built a life centered on family, support, and shared goals. Stephanie was the driving force—determined, goal-oriented, and full of energy—while Chris, steady and reserved, was her perfect complement.
Their greatest joy was raising their two sons, Myles and Owen. Stephanie’s love for them was boundless; she took immense pride in their talents, always encouraging them to embrace new challenges and experiences. As a family, they spent cherished time together skiing, playing games, and celebrating milestones big and small. Holidays were especially magical, as Stephanie poured her creativity into decorating, turning even the simplest moments into grand, festive occasions. She instilled her love of style and celebration in her boys, especially Owen, who eagerly shared in her passion for decorating. Halloween was a particular favorite, where “simple” was never an option—pumpkin carving became an art form, and their home was always a spectacular display of creativity and fun.
Stephanie also fostered a deep sense of compassion in her children. Their home was always filled with the love of animals, and the boys took great care of their dogs and even helped their neighbors by looking after their pets. Stephanie had an unwavering commitment to family—not just by blood, but by choice. When she and Chris moved next door to Hal and Candy Patterson twenty years ago, they formed an unbreakable bond, especially after their neighbors tragically lost their only son. Stephanie embraced them as family, and when Myles was born, she lovingly welcomed them as his honorary grandparents. Their connection was so strong that she and Chris built a ladder over the fence so the boys could easily climb into their yard and spend time together.
Stephanie’s care and kindness extended beyond her home and practice. She was the kind of friend and neighbor who always showed up—whether it was offering help when someone was away, checking in on loved ones during difficult times, or simply sharing a kind word. She relished time spent with those she loved and had an innate ability to make everyone feel valued and at home.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Christopher Orr; and their cherished children, Myles and Owen, along with their beloved dog, Finley (Wilmington, DE). She is also survived by her mother and stepfather, Jeanette and Philip Phetteplace (Honesdale, PA); her siblings: Lori Anne Lagasse and her husband Joe, along with nieces Emma and Megan (Rutherford, NJ); Daniel Crandall (Greene, NY); and Brent Crandall, along with niece Elizabeth Hinton and her husband Zodi (Meridale, NY). She was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Crandall (Whitney Point, NY), and her niece, Katherine Lagasse (Rutherford, NJ).
A memorial service honoring Stephanie’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, at St. Elizabeth’s Church, located at S. 809 Broom St. The doors will open at 10:30 AM for immediate family and 11:00 AM for visitation. A Mass will follow at noon. All who knew and loved Stephanie are welcome to attend to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephanie’s memory may be made to the Delaware Humane Society, Supporting Kidds, or any mental health organization of your choice.
Stephanie lived by the belief that kindness could change the world—one conversation, one act of love at a time. Her warmth, wisdom, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her – especially through her beloved boys, Myles and Owen, who embody her strength and compassion every day.
