Gabrielle Stephens Obituary (1931 - 2016)

Gabrielle "Gaby" Stransky Stephens passed from this world in her sleep July 18th, 2016, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Gaby was born in Bogros-Messeix, France, on April 28th, 1931 to Czech parents Antonin and Bozena Stransky. Gaby grew up amid green hills and forests, where her family lived a simple working life. The family endured Nazi occupation and her mother's untimely passing, leaving Gabrielle and her siblings to hold the family together. In 1952, Gaby arrived in the United States on the Ile de France, to join sister Marie and brother-in-law Raymond in Chicago. After moving to Palm Springs, Gaby married chef Paul Houdayer. When Paul's service took them to France, Gaby enrolled in esthéticienne training. Returning to the United States, Gaby put her skills to use at the Beverly Hills salon of Aida Grey. When Gaby and Paul divorced, Gaby opened her own skincare salon. Gaby's grace and French accent charmed everyone. Her adoring client Hannah introduced her to Clark Stephens. They married on October 12, 1968. With children Troy and Stephanie they lived in West Los Angeles, near her sister Marie. She made raising her children a labor of love that she filled with great tenderness and devotion. Gaby was celebrated among family and friends as a phenomenal cook and gracious host. She was fascinated by ideas and things she read, and jotted down observations she enjoyed sharing with us. Gaby became a U.S. citizen in 1990. Since 1993, Clark and Gaby have lived in Northern California and Salt Lake City. They have enjoyed being close to Clark's brother Bill, his wife Neva, and their children and grandchildren, as well as Clark's children from a previous marriage, Katie and John. Gaby was cared for in illness for many years by her devoted husband before they moved to assisted living. Gabrielle is survived by her husband, Clark; her sister, Elise; her children, Troy (Kristen) and Stephanie (Krishna); her grandchildren Quinn, Griffin, Lucas, and Beatrice (named for Bozena). She was preceded in death by her parents, Bozena and Antonin; her baby daughter Veronique; her sister Marie; and her brother, Emil. The family would like to thank Clark's daughter Katie, caregiver Linda Sherwood, and the staff of Millcreek Hospice and The Avenues Courtyard for their extraordinary care of Gaby at the end of her long illness. A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel of Salt Lake City, 4760 S. State Street, on Saturday, July 23rd at noon, with a memorial service at 1 pm. Reception follows. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT