Beverley Anne Stevens

Those who were fortunate enough to know Beverley well know that once she put her mind to something, there was no stopping her. She dismissed limitations and only saw possibilities. This played out in every part of her life from its beginning to its end, regardless of the challenges. Beverley wanted to pass away on her terms, in her home, with a view of her garden, supported by those who loved her most. And she did so peacefully on December 8, just days after decorating her holiday tree.

Beverley was a giver. She was most happy when she was doing something for someone else. Not to busy herself, but to make their world brighter and lighter. She embodied the principle that love is a verb through her thoughtfulness and empathy. Anyone who ever received one of her handwritten notes knows how beautifully she expressed herself.

Do not be fooled by her giving spirit and classy persona. This woman was full of spunk, humor, and the occasional f-bomb.

Beverley was fiercely devoted to her husband of 64 years, William “Bill” Stevens. She dedicated 65 years to the family they created together and the home in Guelph they built and remained in for six decades, their numerous circles of friends and the garden she lovingly tended.

The focus of that union for Beverley was their children, Robert Stevens (Molly), Debbie Stevens and Sharon Stevens. They would say that it was their mom who taught them what love looks like. She did so by showing up for their challenges, their passions, their trials, and triumphs. She adored when her kids were near, and travelled to them on moments notice if she thought they needed her. And if her children loved someone, then so did she, especially her daughter in law Molly Stevens, and her sons in law Michael Milner and Simon Treissman.

Mothers decide what is best for you when you are small. Grandmas decide what is most fun! Beverley saved the best of her most endearing attributes for her grandchildren: Erin Kepreos (Nick), Caleigh Treissman, Jenna Treissman, Allie Milner (Ryan), Bram Treissman (Caroline) and Mia Stevens. As their “GRA” she was patient and tender to each one in the way they needed most. She showed up for all their important events. She gave them her time, compassion, energy, creativity, and her sense of humour. Most remarkable was the indescribably unique, wildly creative, shared experiences she created for them. When grandma put on high tea for her grandchildren, it was not just tea - it was tea “with the Queen,” complete with her fanciest china and fascinator hats. The memories she created for her grandchildren will endure for generations.

Born in 1935 to her mother Hester Bella and her father Joseph Bella who was the Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP, Beverley spent her early years moving between RCMP posts (now called Divisions) across Canada. Which explains why her two sisters, Joan English and Joyce Lemmon, were her first and most enduring loves. They, ‘the Bella Sisters,’ were RCMP brats who stuck together until mom’s final days. Although separated by distance in adulthood, the sisters were never separated in spirit and love. A three-way Facetime with Joyce and Joan, even in mom’s final week, was full of stories, laughter, and finishing of each others sentences.

This may be the reason that ‘sisterhood’ was so important to her. Few things were as important to Beverley as the mission and members of her sisterhood of PEO. She held their collective mission of supporting women in education as near and dear as the women she referred to as her PEO sisters. For more than 50 years she belonged to one local chapter, and even started another. She also served as a Provincial President.

While family and sisterhood sustained her, it was her artistic talents that brought her immense joy until her very last days. Her mother had taught her to sew and knit, but Beverley was self taught in the exceptionally detailed handcrafts she created. Her craft room was her sanctuary – anything made by BABS was made with intention and love. She set a high standard with her impeccable diligence as evidenced in her knitting, needlework, card stamping, folk art painting, scrapbooking, and sewing. She was always content when her hands were at work.

Beverley also loved her ‘family of choice’ circle of friends and ‘strangers only once’ she found at Geneva Park. It was the foundation of a lifetime of tradition and 50 years of bringing family together to ‘gather sunsets.’ Beverley was the keeper of details that made numerous events possible, including annual summer vacations, Thanksgivings, New Years Winterlude’s, winter tennis tournaments and numerous skits and pranks.

One of her most favorite things in life was travelling. A two-week trip for Beverley would last a year – between the planning and research ahead of time, the trip itself, and then the creation of each beautifully made scrapbook. Her family had the privilege of sharing this joy with her – a bucket list African safari with Bill, Disney with her grandchildren, Europe and Hawaii with her sisters, London with her dear friends Lorna, Rosemary and Pam, cruises with her daughters and road trips with friends. Beverley always had her travel wardrobe ready for her next flight.

Predeceased by her mother and father, some of her favorite friends and her incredibly special niece Lynn Burrows, Beverley lived a full, love-filled life.

A celebration of her life will be held in Guelph in Spring 2025 when the gardens are blooming once again.

To honour Beverley and what was most dear to her, please consider making a donation to her philanthropic educational organization ‘PEO’ in her name,

by etransfer to [email protected]

or by cheque to:

PEO Sisterhood ON-QC Provincial Chapter

24 Village Green Drive, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4X7

* Unfortunately, tax receipts for donations to PEO will not be issued.