Barbara Edith Stevens

Barbara “Mae Bush” Stevens, a long-term resident of Provincetown, MA, passed Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the age of 86. She was born to the late William and Rita Pinto Stevens, January 15, 1936, in New Bedford, MA.

Barbara’s siblings all predeceased her including, Kathleen Stevens, Richard Stevens, Bruce Stevens, Robert Stevens, William Stevens, Jr. and Michael Stevens.

Mae graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School in 1955 where she was an inductee for her award-winning participation in sports. She played on every team available, served as captain on the softball and basketball teams and was a champion in nearly every sport. Mae received a BS from Bridgewater State University of Bridgewater, MA in 1959.

She began her career as a teacher in New York City, teaching Physical Education. She later relocated to Provincetown, MA where she opened her restaurant Mae’s Mid East Restaurant serving delicious Lebanese food. Mae later pursued a career with the U.S. Postal Service and worked many years as a postal clerk, where she later retired from in 1998.

Mae was an avid tennis player in her day. She passionately advocated for tennis courts to be built at Provincetown High School before there were any tennis courts. Through her passion and drive, tennis courts were built and still stand today for the students. She also taught tennis and served as a mentor to many of the students.

Mae was active in the arts. She was a talented flautist and pianist. She loved music and you were fortunate if you heard her play. She loved to write poetry. Many years of her work was collected by Chum and Culls. Mae was known as a local character and had a love for the theater playing in many plays at the Provincetown Theater and Provincetown playhouse.

Mae was extremely proud of her heritage of Wampanoag and Cape Verdean. She was often seen with her head dress on and advocated for the Wampanoags and her Cape Verdean roots.

Mae is survived by a host of nieces and nephews. She was particularly close with her nieces, Karen (Ruby) Stevens and Cheryl Stevens-Broadus and her nephew, Jonathan Stevens. Barbara is also survived by her sisters-in-law; Virginia Stevens, Lydia Stevens, Alexandra MacDonald, Eppy Stevens, and Renee Stevens. Mae was also survived by cousins, Laura Garrett Williams and Anita Turner and a host of extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2023 to celebrate her life.