Stephanie Loretta Trauner

Summing up Stephanie Loretta Trauner in a handful of paragraphs might be one of the most difficult tasks ever done. A fiercely loving and loyal mother, sister, daughter, and friend, she was always there for the people she cared for, no matter what. As an educator, she not only inspired and supported her own students but also every child, parent, and fellow educator that she encountered. In every community to which she belonged, she will be greatly missed.

Stephanie was born in San Mateo California on May 1,1961 to Chantal and Michael Trauner. Growing up, she developed her love of nature, spending much of her childhood hiking, camping, and fishing in the northern mountains of California. Her best memories with her parents and siblings, Jonathan and Jennifer, happened at the family cabin on Lake Almanor, where she spent countless summers water skiing and playing music around the fire. She also loved working on her grandfather's farm and her parent's ranch, riding her horse Panama Red.

Stephanie passed on that appreciation of nature to her three children,Megan, Tomás, Elizabeth and her grandson. She loved to share the hikes that she went on as a child or explore new places with her kids and grandchild, teaching them about geology, ecology, and biology along the way. As a mother, she was warm and supportive, always celebrating victories, big or small. Her favorite time with her children was upholding family traditions, from waking a birthday boy or girl up with a song and a candle to making Christmas cookies to doing painting projects at the family cabin. She remained close with her brother and sister throughout her life. From holding hands on Christmas mornings to see the surprises Santa left to the hours spent talking about everything under the sun as adults, she cherished the time she spent with her siblings so much. Stephanie was also a beloved aunt whose nieces gave her the nickname Yummy, one she carried even after becoming Gran to a curious little boy she absolutely adored.

Stephanie's influence and care did not stop with her family. She has touched the lives of thousands of children in ways that simply cannot be quantified. After babysitting the neighborhood kids in her youth, she obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Chico State University and a master's degree in education from Walden University. As a teacher, Stephanie had a unique ability to sense what each of her students needed and tap into their individual strengths to give them exactly that. Whether their goals were to write songs or learn math or just make it across the monkey bars, Ms. Trauner did everything in her power to help her students be successful. From her innovative teaching techniques to her powerhouse musical presence, it was impossible not to see her love for what she did with every breath of her body.

Her music was an integral part of who she was as an educator, a friend, and a person. Her Friday morning assemblies were often standing-room only, where her songs about perseverance, compassion, and respect inspired students, parents, colleagues, and friends alike. Even outside of school, she bonded with many of her friends and family members over music.

Stephanie's life was filled with love, laughter, and music. She gave so much of herself to all of her family, friends, and students. We will carry her legacy for many years to come. A celebration of her life and legacy will be held on February 7, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Talley Street Elementary School, 2617 Talley St, Decatur, GA 30030 and will include live music and stories of her impact.