Obituary of Kathleen Joyce Stevens

November 13, 1922 – Colchester, Essex, England

May 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Kathleen Stevens are saddened to announce her passing on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 101 years.

Kathleen was born in Colchester, Essex, England, where she lived until she met Frank in September 1944, at a local dance hall for the troops. Six months later, they were married in Colchester in March of 1945. Frank was shipped home to Canada in the fall of 1945. Kathleen waited in England, at her parents’ home, until May of 1946, for her passage to Canada as a war bride. Her voyage to Canada was an adventure; she had no idea what she would encounter.

The best part of the journey was the warm welcome Frank's family extended to her. They really went out of their way to make her feel comfortable, and Kathleen quickly became part of the family. They moved to Tilley, AB, in October 1946, and then on to their farm near Brooks, AB, where they lived until retirement when they moved into Brooks.

Kathleen was a city girl, but soon became used to farm life and raising two daughters. Even though she was happy in Canada, she was homesick for her family in England. Her favorite trips were those to England, and on a few trips, Frank accompanied her too. Kathleen was happiest in her kitchen baking and preparing meals for her family. Family was her world. After Frank's passing, Kathleen moved to Calgary, AB, in 2011, to be closer to family and remained in her apartment caring for herself, until October 2016, when she went into care at the age of almost 94.

She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Judy (Tim) Istvan of Calgary and Jacquie (Roy) Lewendon of Vernon, BC; grandchildren, Monica (Paul) Istvan, Michelle Istvan, Cheryl (Andy) Gruninger, and Richard (Kristen) Hemsing; great-grandchildren, Meagan, Amy, Connor, Travis and Abigail; as well as great-great-grandsons, Virgil and Raphael.
 

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Frank Stevens on July 23, 2010, her grandson-in-law Brad Kuhl, her parents and her siblings.

A Celebration of Kathleen’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the hospitality centre at the funeral home.  

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kathleen’s family here.

In living memory of Kathleen Stevens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.