August 1937 – May 2025
Stephanie died the evening of May 9th after a long and courageous struggle with the devastating effects of dementia. She died in her home in Commack, NY supported by the care of the many family members and friends who loved her. She was 87.
Stephanie was a storyteller. Fittingly, in many ways she lived a storied life. The interpersonal struggles she faced in her childhood and early married life became the basis of many of the intimate tales that she shared to cope and connect. As the years went on Stephanie increasingly developed the courage to believe in herself enough to make major changes in her inner and outer world. She and her husband, Paul, built Happy Days Antique and Collectible Toys which became famous around the world for its quality and integrity.
Stephanie used her creativity and her communication skills to sell the toys and establish strong personal relationships with her customers. Stephanie also joined Al-Anon and successfully helped her family grow stronger and healthier. She found her independence and her voice. She began to transform the stories of her life into written prose and poems. She authored seven books, including a series of memoirs as well as books of poetry for adults and children. Without a Glass, was written to help others trying to survive the challenges of living with an alcoholic spouse. Writers’ groups remained an important part of her life until the end.
"She shared the most vulnerable parts of herself — and in return, helped others feel seen."
Thanks to Stephanie’s willingness to share the most vulnerable parts of herself through her stories and to empathetically listen to the stories of others, she was able to form many deep and loving relationships. The thread that wound throughout the narrative of Stephanie’s life and that kept her going through the hardest of times was her deep love for her children and grandchildren. She did all she could to make sure they were safe and happy. Stephie’s spirit and presence will be missed by many but will live on through the stories of her life.
Stephanie is survived by: her children: Nara Sadagursky, Mikal and Mark Sky-Shrewsberry, and Michael Stephens; her grandchildren: Santiago Sky-Shrewsberry, Caley Sky-Shrewsberry and Jeffrey Wechter; her brother and sister-in-law: Barton and Linda Cirker; her niece Linda Friedman; and her nephews, Seth and Adam Cirker, and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Sadagursky, and her parents, Lillian and Jerome Cirker.
Date: Sunday, May 18th, 1–5 PM
Location: Fountaingate Gardens, 32 Hauppauge Rd, Commack, NY
Please come and share your own stories and memories of Stephanie.
The family kindly requests donations to causes that Stephanie valued most:
Here at Commack Abbey, Inc., we take pride in the fact that we have created an environment in which you and your loved ones will feel comfortable in your hour of need.
Here at Commack Abbey, Inc., we take pride in the fact that we have created an environment in which you and your loved ones will feel comfortable in your hour of need.