STEPHEN, Kathleen (nee Lavery)
After a short illness Kathleen passed away peacefully on January 8, 2022, at The Carpenter Hospice, Burlington. Beloved wife of the late Murray Stephen (2016). Loving mother of Daniel (Leslie Buckle), Brian (Susan) and Sharon Hollingsworth (Chris). Cherished Grandma of Nicholas, Bradley, Thomas, Jeffrey, Ty, Eric, Olivia, Julia and Brady. Dear sister of Peggy Kochanoff (Stan). Predeceased by her parents Arthur and Betty Lavery.
Born March 29, 1945 in Larchmont New York, Kathleen moved around the northeast United States with her parents and her sister Peggy. She enjoyed telling people she attended Pumpkin Delight Elementary School in Milford, Connecticut as a young girl. Kathleen attended Cornell University in Ithaca New York where she studied biology and met her husband Murray Stephen, who was attending Cornell on a hockey scholarship. Shortly after school they were married and started a family. While Kathleen was proud of her US heritage, she moved with Murray to Napanee, Ontario where Danny was born. Two more moves to Hanover Ontario, where Brian was born and finally settling in Burlington where Sharon was born. Kathleen was a devoted mother, wife, sister, hockey mom, cheer mom, a huge football fan, and very proud of her nine grandkids.
Kathleen maintained a strong bond with her sister Peggy despite the distance that separated them, and she always looked forward to her visit to Nova Scotia every summer. An eternal optimist, Kathleen raised three kids who are forever thankful for her kindness, support and love. Her children and grandchildren are also grateful for the archives of her life and of her kids that she kept. The pictures, letters, mementos, scrap books, artwork and toys that she left behind show that the memories that we have will remain strong and her presence will continue to be felt.
As a young woman Kathleen was an accomplished student and poet. Her optimism and personality can be seen in the following poem she wrote.
Springs Debut
As the foremost sprout of budding crocus,
Pushes through the thawing earth;
The first signs of spring come into focus,
Filled with merriment, glee and mirth.
The tawny colored daffodil,
The lilacs tinted blue,
The fragrant clover on the hill
The buds of every hue.
All these signs mean just one thing;
It’s finally come into view;
The chilling winter is on the wing,
It is time for Spring’s debut.
Private cremation and interment with her husband have taken place. A Celebration of Kathleen’s Life will be held at a later date. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful care from the staff at Carpenter hospice and thank them for the love and comfort they provided over the last several weeks. In lieu of flowers donations to The Carpenter Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kathleen Stephen Lavery Saturday January 8th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario