Dr. Stephanie J. Brightbill, EdD, 73

Dr. Stephanie J. Brightbill, EdD, 73, of Manheim and formerly of Reading, passed away surrounded by her family on October 11, 2025.

She was the wife of Jeffrey L. Brightbill. Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Ronald and Elizabeth J. Ertwine Ulshafer.

Dr. Brightbill was a graduate of O.J. Roberts High School, Kutztown University, Lehigh University and attained her Doctorate in Education from Widener University. She had a career in public education and education administration, spanning from 1973 until her retirement in 2006. She began her professional career teaching Special Education and later used her experiences to teach courses at Alvernia University, Albright College, and Penn State University. Over the course of her professional career, she served as an assistant principal at Exeter Junior High School and Principal at Jacksonwald Elementary School before using her talents as the Elementary Principal at Boyertown Elementary School. Upon retirement, she led educational groups with the Lancaster Council of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

She was a member of Christ Yocom’s Lutheran Church in Reading, where she had served as the musical director. A talented musician and pianist, she had also been the musical director at Washington Boro United Methodist Church and Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Brownstown.

Stef enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Traveling and spending time at Myrtle Beach was always something she enjoyed, as well as reading, phone calls to friends, and cheering on her family at sporting events/activities. She loved the many dogs she had over the years as family pets.

In addition to her husband, Jeff, Stef is survived by her daughter: Jennifer L. married to Gary Landis of Manheim; her 4 grandchildren Jackson, Callie, Carson, and Madison; and her siblings: Lori McCormick of Vero Beach, FL and Tim Ulshafer of Medina, OH as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received by Stef’s family on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00AM at Christ Yocom’s Lutheran Church, 840 Philadelphia Ave, Reading, PA 19607, with a celebration of life to follow at 11AM. Interment will be private in Wyomissing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in her memory to the Christ Yocom’s Church at the above address.