Ayhan Evrensev Stump's Obituary
Ayhan Evrensev Stump, age 91, died May 20 in Gainesville, Florida, her home of 66 years. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene C. Stump, Jr, and daughter Peri Ann Stump. Survivors include daughter Audrey, son John (Sharon) and grandsons Curtis and Adam who will miss her terribly.
Ayhan was born in 1932 in Ankara Turkey, the fourth of four children born to Fesa Evrensev and Sabiha Evrensev. Her father was the first Pilot in Turkey who founded the Turkish Air Force, followed by the Turkish State Airlines.
After graduating from University of Ankara with honors in English Language and Literature, she was hired as an interpreter and received clearance to translate classified documents for the Joint American Military Misson for Aid to Turkey. She came to University of Florida in 1957 to further her studies. While working towards her Masters in English Language, she completed an assistantship in Library Science…and agreed to a blind date with a fellow graduate student, Gene, that would become a 65-year bond between true soulmates.
Ayhan was happiest when she knew her family was happy, and she lived to nurture them. To Ayhan, nothing beat time with family, though she thoroughly enjoyed her Florida Gators, a nice cup of tea, a quality piece of chocolate, her plants, and a good book with a cat curled up nearby. Whenever asked if she wanted anything, she would respond she could not think of one single thing. When pressed, she would respond in her sweet way “well, maybe a diamond tiara.”
Ayhan remained an avid learner throughout her life. She read multiple newspapers daily in Turkish and English and non-fiction across a broad spectrum of interests – from the native origins of her adopted country to her love of the aurora borealis. She continuously explored through travel, cooking, gardening, and her computer, particularly working puzzles.
Because Ayhan was full of love and had a heart of gratitude, she never met a stranger and left a remarkable impression on all she met with her kindness, empathy and curiosity. It was impossible for her children to run into someone, without them asking “how is your mom?” and referring to her as “the nicest and sweetest woman I know!” Even her last months with us, she was making friends and leaving her mark. She wanted to know all about her medical and care team and their families.
Ayhan always said how blessed she was; her immediate and extended family and community of friends are the blessed ones who will remember her kind, genuine spirit and smile… complete with a shining tiara.
Ayhan’s immediate family will have a private celebration of her life, together with her husband Gene’s. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Haven Hospice Foundation at www.beyourhaven.org
Please visit her memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com
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