Stephanie E. Evans, whose eight-year struggle against breast cancer served as an inspiration to others similarly afflicted, died of the disease Tuesday at Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care. The Upperco resident was 59.

She was born Stephanie Eason in Baltimore, and was raised in Guilford and New Canaan, Conn. After graduating from Bryn Mawr School in 1960, she attended Briarcliff College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

In 1963, she married Charles C.G. Evans Jr., founder of the Evans Development Co., now the Evans Land Co., and began working as a leasing agent for the company. She was later named the company's chief financial officer, a position she held at her death.

She was also the former owner of Impulse, a Washington costume jewelry store that was located in the Old Post Office Building.

Since her diagnosis with breast cancer, Mrs. Evans had survived a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, radiation, a stem cell transplant and continual chemotherapy.

Because of her experiences, she decided to devote her life to helping others who had been diagnosed with the disease and were fearful of its consequences.

She began volunteering and later became a counselor at Greater Baltimore Medical Center's Cancer Center, inspiring patients with a mixture of practical knowledge, a caring attitude, humor and tales from her struggle.

"Whenever I am asked to speak to a group of people, I always include what has become my personal mantra: I had cancer. I have cancer. And I'm going to live with cancer. This anthem strengthens my resolve to participate in life no matter what is happening," Mrs. Evans wrote in her book, Not for Herself Alone: One Woman's Reflections on Her Walk with Cancer.

She also employed a self-deprecating sense of humor to allay her deepest fears.

A nurse admired Mrs. Evans' hair as she was being wheeled into an operating room for a procedure one day.

"I reached up, pulled the wig from my head, and said, 'Here, you want it?'" she wrote in her book.

"Despite her own health problems and suffering, she was an extraordinary and vigorous ambassador for the cancer treatment program at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center," Barbara Lucas, president of the hospital's board and a friend, said yesterday.

"She spread the word, had a positive attitude and proved that it made a difference. And by imparting that to others, she helped extend their lives through encouragement," she said.

Donna M. Lewis, a nurse-pastoral counselor who heads the hospital's oncology support program, recalled Mrs. Evans' understanding and caring demeanor.

"She had an unobtrusive manner when visiting patients. She never tried to impose her values or experiences on them. What she did was to bring all levels of hope to them. In this work, we see so much life and love, and that's what she did," Ms. Lewis said.

Lisa S. McGann, who has survived ovarian and kidney cancer, recalled meeting Mrs. Evans her first day of chemotherapy several years ago.

"Stephanie helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. She was a beacon of hope and encouragement, and taught me to never give up," said Mrs. McGann of Bel Air.

Mrs. Evans continued working with patients until three weeks ago.

"She was on the phone with her patients from 8 a.m. until midnight," her husband said. "Her mission was to share with her patients and answer the questions that their doctors couldn't."

Mrs. Evans, who was named Breast Cancer Survivor of the Year in 2002 by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, participated in last month's Maryland Race for the Cure.

It was her eighth race since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Unable to walk the 5-kilometer course, she used a wheelchair with an oxygen tank. She was pushed by her son, Charles C.G. Evans III of Forest Hill.

In her book, she reflected on her work: "With each step I take, I try to comprehend all the parts of this vast mission God has given me. As I begin to understand this disease, I find myself saying, 'Ah-okay, this encounter is all part of the mission; part of developing whatever God's purpose is for me.'

"I feel my calling is to guide and help people, offering them encouragement and support. The more encounters I have, the more experiences I am able to share with others."

Mrs. Evans enjoyed horseback riding, training horses and constructing meticulously furnished miniature rooms that she displayed in her home.

She was an active communicant and member of the Altar Guild at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3738 Butler Road, Glyndon, where a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

In addition to her husband and son, Mrs. Evans is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Evans Parker of Anderson, S.C.; her mother, Elizabeth K. Eason of New Canaan; and two brothers, S. Kirk Eason of Wilton, Conn., and D. Bruce Eason of Greenville, S.C.