Stephanie “Stevie” Vona

Stephanie “Stevie” Vona
January 13, 1945 – May 12, 2026
Stevie Vona (nee Kozel) age 81, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at her home in Broomall, Pennsylvania. She was surrounded by loved ones.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. Stevie was known for her warmth, honesty, humor, and generous spirit. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born Stephanie Kozel on January 13, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stevie grew up during a time that shaped her resilience, strength, and appreciation for family. Though her early years were marked by hardship, including time spent apart from her siblings during childhood, she remained deeply devoted to those she loved. She often reflected on how those experiences strengthened the bonds within her family and taught her the value of closeness, compassion, and perseverance.

Stevie attended George Wolf Elementary School and later graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1963. She was active in school activities including choir, student council, and the color guard; for which she was exceptionally proud. She even danced on live national television on The American Bandstand Show in 1962. She loved Elvis.

Over the years, Stevie worked in a variety of roles, including at State Farm Insurance, as a realtor, as a code enforcement officer, and eventually as co-owner of the local restaurant “2nd Edition,” which she operated with her husband Roger. She also wrote articles for a local newspaper in Oxford, Pa. Later in life, she served as the bookkeeper for the family business. Cooking and hospitality were natural extensions of her personality. Her home was always filled with food, laughter, stories, and enough room at the table for everyone.

Stevie was especially proud of her Italian heritage and the traditions that came with it. Family gatherings, holiday meals, Sunday dinners, and celebrations were among her greatest joys.
Whether preparing homemade cakes for birthdays or hosting large family dinners, she created a home where everyone felt welcome and loved.

Above all else, Stevie was devoted to her family. She was the loving mother of four children and a proud Mom-Mom whose grandchildren brought her endless happiness. She believed family was life’s greatest gift and spent her years nurturing those around her with unwavering support, wisdom, and kindness.

Stevie will be remembered for her willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard, valued, and loved. To her family, she was not only a matriarch, but also a role model, confidante, and source of strength.

She is survived by her loving and caring husband, Roger Vona, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild: son Roger Vona, grandson John (Kelly) Vona, and great-grandson Vincent; daughter Joanne (James Chandler) Stewart and grandchildren Courtney, Emily, Eric, and Julie; daughter Denise Vona and grandchildren Michael, Joseph, and Delaina; and son Robert (Lynn) Stickley and grandchildren Sam and Morgan. Courtney provided devoted daily care to her grandmother in her later years.

She is also survived by her sister, Frances (William) Drake, and nephews Eddie and Gregory; her sister, Carol (Gerald) Gambino who lovingly cared for her in her final days, and nephew Darius; her brother, John (Elizabeth) Salerno; her cousin, Carolynne (Jack) Pfeifer; and her lifelong friend, Kathy Stickney. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph (Elizabeth) Salerno; her mother, Marie Franchetti Salerno; and her stepfather, John Salerno.

A celebration of life gathering will be announced.

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