Stevens, Rebecca (Rea) J.
November 1917 - March 5, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Mum, Nana and Great-grandmother. Mum was born at Saint John, New Brunswick to scottish immigrants Billy and Martha Burton. She was very proud of her scottish roots. Her father’s career choices took the family across Canada, as a result they lived in Saint John, Winnipeg, Weyburn and Vancouver. While living in Vancouver during WW II mum worked at the Boeings aircraft plant on Sea Island. In 1941 the family moved to Princeton, BC, where her dad was employed as a brewmaster at the Princeton Brewing Company. In 1945 mum met the love of her life and husband for the next 64 years Bill Stevens. They married in 1946, they then moved to Wells Grey Park where dad had been appointed Park Ranger of the newly created park. Life in Wells Grey park was a trial for mum an avowed city girl. For a start transport to their lodgings in the park was via a very long horseback ride(mum was not fond of horses). The cabin they lived in did not have running water or electricity and one of the horses liked to accompany her on the trek to the outhouse. Mum was alone for many days while dad did his circuits on horseback of the vast park. Her only contact with dad was on the radio phone. After the birth of their first child and the death of mum’s beloved mother, mum and dad returned to Princeton where they lived for the rest of their lives. Mum’s working life consisted of stints working at Cook’s Grocery and Scott’s Pharmacy. Mum and dad enjoyed small town life, they participated fully in raising their three children. They spent many hours at Amber Ski Hill, at the outdoor skating rinks and at the “dredge” swimming hole on the Similkameen river. Mum also taught Highland dancing for several years and participated in organising floats for several July 1st parades. She and dad also enjoyed curling for many years at the old curling rink on the bank of the Tulameen river. As her children, we have many wonderful memories of summer road trips, Sunday drives, many beloved pets and Mum’s delicious meals. One of mum’s greatest joys was preparing home cooked meals for her family, especially dad and he was most appreciative. She loved finding new recipes and trying them out. She was an outstanding cook.
Mum was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2010. She was also predeceased by her parents Billy and Martha Burton, her brothers Bill and Robert Burton. She is survived by her daughters Bev(Brian), Brenda(Graham), her son Geoff(Nancy). Grandchildren Robert(She’lli), Geoff(Nicole), Megan(Troy), Kate, Mark, Will and Stephanie. Her great grandchildren Maeve, Angus, Jacob, Alyssa and Levi.
Good-bye Mum we love you and will miss you always.