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Stephannie Finley Fortune

1963 - 2023

Stephannie Finley Fortune obituary, 1963-2023, Manitou Springs, CO

BORN

1963

DIED

2023

Stephannie Fortune Obituary

Finley Fortune
Stephannie Finley Fortune
September 19, 1963
June 13, 2023

Stephannie Finley Fortune, age 59, passed away at 12:30am on June 13, 2023. A brilliant force who was well known for connecting thousands of people, she was a treasure in our great state. She will be missed beyond measure in our community and myriad other communities she touched and lifted along her life journey.
Stephannie was born in Wheatridge Colorado on Sept. 19, 1963. She grew up in Colorado, New Mexico, and Missouri; moving back to Colorado the day after she graduated from high school. Stephannie was always active in many activities through high school. She was an officer for student council, participated in every sport offered, theater, the speech and debate team and the high school newspaper.
A remarkable career, she went from a family owned business to public service and politics. She served President George H.W. Bush as part of his advance team; she was Chief of Staff for Representative Scott McInnis, Assistant Director and Legislative Liaison for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; she served on Governor Owens' team as Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Jane Norton. Later she joined the University of Colorado's Governmental Affairs department then went on to become the President of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy for the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. She made a big difference in her role of UCCS' Executive Director of University Partnerships and Public Policy. Her natural talent for immediately detecting people's strengths and talents inspired her to start her own business, "Spark and Soar" where she coached dozens of executive leaders across the community. After years of passionate civic engagement and tireless dedication to public service, Stephannie's journey culminated in a well-deserved appointment to Colorado Springs City Council. She was an advocate for positive change and was determined to shape a brighter future for the city she loved.
In addition, she had several board assignments: Colorado Springs Leadership Institute; the Colorado Springs Chamber's Center for Regional Advancement; Colorado Springs Conservatory; Pikes Peak United Way; Pikes Peak Workforce Investment Board and the Girl Scouts of Colorado. She also served on the boards of Care and Share and the YMCA. She was active in her church serving as an elder at First Presbyterian. She was a champion for so many in our community, strategically placing talented people in jobs and positions that required thought and care.
City for Champions, and the amazing projects under its umbrella, would not be thriving today if not for Stephannie. Many of us remember her rallying children and adults to travel in a snowstorm to Denver to present a plan that would yield over one-hundred twenty million dollars for Colorado Springs. If not for her tenacity and perseverance, we would likely not have a US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, a Weidner Field/Robson Arena, UCCS Downtown, or a Hybl Health Center at UCCS. Yes, she was that influential.
Through her leadership and love for people, she transformed the lives of many. She dedicated herself to helping others understand and embrace their gifts and ultimately realize their dreams. Her big heart and genuine concern for the well-being of others is what truly defined her character. She was a woman who effortlessly drew people towards her with warmth and kindness. Her genuine interest in others created a vast network of friendships, each bond imbued with laughter, support and shared memories.
Stephannie is survived by her true love, husband Kent Fortune. They were married seven years ago on June 4th, a day that Stephannie dreamed of for many years. Stephannie is also survived by her Father Dale, Step-Mother Sonja, Sister Marcia (Rick), Brother Jeff (Rene), nephews Justin (Tracy), Brendan, Jeremy (Marian) and nieces Aubree, Emma, Abbie, and Zeron Rose. She also enjoyed her grand nephews Justin (Bear), Jeffrey James, Zander, Lawrence, and Christian Reid and grandnieces Presley and Elizabeth. A special acknowledgement to her beloved Aunt and Uncle, Karen and Doyle Keck, as they played a very important role in Stephannie's life. Stephannie was blessed with many cousins on both her mom and dad's side. Too many to name. She loved her cousins and maintained relationships with the majority.
Stephannie was our Athena, a beacon of inspiration who touched the lives of people from all walks of life. Her focus and preoccupation with joy touched the hearts of thousands. The woman we mourn today was intentional and impactful. It is through her vulnerability and authenticity that she made things happen - it was almost magical.
Her health struggle became a shared experience, uniting people and reminding us of the importance of empathy and unconditional support. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the fragile nature of our existence. Her untimely departure serves as a reminder to seize the day, embrace our loved ones and make a difference in whatever way we can.
In the wake of her passing we honor the life of this remarkable woman who fought two brave battles against cancer. Her unwavering spirit, compassion and dedication will forever be etched in our hearts. As a woman of faith, who loved Jesus, we ask that you consider a donation, in her honor, to the Stephannie Finley Fortune Joy Scholarship Fund. www.ppunitedway.org. This fund has been established to commemorate the remarkable life of Stephannie. Through this meaningful tribute, her legacy will live on. Stephannie introduced Colorado Springs Promise to our community and it was her vision to see young people succeed through the program. That gave her joy! Stephannie would have also encouraged all who are able to give blood and platelets to support leukemia treatment.
We pay tribute to Stephannie's remarkable journey, her selfless acts of kindness and the indelible mark she has left on our hearts. We will miss you Stephannie. We will miss meeting you at Starbucks. We will miss discussing the latest political disaster - no matter the party. We will miss those gifts you had for us, maybe a book with a two-page inscription telling us how special we are. We will miss the white board, detailing how we will make 'it' happen. We will miss assembling strategies for our city. We will miss praying together and talking about God's goodness. We will miss the power hours uniting women leaders, the get-togethers to honor a hurting friend, the dinners celebrating all we had to be grateful for, the phone calls, the text messages and mostly, the sweetness of laughing together over so many things. We will have a maple frosted donut in your honor. We will hug more often, we will remember to be kind to each other - even when we may not want to. We will take care of Kent and make sure he always knows that he is loved by all of his friends. We will thank God for welcoming you to heaven where you will sing and dance with your Mom and sister Tracey.
Until we meet again, we love you wife, sister, aunt and friend. Thank you for being a big part of all of our lives.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 23 from 5-7pm. Stephannie's Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 24 at 10am with a light reception following. Both will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 219 East Bijou, Colorado Springs, CO. We encourage all to wear bright, vivid colors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 18, 2023.

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Memorial Events
for Stephannie Fortune

Jun

23

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

219 East Bijou, Colorado Springs, CO

Jun

24

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church

219 East Bijou, Colorado Springs, CO

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