Obituary
With heavy hearts, the family of Irene Stephen announces her passing, which occurred at the Church of St. John and St. Stephen Home on Sunday, April 12, 2020. Irene (and her twin sister Mary) were born in Saint John on April 15, 1932; a daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Thomas) Quinn, and the loving wife of the late John Laba Stephen Sr. A gentle and caring soul, she filled her home with joy and was known by many of the neighborhood kids as “Mom”. Whether throwing snowballs or sitting on the floor playing, Irene treasured her role as a mother and grandmother. Blueberry picking was a favorite activity for Irene with her cousin Basil Thomas, as well as Irene and her twin sister Mary (along with their protector Thor) were known for their antics, endless stories, and their hysterical and contagious laughter! With the house full of the smell of Lebanese cooking, Sunday’s were always a gathering place for the family and anyone she knew who wanted a Lebanese meal, no invitation required! Irene loved being around people and truly enjoyed her time as a sales clerk and cashier with such companies as Canada Packers, FW Woolworths, Woolco and Calp’s.
She is survived by her children, John Stephen Jr. (Sharon) of Kelowna BC , Daniel Stephen of Moncton, Wendy Harnden (Jim) of Pickering ON, Linda Boudreau (Ludger) of Saint John, Becky Stephen of Saint John, Barry Stephen of Saint John; her grandchildren Jessica, Jason (Alyssa), Darrell, Daniel, Erin, Jordan (Katelyn), Jillian, Douglas, and Taylor, her great grandchildren Emily, Robert, Khloe and Juliet, her brother Noel Quinn (Sue) of Ottawa ON, sister Marjorie Driscoll of Kingston ON, cousins/friends Sheila (Robert) Arnott and Bob (Dolores) Thomas, dear friends/brother & sister-in-law Joseph & Della Stephen, dear friends/family Jean & Joe Gabriel, and many more beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with her beloved husband John, Irene was pre-deceased by her sons Timothy John Stephen, and Harold Arthur Stephen, father William Henry Quinn, mother Dorothy (Thomas) Quinn, granddaughter Krystal (Hanlon) Lawson, brothers John Quinn, Michael Quinn; sisters Mary Chase, Barbara Smith, Joan Preston, Pearl Garnett, Margaret (Peggy) Ellis, mother & father in-law Sharble & Sheeha Laba Stephen, many brothers & sisters in-law, many nieces and nephews, dear friends Audrey & Bud McQueen, and Dorothy Brown.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home. Due to current events, there will be no visitation or service at this time. A service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Irene Louise Quinn Stephen April 15 1932 April 12 2020 (age 87)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick