Lillian Stevens

Lillian Ann Stevens (nee Brockton ) of Regina , Saskatchewan and formerly of Shaunavon , Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at her home in Regina on November 1, 2008 at the age of 91 years. Lillian was born on July 1, 1917 in Sombra Township , County of Lambton , Province of Ontario , one of 9 children of George and Lillis Brockton. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Ontario Hospital Training School for Nurses on October 20, 1939. While working at the Montreal Jewish Hospital, she enlisted with the Canadian Army on September 15, 1943 and became Nursing Sister, 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. She was on active duty, serving in Britain , then Northwest Europe when she met Syd Stevens. They were married on December 18, 1945 in Station Road Methodist Church , Petersfield in the county of Southampton , England . A week later, Lillian boarded the Queen Mary for Canada and then took the train to the prairies. With the purchase of the Shaunavon Standard, Lillian and Syd settled in Shaunavon , Saskatchewan and their life in the world of a weekly newspaper family. Lillian resumed her nursing career at the Shaunavon Hospital where she worked until retirement, continuing to serve as a special duty nurse when called upon. She will always be remembered for her tender and compassionate care she gave her patients. The Shaunavon years were filled with family events shared with Wendell and Thelma and their children as well as travels to newspaper conventions. In the days of hats, teas, church and bridge, Lil was always at her finest. Following the untimely and accidental death of her husband Syd in 1985, Lillian embarked on many adventures with long-time friend Lola Fritz. They shared each others grandchildren and family events, traveling together to California , Vancouver , Calgary and Regina . They were also avid curling fans and spent many hours parked rink side. Lillian even volunteered as a driver when the provincial finals were held in Shaunavon. After living twelve years on her own, she moved to Regina to be closer to Brock and family. Her final years were spent in residence at Kelsey Manor in Regina where she enjoyed the companionship of many residents and appreciated the care provided by Lynn Wallis and her family and staff. She is survived by her children, Brock Stevens (Dawn Webb) of Regina, Erla Kenway (Ian) of Doha, Qatar and Anne Berard (Oran) of Calgary, grandsons Steven, Brent, and Scott Kenway, her sister Pearl Lewis of Simi Valley, California and family; brother in law Rev. Wendell and Thelma Stevens of Saskatoon, nephews Jim (Carol) Stevens, Frank Bird (Margaret), Brian Bird (Maryanne), niece Patricia Bishop (Clarence) and families. Funeral Services were held from All Saints Anglican Church in Shaunavon on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Dick Kennedy officiating. The eulogy was presented by Erla Kenway. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion attended, forming a guard of honor and performing the Legion Graveside Service under the direction of Legion Padre, Reverend Father Rick Krofchek. Interment of her cremated remains took place in Veterans Memorial Gardens in Hillcrest Cemetery at Shaunavon. Binkleys Funeral Service of Shaunavon (www.Binkleys.com) was in charge of the arrangements. Birthplace: Sombra Township, Ontario Residence: Regina, Saskatchewan and Formerly of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan Service: All Saints Anglican Church, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan Monday, November 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial Donations: Shaunavon Hospital