Stephanie Langhoff

2014

Stephanie Roberta Langhoff
08 Nov 1946 - 12 Jan 2022

Clubs & Associations

Diablo Dancers
El Camino Reelers
Gay Callers Association
Interlocked Squares
Oaktown 8's
Stanford Quads
Top Cats

Quick Facts

caller for Diablo Dancers, El Camino Reelers, and Interlocked Squares
Stephanie's profile on ceder.net

GCA Caller School

attended 1999, 2008

In Their Own Words

I have retired from NASA after 35 years. The last 13 years I served as the Chief Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center. Before that I was the Chief of the Computational Chemistry group. My research interests include topics in theoretical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy. I have published over 230 research papers and review articles. My favorite recreational activities are square dancing, square dance calling, piano, golf and SCUBA diving.^[1]

Media Features

Transgender Scientist of Contemporary Note^[2]

Remembrances

As you all know, Stephanie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 4 years ago. Her condition had rapidly deteriorated over the past month or two. She passed away peacefully yesterday morning about 6 a.m. Patti (her sister from Oregon) and I were both by her bedside when she left us.
Per her wishes, her brain and some spinal tissue were donated to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. Perhaps that will help them better understand his dreadful disease and help others that may also be afflicted. I would like to believe it was her final contribution to the world of science that she dearly loved. She also wished that her remains be cremated.
Thanks to all of you for being such wonderful, caring friends. I have found comfort knowing that John Sybalsky and our other square dancing friends that left us before her have another smiling face in their square.
Hugs to all,
— Laurie Tucker

I heard Stephanie died peacefully Wednesday morning surrounded by love.
I am, we are, so luck to have known her, even if I feel I only met a fraction of her extraordinary. A brilliant and known scientist who could have a conversation at a level I could understand.
Mostly, my experience of Stephanie was a square dancer, and a square dance caller. From my first learning to square dance, 16 years ago, Stephanie, and Laurie, "Two Really Tall Girls" were so nice and friendly as I met them dancing, having cheerful faces.
My life was better knowing her, now comfort that she is now at peace. My thoughts are to Laurie and family, and the square dance community.
Stephanie, Rest in Peace
— John Kenny

I'm sad to announce that Stephanie Langhoff passed away yesterday after a battle with Alzheimer's, with her partner Laurie and sister Patti in attendance. Stephanie was a brilliant and productive scientist. With a PhD in Physical Chemistry and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School, she published more than 200 refereed journal articles over her career and was one of the most-cited physical chemists in the world. She worked at NASA for 35 years, becoming the Chief of the Computational Chemistry Branch and then the Chief Scientist for NASA Ames. I will always appreciate her support of me as a green astronomer, inviting me to talks at Ames, introducing me to her colleagues, and even coming to my talks at SETI.
However, I knew her long before my relationship with NASA. Stephanie was an avid challenge-level square dancer for more than two decades, as well as a square dance caller. We both called for the Interlocked Squares, and co-taught classes. A kind and thoughtful person, she was always incredibly supportive of the activity, including hosting callers who needed a place to stay at her beautiful home in Alamo.
RIP Stephanie. You will be missed.
— Rob French

Sad News about Stephanie Langhoff. She passed away at home in the company of her partner Laurie Tucker and her sister Patti. We shall miss her greatly. A brilliant mind, challenging caller and just plain fun to be around.
— Ric Duran

This is so sad. We always enjoyed staying with them when we were in The Bay area and looked forward to some wonderful and interesting conversations.
We also really admired her dogged determination when she set her mind to something. She worked very hard at Challenge Square Dancing and calling but it was her efforts at playing the piano that really showed her determination. When we first started staying with them (2002 I think), she was just starting piano lessons and played very mechanically. Over the years we saw her improve to the point where she played quite well, but it was very gradual. I suspect most people would have given up somewhere along the way, but not Stephanie. We're really going to miss her.
— Pam Clasper

We stayed with them for PACE weekends. Over the years our stays got longer and longer so we could spend more time with them. Stephanie was a kind, generous, fascinating, and brilliant person. Her passing leaves a hole in the universe.
We've lost a wonderful person. Pam and I have years of fond memories staying with Stephanie and Laurie. It's truly a sad day.
— Barry Clasper

So sad. Thank you for posting. I’ve only sweet memories of Stephanie. 🙏🏻❤️
— Ray Lepinsky

Such sad news 😢
Such a wonderful woman 💕
— Anne Uebelacker

She was truly one of a kind, and we are enriched by having known her. May she Rest In Peace. Hugs and love to all of her family and friends.
— Mary Hutchinson

My sincere condolences to Laurie and her family. It was always a pleasure staying with them.
— Todd Fellegy

I learned so much from her. Very sad news.
— Frank Yellin

Sad news, I have fond memories of her. She was a brilliant and amazing person. Rest in Peace Stephanie
— Peggy Shumway

She had so much good in her, and was a wealth of knowledge. Glad she was surrounded by love.
— Bex Clark

I just heard that Stephanie Langhoff passed away yesterday after a period of living with Alzheimer's Disease. I didn't know her well, but she was an inspiration. I met her and her partner Laurie through square dancing. I'd known she was a challenge-level dancer (not too many people can claim that). I didn't know until a fellow square dancer mentioned that she'd been a caller as well. Stephanie had a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and an MBA from the MIT Sloan school. She worked at NASA for thirty-five years and became the Chief of Computational Chemistry and then the Chief Scientist at NASA Ames.
I never worked at NASA (although it was just up the street from several jobs) so I didn't know her in that context. I knew her as a kind person.
I can't imagine how hard it must have been for her as she moved through her career. I wish there were a place to honor such people who blazed trails through a harsh wilderness.
— Paul Perotta

oh no. So sorry to hear this. She was a great friend and dancer. I so enjoyed my time with her. RIP Stephanie.
— Ett McAtee

That is really sad, I’m so sorry to hear about this…
… Debby Stopp

Very sad. Stephanie and Laurie were wonderful members of the square dance community and great hosts. Stephanie's memory is a blessing to me and many others.
— Kris Jensen

Thanks so much for letting us know. I didn't know her well but enjoyed her calling and/or having her in a square.
— JW Paulson

Thanks for posting this Rob. This is sad to hear. Stephanie will be missed by many.
— Cheryl Corrigan

I am so sorry- please pass on our love to Laurie
— Sheri Avery

Very sad to read this news. Stephanie was a delightful person and I'm proud to say that I taught her to square dance.
— Andy Shore

She was a vital force and such a big heart! Sending love and comfort to Laurie and all her many friends and family. I am a better person, having known her.
— Cindi Newman

I am so sorry; she was such a nice gal!!
— Benny Sevilla

I am so glad I had the privilege of meeting her and of being a guest at some of the parties hosted by Laurie and Stephanie. She was indeed brilliant and always so kind and welcoming. Love to Laurie. ❤
— Patti Hebert

I will miss her wonderful insight in so many areas. She was a joy to just sit and talk with even as late as August of 2021. Love to you Laurie during this difficult time.
— Beth Lancaster