Constance “Connie” Jean Stephenson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Constance “Connie” Jean Stephenson on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Courtyard Gardens Retirement Residence in Richmond, British Columbia. Born on Mar. 14, 1923 and raised on a farm in Central Butte, Saskatchewan, Connie lived a long and fulfilling life dedicated to her family and her passions.

 

A woman of many talents, Connie was known for her exceptional baking, homemade jams and jellies, beautiful Dahlias and impressive needlepoint work, which she created with great care and skill. She also had a fondness for Intellivision video games, especially Buzz Bombers, and enjoyed indulging in chocolates from Purdy’s. She relished playing keyboard and singing songs, bringing joy to those around her. Connie loved to travel, enjoying many memorable trips to destinations all around the world. Additionally, she was a dedicated volunteer with the Green Coats at the Vancouver International Airport, where she took great pride in helping fellow travelers.

 

Connie met the love of her life, Gordon Edward Stephenson, while training as a nurse in Toronto. They shared over 61 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2008. They raised their family in Dunnville, Sudbury and Willowdale before settling down in Richmond in 1979.

 

Connie is lovingly remembered by her son, Wayne (Kim); her son-in-law Dave McKelvey; her grandchildren, Stephanie Chartier (Stephen) and their children Alex, Avery and Abby; Brooke (Dave Green); and Scott (Chelsea Gamble). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon; her son Robert; her daughter, Lynn McKelvey; her parents, Erick and Elizabeth Houseman; her brothers Walter, Werner, Victor and Arthur; and her sisters Eleanor McCallum, Lillian “Billie” Wakarchuk, Gloria Allin and Marlene Howard. She is survived by her sister, Donalyn Carlin as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

 

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Courtyard Gardens Retirement Residence and Gilmore Gardens Retirement Residence for their compassionate care during Connie’s later-in-life transitions.