Stephen Champagne

Stephen Champagne, 71, of Canton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Monroe Regional Hospital on September 5, 2024, after an incredibly courageous and hard fought battle with heart and kidney disease. Steve was born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 21, 1952, the son of Henry and Patricia Higgins Champagne. Steve grew up in a rollicking, rambunctious and loving family of, eight, landing smack dab in the middle. He is survived by sisters Patricia Martin, Kathleen Cullen, Christine Babbidge, and Paula Greene, brother Gerald (Debra) Champagne, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, Steve was predeceased by two brothers, Brian Champagne and William Champagne, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Nader. On April 3, 1982, Steve married the love of his life, Janet Nader, who also survives him. Steve served Jan faithfully as her most loving and caring husband, friend and caregiver. Together, Jan and Steve celebrated over 42 years of marriage, enjoying taking trips together, visiting with their family and friends, and lovingly and humorously bickering over everything under the sun, giving Archie and Edith Bunker a true run for their money. Steve and Jan’s love for each other was indeed a storybook love and that story continues without end. Steve’s marriage to Jan brought him into the embrace of the Nader family, who loved him as their own son and brother. Steve also served as the most devoted godfather and uncle, delighting in the many accomplishments of his nieces and nephews and enjoying the time he spent with them. There was simply no one prouder than Uncle Steve and he loved to brag about their achievements. An avid hockey player in his youth, Steve was a star player on the Cranston East High School team, where he graduated in 1971. He continued his education at LaSalle University, graduating with a degree in Human Resources. Steve began his career with the Southland Corporation/7-Eleven, Inc. in 1976 and remained with the company for over 45 years, rising to the ranks of Regional HR Manager and overseeing operations in several states. During his time with 7-Eleven, he took on the very special duty of serving as co-chair of the Bill Lambeer/Isaiah Thomas Muscular Dystrophy Golf Outing for several years, working tirelessly to raise money for the charity and appearing at the Muscular Dystrophy telethon. Steve loved his colleagues at 7-Eleven and considered many of them part of his extended family. Steve was also blessed with a devoted and caring contingency of friends and neighbors whom he loved like his own family, including his best buddy Richi Johnson, and the Thomas, Earl and Piazza families. Steve was deeply appreciative of their continual kindness and help over the years, and they could not have bestowed their generosity and affection upon a more grateful recipient. A lifelong Detroit Red Wing and Tiger fan, Steve could often be heard swearing up a storm while watching the games, openly berating the umpire or referee’s bad eyesight. He loved college football and was a die hard Ohio State Buckeye fan….so much so that Steve gleefully enjoyed displaying his red and grey team spirit with a myriad of Buckeye lawn ornaments, undaunted by the fact he was surrounded by a sea of maize and blue Michigan fans. Always a child at heart, Steve loved the magic and wonder of Christmas. In his younger years, Steve thoroughly enjoyed lighting up his neighborhood with the most stunning and vibrant holiday display of decorations and lights. Most significantly, Steve even outdid Clark Griswold by miraculously managing not to shut down the local power grid, much to the relief of his neighbors, the Canton police and fire departments, and the Detroit International Airport. Steve also loved to decorate his home and lawn with owls, to such a degree that his wife often threatened to kill him if he brought home another owl decoration. Brave man that he was, Steve continued to collect his owls, often deploying all manner of stealth, albeit unsuccessfully, to hide his newest acquisitions. Taking such chances on his life was second nature to Steve, who greatly enjoyed all types of gambling. Steve also enjoyed watching and playing golf, spending countless hours traveling to and playing on the greatest golf courses around the country. He was never happy with his score, and could deliver the most colorful array of cuss words every time he missed a putt. Indeed, as a consummate king of curmudgeonry, Steve excelled at being irascible, turning the air blue with epithets, and demonstrating a spectacular lack of filter. Such behavior, however, failed to disguise a man whose heart was two sizes too big, who loved beyond measure, and who was the most loyal and devoted husband, brother, uncle, son and friend. For those who had the privilege of knowing and loving Steve, he will be deeply missed but remain forever in their hearts. Special thanks to Tony Nader, Kathi Cullen and Roberta Cullen for remaining by Steve’s side and being fierce advocates for his comfort and care during his final journey. Per Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be planned at a later time. For those wishing to honor Steve’s memory, donations may be made to a charity of their choice. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this webpage.

Stephen Champagne

September 21, 1952 - September 5, 2024