Stephanie Ruth Bovio, 67, passed away early on Tuesday morning. January 30, 2018 at Tampa General Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife of David John Bovio, with whom she shared over 45 years of marriage.
Born in New London, CT, Stephanie was the daughter of the late Captain Stephen and Ruth (Murray) Carkeek. A child of a military family, she attended schools in Alabama, New Jersey, Florida and Maryland. Her family returned to New London, where she graduated from New London High School, Class of 1968. She went on to attend Chamberlain Jr. College in Boston, MA where she received an Associate’s Degree in Medical Office Services. Prior to her retirement, Stephanie worked for The Lahey Hospital for over 25 years in several capacities: Medical Transcription, Laboratory Assistant and Administrative Assistant.
In addition to her loving husband, Stephanie is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law: Jennifer Bovio of Georgetown, MA and Kathryn and Jason Pelletier of Miramar, Florida; a sister, Lesley Miner of Elizabeth City, NC and a brother, Bruce Carkeek of Portsmouth, VA. She adored and was adored by her four grandchildren, who fondly called her Mimi: Max of Georgetown, MA and Preston, Madelyn and Olivia of Miramar, Florida. She is also survived by an uncle, Al Specman of Exeter, New Hampshire and two aunts, Ruth Benson and Carol Carkeek of San Diego, California, plus several cousins, in laws, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Stephanie was passionate about animal welfare. She was known for picking up strays or finding local pets that were being surrendered, and either adopting them herself or finding the perfect home for them through her extensive network of friends and family. While living in Massachusetts, she collected donations for the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem and volunteered in the shelter at the Ipswich Humane Group, where she adopted her favorite cat, Spike. Once she retired to Fort Myers Florida, she volunteered for the Lee County Domestic Animal Services where she walked dogs and fostered kittens. This passion lives on through her daughters and grandchildren, who are all advocates for animal rescue.
Stephanie loved to travel with friends and family and was especially fond of cruising to Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. Her “happy place” was always a beach, especially Sandbridge Beach in Virginia, where she could collect shells, read and watch the surf, and in later years watch her grandchildren do the same. She inherited a family Mahjong set and learned to play the game with skill. She was active in her community at Island Park Village: she played Mahjong twice a week, was a member of the Decorating Committee and the monthly book club, played Bingo and Rummy Cube, and attended Tai Chi and Water Aerobics classes.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11AM at the Harvey-Englehardt Funeral Home located at 1600 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Stephanie’s name to the Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912, or to the animal rescue program of your choice.

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