Ann C. �Nancy� Stem, 95, Poet & Artist

She was born April 14, 1912 in Lorain where she grew up and moved to Sheffield after she married. After her husband death in 1966 she moved with her son to Rockville, Md.

While in Lorain and Sheffield she was the PTA President of Barr Elementary School and frequently Chairman of the March of Dimes and the Heart Association. She was principal portrait colorist for the Gargus Photography Studio and received several awards including 1st Place recognition in the Chicago Photographer’s Association convention in the early 1950’s.

She moved to Sun City, Arizona and later resided in Silver Spring, Maryland where she continued her paintings and developed her writing skills. Her poem “The Trees” from her collection of poems entitled “Waiting for the Moon” earned her the recognition of “Golden Poet” from the World of Poetry. Her oil paintings and charcoal prints have won recognition. Her love of music followed her throughout her life through singing in choruses, choirs and as soloist. She traveled extensively in Europe and in the United States before settling in Silver Spring in 1983, where she continued her painting and writings. An illness in 2004 brought her back to Lorain and eventually to Loudonville near her daughter Beverly. She was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain.

She is survived by her children Mrs. William (Beverly) Conrad of Glenmont, OH; Mrs. John (Marlene) Oravec of Rockville, MD; Carolyn Stem of New York, NY; and William (Debbie) Stem of Wilmington, DE, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband William Stem, parents Gustav and Mary (nee Dovala) Schmidt, brothers Gus, Russell, Andrew and George, and sisters Mary Albright and Eleanor Ziga.

The family will receive friends Sunday 2-5 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, E. 33rd St. & Pearl Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Laurie Miller, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain.