Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Slemer |
| Year of Birth | 1977 |
| Birthplace | Glen Carbon, Illinois, USA |
| Education | B.A., Speech Communication, Eastern Illinois University (1999) |
| Early Career | Pharmaceutical sales representative (1999–2002) |
| Known For | Family life with retired MLB star Mark McGwire; philanthropy for abused children |
| Spouse | Mark David McGwire (m. April 20, 2002) |
| Children | Mason (b. 2006), Max (b. 2008), triplets Monroe Rose, Monet Rose, Marlo Rose (b. June 1, 2010) |
| Stepchild | Matthew McGwire (b. 1987) |
| Parents | Robert “Robbie” Slemer (1946–2024), Cindy Slemer |
| Sibling | Julie Evans |
| Residence | Irvine, California (Shady Canyon) |
| Philanthropy | Co-founder, Mark McGwire Foundation for abused children |
| Public Profile | Low; family-oriented, limited media appearances |
Early Life and Education
Born in 1977 in Glen Carbon, Illinois, Stephanie Slemer grew up in the kind of place where neighbors knew your name and weekends meant family gatherings. Her parents, Robbie and Cindy, raised Stephanie and her older sister Julie with Midwestern practicality and warmth. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1999 with a degree in speech communication, Stephanie launched into pharmaceutical sales in the St. Louis area—an early career that rewarded her poise, listening skills, and capacity to connect.
Meeting Mark McGwire and a New Chapter (2001–2002)
Fate intervened in 2001. At 24, Stephanie crossed paths with St. Louis Cardinals icon Mark McGwire; by October of that year, they were engaged. On April 20, 2002, they married in Las Vegas and set up life in California. With the move, Stephanie stepped away from sales to prioritize marriage, home, and eventually motherhood. Together, they also co-founded the Mark McGwire Foundation in 2002, aligning their resources with a mission to support abused children.
Building a Family of Seven
The McGwire household followed an unmistakable rhythm: an “M” tradition. Mason arrived in 2006, followed by Max in 2008. On June 1, 2010, the script flipped from busy to buoyant with the birth of triplets—Monroe Rose, Monet Rose, and Marlo Rose—bringing the total to five children. Stephanie’s role evolved from homemaker to household quarterback—logistics, school schedules, practices, meals, and memories, all managed with steadiness.
- Mason (b. 2006): Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 2022 MLB Draft; tall, strong, and intent on forging his own baseball story.
- Max (b. 2008): A competitive pitcher whose path took him from Oklahoma to a 2025 roster spot at St. Louis University; his July 2024 commitment reflected both ambition and adaptation.
- Triplets (b. June 1, 2010):
- Monroe Rose: Reflective and reliable, often seen as the thoughtful anchor of the trio.
- Monet Rose: Athletic and outgoing; volleyball courts and family golf days suit her well.
- Marlo Rose: Spirited, witty, and driven, with a flair for dance and academics.
Stephanie also embraced a blended family from day one, welcoming Mark’s oldest son, Matthew (b. 1987), as part of the fold.
Family Roster at a Glance
| Name | Relation | Year of Birth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark McGwire | Spouse | 1963 | Retired MLB slugger; later MLB coach and consultant |
| Matthew McGwire | Stepson | 1987 | Son from Mark’s first marriage |
| Mason McGwire | Son | 2006 | 2022 MLB Draft pick (Cubs, 8th round) |
| Max McGwire | Son | 2008 | College pitcher; transferring to SLU for 2025 |
| Monroe Rose McGwire | Daughter (triplet) | 2010 | School sports and arts |
| Monet Rose McGwire | Daughter (triplet) | 2010 | Volleyball and family athletics |
| Marlo Rose McGwire | Daughter (triplet) | 2010 | Dance and academics |
| Robert “Robbie” Slemer | Father | 1946–2024 | Glen Carbon community figure |
| Cindy Slemer | Mother | — | Close to family and grandchildren |
| Julie Evans | Sister | — | Lives in Illinois; strong sibling bond |
Weathering Public Storms, Privately
The McGwire surname inevitably carries public baggage, especially surrounding Mark’s steroid admission in 2010. Stephanie met the moment with discretion and steadiness. The couple emphasized shared values—faith, family, and service—choosing to let actions, not headlines, define them. In 2016, when Stephanie faced a non-life-threatening illness, Mark stepped away from coaching to be present at home. The episode reinforced the family-first ethos that guides their decisions.
