Stefanie Nicole Petr Ashdown, age 38, of Arnold, Maryland, passed away peacefully, in her home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday May 18 ^th , after a 2 ½ year battle with Ovarian cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, three children, Owen (12), Acadia (10) and Violet (who turned 8 the day after mom passed).  She also leaves behind her parents, Greg and Debbie Petr, her sister Courtney, nieces Piper, Marin and Chloe (her Godchild), along with a tight extended family.

She was taken from this world far too soon, but what she accomplished while she was here was phenomenal.  Stefanie was an inspiration to many as she exhibited strength, courage, and determination during her battle with cancer.  She was a portrait of health prior to being diagnosed, having completed the Columbia Iron Girl triathlon just two months prior.  She continued to run while receiving treatments, all the way through to the Bay Bridge 10K in November '16.  She wouldn't be stopped.  She'd receive a chemo treatment, and often have enough energy to go run later that afternoon.  She was amazing.  Bob often joked to her nurses that her IV bags were just saline and weren't impacting Stef, or conversely, that since the chemo started, she'd started climbing walls and shooting webs from her wrists.  Later, when radiation treatment was considered, of course the thought crossed Bob's mind that she'd get such a dose that would make her like Bruce Banner/the Hulk.   During one hospital stay, she received a Wonder Woman "snuggie." Even while she was lying in a hospital bed, she could be recognized for who she was, despite the setting.  Though all that was in jest, she truly was our super hero.  She was amazing.

She would light up a room with her smile and energy.  Entering the room with her, her family could feel a calm, safe, peaceful energy.  Others could feel this as well – people were drawn to her.

Stefanie was born and raised in Severna Park, Maryland.  She attended Belvedere Elementary, Magothy River Middle, and Severna Park High School.  She was an avid runner, who ran cross country for Severna Park (class of '96) as well as Salisbury State University, where she also graduated with a Bachelors in Information Systems in just 3 years (class of '99).  She married Bob in March '99, and joined him in Hawaii as he was stationed there while serving in the US Army.  While in Hawaii, she earned a Masters in Information Systems from Hawaii Pacific University, while also working full-time at the University.

After the Army and Hawaii, they drove across the country, from LA back to Maryland, enjoying and visiting many sights.  In 2002, they settled in to a post-Army life, living in White Marsh, MD, where she began working for Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing.  A few years later in August 2004 they welcomed their son Owen to the world.  They moved to Arnold, MD in 2006, the same year that they welcomed their first daughter, Acadia.  In 2009 they rounded out their family with Violet.

As a family, Stefanie was involved in every activity.  The kids had no bigger cheerleader, no matter their activity – be it excelling at a high level in soccer or swimming, scouts, dancing, band, or school – Stef was at each activity.  She was motivational and supportive, always.  Her kids drew on her energy as they were a direct reflection of her.

She was soothing and caring – putting her children first, always, but yet always seeming to have time for others.  Her three children have learned from her patience, kindness, selflessness and humbleness.  A phrase that echoes through her home is "Do your best," as she would encourage each one of her kids with this phrase, no matter the activity.  They always did their best, and the pride showed as such a sparkle in her eyes.  We'll all continue to do our best, which is what she wants.

Aside of running and triathlons, Stef enjoyed scrapbooking and the outdoors.  We would typically go camping at least twice a year, enjoying parks from Volcanos National Park (before kids) to Acadia National Park (just a few months before her diagnosis).

Stefanie was raised Catholic and this foundation helped her derive strength to battle her illness.  She looked forward to Sunday Mass with her family and smiled proudly whenever Owen and Acadia were alter servers.

During her battle, she found great support from the Wellness House of Annapolis.  She enjoyed the programs and support groups offered and would sometimes visit multiple times per week.  Thus, in lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Wellness House of Annapolis in her honor, 2625 Mas Que Farm Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Stefanie was always appreciative and the words "thank you" were frequently said by her.  So, from her, and our family to everyone – family, friends, caregivers – "Thank you."