Former long-time Sitkan Stephanie Charlesworth passed away suddenly in her home in Maui on Sunday, November 16, 2025. She was 58 years old.
Stephanie was born to Ce Higley and Stan Filler on February 25, 1967, at Sitka Community Hospital. She graduated from Sitka High School in 1985.
Stephanie's family and friends remember her for her constant smile and infectious laugh.
Stephanie enjoyed her careers as bartender at Ernie’s Old Time Saloon and travel agent at Totem Travel.
Stephanie married Jim Charlesworth in 2015 and they moved to Maui, which was Stephanie’s “happy place” seven years later.
At the time of her death, Stephanie was working at Wailea Golf Course, where she had made many friends among the staff and customers.
Stephanie is survived by her husband Jim of Kihei, Maui; her beloved son Mitchell Edwards, Ellensburg, Washington; her mother, Ce Higley of Sitka; father Stan Filler (Joan Rada), Sitka; brother Stanley and his wife Maybelle, Sitka; sister Angela Filler (Steve Jones), Redmond, Oregon; nephew Chatham Clark, Sitka; and niece Neva Clark, Sitka.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her stepfather, Roger Higley, in April 2021.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Stephanie’s favorite beach in Maui on Dec. 14, 2025.
Notes of condolence may be sent to her mother: Ce Higley, 1506 Sawmill Creek Rd., Sitka, AK 99835. The notes will be shared with the family.