Home Base in California
Life in Irvine’s Shady Canyon suits the family’s preference for privacy. The setting offers both space and seclusion—golf greens, quiet streets, and room for a large family to live at its own pace. Financially secure from Mark’s playing career and subsequent roles, the family’s estimated wealth has afforded them the freedom to choose privacy over publicity.
Philanthropy: The Mark McGwire Foundation
Founded in 2002, the Mark McGwire Foundation reflects the couple’s ongoing commitment to aiding abused children. While Mark often serves as the public face, Stephanie’s influence is evident in the foundation’s family-centered approach—supporting agencies and programs that prioritize safety, healing, and advocacy. It’s work that doesn’t seek spotlights, but consistently stands in them when needed.
Milestones and Recent Notes (2018–2025)
- 2018: Mark discusses fatherhood on national television; Stephanie and the triplets get nods as catalysts in his life after playing.
- 2020: A decade after the triplets’ birth, the family looks back on the surprise that reshaped their life’s tempo.
- 2022: Mason is drafted by the Cubs, signaling a new generation of McGwire baseball.
- April 13, 2024: Stephanie’s father, Robert “Robbie” Slemer, passes away at 77, prompting a family gathering in Illinois that reaffirms Midwestern bonds.
- July 29, 2024: Max announces his transfer to St. Louis University for the 2025 season, reconnecting the family’s baseball arc with St. Louis.
- 2025: Mentions of Stephanie remain modest and positive; she continues to prioritize home, family milestones, and privacy.
Timeline
| Date | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Birth | Glen Carbon, Illinois |
| 1999 | Graduation | B.A. in Speech Communication, EIU |
| Oct 2001 | Engagement | Engaged to Mark McGwire |
| Apr 20, 2002 | Marriage | MGM Grand, Las Vegas |
| 2006 | First child | Mason born |
| 2008 | Second child | Max born |
| Jun 1, 2010 | Triplets | Monroe, Monet, Marlo born |
| 2016 | Health challenge | Mark steps away from coaching to support Stephanie |
| 2022 | MLB Draft | Mason selected by Chicago Cubs (8th round) |
| Apr 13, 2024 | Family loss | Passing of father, Robbie Slemer |
| Jul 29, 2024 | College move | Max commits to SLU for 2025 |
Life in the Margins of the Spotlight
Stephanie’s story is not about press conferences or primetime interviews. It’s about the everyday alchemy of marriage, motherhood, and memory-making. She traded sales calls for school pick-ups, and a career ladder for a circle of family chairs around a noisy dinner table. In a world that often demands headlines, Stephanie opts for the steady hum of a home well run—proof that strength can be soft-spoken and still be heard.
FAQ
Who is Stephanie Slemer?
She is a former pharmaceutical sales representative best known as the wife of retired MLB star Mark McGwire and as a devoted mother of five.
When did Stephanie marry Mark McGwire?
They were married on April 20, 2002, in Las Vegas.
How many children do they have?
They share five children—two sons and triplet daughters—and Stephanie is also stepmother to Mark’s older son.
Where does the family live?
They reside in Irvine, California, in the Shady Canyon community.
What is Stephanie’s educational background?
She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Eastern Illinois University in 1999.
What philanthropic work do they support?
They co-founded the Mark McGwire Foundation, which supports programs for abused children.
How did the family handle public scrutiny over Mark’s steroid admission?
They leaned on faith, family, and privacy, choosing to focus on values and service over public discourse.
What recent family milestones stand out?
Mason’s 2022 MLB Draft selection, Max’s 2024 transfer to SLU, and the family’s remembrance of Stephanie’s father following his April 2024 passing.
