Obituary of Stephanie E. Van Auken

Stephanie E. VanAuken “Mama” age 79 of Rexford passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023. Born on October 19, 1943 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Edith Tanski. Stephanie was predeceased by her husband James N. VanAuken.

Stephanie and James were married on January 23, 1973, in Altamont, later relocating to Rexford to raise their growing family, A dedicated wife and mother, together, Stephanie and James raised their 4 children, all of whom she adored.

Stephanie was an excellent cook, who enjoyed gatherings surrounded by family & friends.

Stephanie worked in the local restaurant industry for many years prior to purchasing Mama’s Pizza and Restaurant in Clifton Park (1982), along with the unwavering support from her second husband James. Stephanie, was the owner and president of Mama Vee’s in Clifton Park, and overcame many obstacles to be the successful businesswoman she was.

Stephanie was a founding member and communicant of Harvest Church in Halfmoon and served as a past commissioner of the Jonesville Fire Dept.

After retiring and selling Mama’s she enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Retirement did not last long, as Stephanie, along with her son Scott then purchased Ravenswood Restaurant in Clifton Park. She found immense joy seeing her long-time patrons from Mama’s now coming into Ravenswood along with their children and grandchildren, as well as her new patrons. Stephanie’s Faith and love for her community held a very dear place in her heart, donating, supporting and giving wherever it was needed. Whether it be pizza at the Shen football games, food for the First Responders after a late-night call or providing meals on the holidays to First Responders and Law Enforcement, or staying open during a snow storm and most recently delivering meals to families, due to the Covid Pandemic.

She is survived by her children Eric (Melissa) Schreifels, Robert (Maria) Schreifels, Scott Schreifels (Jackie Pinsonneault), and Stephanie Bridge, and her sister Deborah Tanski. She is also survived by her grandchildren Erica, Gabrielle, Galina, Antonina, Cody (Patti), Seth and Veronika Schreifels, Kristiana, Joe (Sarah), Megan, Abigail Bridge, Jimmy Schreifels, Jessica (Puneet) Sharma.

Stephanie’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday April 7, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 7 p.m. at the Harvest Church, 303 Grooms Rd., in Halfmoon.

The family requests no flowers be sent. Instead, donations may be made in her memory to the Harvest Church Food Pantry, 303 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon, NY 12065.