In Memory: Audrey L. Link

It is with a sad heart that I bring this news to you today. Our dear friend and sister, Stephanie Schwartz, has left for her journey to the spirit world. Steph suffered from a brain aneurysm late Sunday night. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and remained in a coma and unresponsive until she passed away, Monday August 17th just before 11:00 PM (MTN time).

Steph was 62 years of age and resided in Firestone, Colorado. Stephanie is survived by her only daughter Caitlin Schwartz and fiancee Matthew Rumery, a sister Renee Bolton, four nieces and nephews: Jennifer Mitchell, Kathy Naumann, William Sutfin and William Borton, in addition to many, many beloved friends.

Steph was a member of NAJA and a well known journalist in Indian Country. She was the webmaster and editor for Wambli-Ho news publication. Her work and research has been published in Native publications for over a decade. She tirelessly dedicated her life working to help the elders and the Lakota people on the South Dakota Reservations. Her outstanding and renown publication written in October 2006, "Arrogance of Ignorance," about the reality of life and hardships on the SD Reservations, was published and referenced in journals across the country. Read more of Steph’s writings at http://silvrdrach.homestead.com/Index.html.

Steph volunteered for Link Center Foundation, a non profit organization, providing heating assistance to the elderly and disabled on the South Dakota Reservations since 2002. Steph became the Director of the foundation in 2008 after founder Audrey Link passed away.

Many of you may recall the devastating blizzards we had in South Dakota this past winter, along with severe life threatening temperatures. Steph literally worked 15+ hours a day, flooded with calls and applications for people in need this winter. She refused to rest until funding was secured and it was all taken care of, which ultimately of course, ended up not being until winter was finally over. I remember talking with her at all hours of the night and early morning, asking her if she ever even went to sleep. Many times her response was, "well for a couple hours, maybe." Steph was a warrior woman, she always put the people and their needs before her own.

Steph volunteered with so many issues over the years, including building and maintaining the website and raising awareness for “Miracle,” the Sacred White Buffalo Calf, born on August 20, 1994. She also volunteered for Wolakota for many years.

Stephanie was very dedicated and faithful to her work, the people and most of all, to her spirituality and this way of life.

Steph, you will truly be missed by many; your legacy and footprints will always remain. It was an honor to know you, my dear friend and sister. We laughed, cried and walked through many challenges together over the years. Your guidance and wisdom will never be forgotten.

I know you will be welcomed with open arms by many elders that have gone before us.

We will celebrate your life and the path you walked, and wish you a safe journey home.