Stephanie Manestar Scerbin, born August 2, 1929 in Zagreb, Croatia (Former Yugoslavia) to the late Milka and Stjepan Manestar, died peacefully May 10, 2024 in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Beloved wife of Vladimir (deceased) loving and devoted mother of sons Vladimir and Dean (Caroline); adoring "Baka" of Michael, Kira, Ries, Max and Sophie; beloved sister of Georgia Cop (deceased) and Miroslav Manestar; cherished aunt of Suzy Cop, Marina Cop, Ivan Manestar, Janelle Melliti, Mila Facemire, and Kevin Manestar; cousin to a large, extended family.

A child of World War II, Stephanie and her family endured countless challenges during her young life. Then, in the early 1950s, she and her sister attended school briefly in England before embarking upon an adventure, boarding the Queen Mary to visit family in the United States. They traveled with Helen Topalsky, establishing a generations enduring family connection.

In the years that followed, Stephanie lived again in Zagreb, until finally moving to Rome with a student visa to escape Yugoslavia. There, while attending drafting school, she met her dashingly handsome Vladimir. They were married in the Republic of San Marino. Son Vladimir was born in Rome in 1958. Soon after, the young family emigrated to the United States. Eventually, they settled in Cleveland, Ohio in 1959. In 1961, shortly after Vladimir's mother joined the family from Europe, Dean was born.

Stephanie was a gifted musician. She played the accordion, mandolin, and piano. In Yugoslavia, as well as the USA, she played and sang in traveling church choirs. The Seventh Day Adventist Church was a significant and integral part of her life, beginning with her father's guidance as a minister, and finally pastor of the church he and the family built on Addison Road in Cleveland.

As an immigrant, Stephanie worked alongside many others at the Richman Brothers Clothing Company. She later worked her way up at Parker Hannifin Corp., a job she enjoyed and reminisced about often. From the mid 70s to late 80s, she was the dedicated backbone and support of her husband's electrical contracting business.

Stephanie's greatest joys were spoiling her sons and her grandchildren, spending time with her sister, shopping, baking, eternally laughing, reminiscing, staying up late, and singing with family. Her kind heart and gentle manner touched all who knew her.

A private memorial service will be held in Venice, Florida in June.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stephanie's name to the IRC, International Rescue Committee (https://help.rescue.org/donate) or Compassionate Care Hospice of Western North Carolina (www.compassionatecarewnc.org).

Online condolences can be sent to the Scerbin family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.