Evelyn Jessie Stevens

85 Sydney

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our precious mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Evelyn (Sis) Stevens, on Saturday, January 24th at the Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility in Sydney with her loving family by her side.

Born on June 26, 1929, in Sydney, Evelyn was the eldest daughter of the late George and Mae Long. Growing up on Argyle Street in Sydney, Evelyn quickly assumed the nickname of 'Sister' from her many younger brothers and sisters. Her love and devotion for them was everlasting and over the decades, Sister kept in contact with all of them on a daily basis despite the distances that separated them.

Mom thoroughly enjoyed her many family trips to Florida's Gulf Coast with her children and grandchildren but her true sanctuary was at 14 Central Street where she and Dad raised their six children who were their pride and joy. The Stevens' household welcomed friends and family with home cooked Lebanese meals, delicious sandwiches and the best cups of tea. She loved preparing for a crowd, no matter how big the size, and there was always room for more.

Nothing made Mom more proud than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their biggest fan and took great pride in each of their accomplishments. Nana and Papa hosted the best of weekend sleepovers at the family Bungalow in Gillis Lake where they watched their grandchildren learn to swim, roast marshmallows and build friendships to last a lifetime. Like she did with her own children, she taught her grandchildren the true value of respect and and the importance of family.

Mom and her closest friends served for many decades with the Daughters' of Mary and the St. Joseph's Lebanese and Syrian Benevolent Society at the Cedars Club in Sydney. Mom loved family gatherings and loved nothing more than seeing her growing family carrying on her traditions and enjoying each others company. A loving and nurturing wife, the finest matriarch, a role model and confidante to her children, the best friend to her grandchildren, the true definition of a 'big sister' to the Longs, Mom was the epitome of greatness.

Mom will be sadly missed by her sons, Tommy (Charmaine) and Jerry (Shelly); daughters Evelyn (Clarence) MacNamara, Michele (Kenny) MacKinnon, Sheila (Murdock) MacLeod, and Shauna (Adrian) Hanna, all of Sydney; cherished grandchildren, Jocelyn, Matthew, Lindsay, Shaun, Michael, Mark, Ryan, Jeff, Katie Andrew, Adam and Brandon; and great-grandchildren Justin, Jesse, Julie, Haylee and Sidney.

Mom is also survived by her brothers, George (Ruth), Gerald (Mary), Jackie, Charlie (Anne), Cameron, and Murray; sisters Florence (Francis), Shirley, Louise (Dave), Virginia (Joe), and Vivian (Mike), Sister-In-Law Anne Riley, many nieces and nephews, as well as her very special friend and caregiver, Bertha Steele.

Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her best friend and loving husband of 57 years, Michael Stevens. She was also predeceased by her brother Robert, sister Lillian, brother-in-law John Taylor, and twin brothers in infancy.

Visitation for Evelyn will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Monday, Jan. 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, formerly St. Joseph's Parish, 40 Cabot St. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m.., with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com